Article from the College Heights Herald:
As about 250 people waited in anticipation, the crown was placed on LeAnn Chaney's head. And no one was more surprised than she.
The Franklin junior won the title of Miss Western Kentucky University last night in Van Meter Auditorium.
"I can't believe that I won because I really don't have any talent," she said. "This was the first pageant that I have been in requiring me to do a talent act."
Chaney said she had to prepare herself before entering the contest.
"I worked out physically for the most part," she said. "I also had to read newspapers and watch the news for current events."
Along with the title, Chaney, a pre-optometry major, will receive a $1,000 scholarship and gifts from various pageant contributors. She also received top awards in the swimsuit, evening wear, and talent (tap dance presentation) competitions.
The 11 contestants were judged in four areas: talent, swimsuit, evening gown, and interview. They were also required to express their opinions about women in the 1990s and answer an impromptu question during the evening gown portion.
Lisa Michelle Spitters, a senior from Hendersonville, Tenn., was first runner-up and Louisville junior Randee Dillingham was named second runner-up.
Franklin sophomore Nancy Bradley won third runner-up. She also tied with Chaney in the evening gown competition.
Goshen senior Jennifer Almy tied with Chaney in the talent event. The contestants chose Horse Cave senior Bekki Jo Pritchard as Miss Congeniality.
Chaney will represent Western at the Miss Kentucky pageant later in the year. The Miss Western pageant is an official preliminary for the Miss America pageant.