LOS ANGELES, April 13 (UPI) -- Miss Missouri Shandi Finnessey has been crowned Miss USA 2004, marking the first time a Missouri contestant has won the competition.
Finnessey, 25, was selected as the winner in Monday's televised contest from Los Angeles, competing with delegates from the 50 states in swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories.
She will now represent the United States in the Miss Universe 2004 competition.
The Florissant, Mo., native has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in counseling from Lindenwood University at St. Charles, Mo.
The first runner-up was Amanda Helen Pennekamp, Miss South Carolina, who would assume the duties of Miss USA if Finnessey is named Miss Universe 2004 or if she cannot fulfill her responsibilities for some other reason.
The second, third and fourth runners up were Ashley Rachel Puelo, Miss North Carolina; Lindsay Hill, Miss Oklahoma; and Stephanie Culberson, Miss Tennessee.
