
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 13, 1995                   TAG: 9505150091
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA                                LENGTH: Short

TEXAS STUDENT, 21, IS MISS UNIVERSE

Miss USA, Chelsi Smith, a 21-year-old student from Texas who wore a dress honoring the struggle by American women to win the right to vote, was chosen Miss Universe 1995 early today.

Smith, of Deer Park, Texas, was picked over 81 other contestants in the first Miss Universe pageant held in Africa. It was broadcast to more than 600 million viewers worldwide.

Wearing a low-cut, scarlet ballroom gown, Smith put her hands to her face and began crying when her victory was announced. First runner-up was Miss India, 21-year-old Manpreet Brar of New Delhi. Miss Canada, 20-year-old Lana Buchburger of Calgary, Alberta, was second runner-up.

Smith, a sophomore at San Jacinto College, noted that her father is African-American and her mother is white and said she felt a special significance becoming the first Miss Universe chosen in Africa.

She said she would concentrate on working with children during her year as Miss Universe, with particular emphasis on racism and health issues. She also offered a message for African women to keep fighting for equal rights.

by CNB