Columbia native crowned Miss Missouri USA 2008

Two new title-holders were crowned in Poplar Bluff tonight: Columbia resident Candice Crawford earned the tiara as Miss Missouri USA 2008; and Hartville's Jeni Dixon became Miss Missouri Teen USA 2008.

Crawford, 20, is a junior at the University of Missouri, studying broadcast journalism. A 2005 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy in Dallas, TX, she also earned Special Achievement recognition in the Swimsuit category. Her parents are Chris and Dana, of Dallas.

17-year-old Dixon is a senior at Hartville High School. She also received Special Achievement recognition in the Interview portion of the judging. Her parents are Galen and Teresa Dixon of Hartville.

Alayna Palmer, 19, from Kennett was a contestant in the contest. She is the daughter of Billy and Kathy Palmer of Kennett.

The new title-holders were judged on their performance in three categories: Evening Gown; Swimsuit; and Personal Interview. The two winners will advance to the NBC-televised Miss USA Pageant in the spring and the Miss Teen USA Pageant in the summer.

The now-former Miss Missouri USA is 21-year-old Amber Seyer. She's an Oran native who is a senior at Lindenwood University studying International Management and Marketing. Her parents are Sherry and Tom Seyer, who live in Oran.

The young lady who handed-over her Miss Missouri Teen USA title is Lauren Petersen. She's a 17-year-old junior at Farmington High School. Her parents are Nancy and John Petersen, of Farmington.

The Miss Missouri USA and Miss Missouri Teen USA pageant was held at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

For a complete list of this year's contestants, visit www.missmissouriusa.com <http://www.missmissouriusa.com/> . You will find pictures, and each contestant's title. Each contestant chooses her own title.

The Miss Missouri USA and Miss Missouri Teen USA pageant is produced by Vanbros and Associates of Overland Park, Kansas. The events are licensed and sanctioned by The Donald Trump Miss Universe Organization.