ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9607010094
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
On Saturday night, Michelle Kang walked away with not one but two awards.
Kang, Miss Apple Blossom Festival, won the title of Miss Virginia for 1996 Saturday night at the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium.
She also won the Spirit of Virginia Community Service Award.
Kang, a graduate of the College of William and Mary, ended the reign of Amber Medlin, who inherited the 1995 crown after it was taken from Andrea Ballengee for falsifying parts of her resume.
Kang wins the crown and a $13,000 scholarship - $6,000 more than last year's prize.
She receives a new car, equipped with a cellular phone, and will move into her own Roanoke apartment for the next year.
First runner-up to Kang was Rachael R. Snider, Miss Lynchburg Scholarship Festival, who will receive a $6,000 scholarship.
Miss Norfolk, Stacey Moseley, was awarded second runner-up status. Nita Booth, Miss Chesapeake, became third runner-up. And, Marnie Klar, Miss Portsmouth Seawall Festival was fourth runner-up.
The 20-year-old Moseley, who won the second portion of the talent competition Friday said she stayed focused during the week's hectic hours by going over her routine mentally.
"I've been constantly repeating the words to the song in my head and trying to protect my throat," she said.
Moseley sang composer Michael Brown's "I'm Not Through," taken from a 1970s off-Broadway show.
Although she went over her routine once this week, Moseley said she's been performing the song for quite a few years.
Overall, she has been singing for nine years.
"This has definitely been one of my goals for a while, and I'm glad I've had my family to support me through all this," said the teary-eyed Moseley, who also took part in last year's pageant.
Miss Botetourt Festival, Kelley Orr, was Friday night's preliminary winner in the swimsuit and evening wear competition. The 21-year-old Roanoke College senior, who wore an aqua bathing suit, also worked hard to earn the achievement she garnered.
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Michelle Kang\Miss Apple Blossom Festival|by CNB