LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Miss Mexico, Lupita Jones, won the hearts of judges in the Miss Universe Pageant Friday, becoming the first representative from her country to wear the crown.
The first and second runners-up were Miss Netherlands, Paulien Huizinga, and Miss USSR, Julia Lemigova.
Jones, the 5-foot-10, brown-eyed beauty queen, will spend her year- long reign traveling the globe spreading good will as the international symbol of grace and poise. Her first public appearance will Saturday in Hollywood during a welcome home parade for Desert Storm troops.
'I know that this will be hard work, being away from my family, but I know that their hearts will be with me,' said Jones, who received $200,000 in cash and prizes.
Jones, the first Mexican representative to capture the coveted crown, said she felt extremely proud. 'I cannot wait to get back to my country. I know it is going to be wonderful.'
A business administration lawyer, Jones said she looked forward to success in business and raising a family. She enjoys swimming horseback riding, traveling and dancing.
She told judges the person she would most like to meet is Mikhail Gorbachev. 'The changes he has been making in his country can be taken as examples to be followed by other countries,' she said.
The international pageant was held in Las Vegas for the the first time in its 40-year history. The pageant, hosted by Dick Clark and Leeza Gibbons, was broadcast live from the Aladddin Hotel to a worldwide audience of approximately 600 million viewers in 60 countries.
