Jul 15, 2002 2 min read

NAZARETH, Pa. (AP) – Autumn Marisa was crowned the 2002 Miss Pennsylvania on Saturday night amid gala festivities involving two dozen young women at Nazareth Area High School Theater. Marisa, 22, of Waynesburg, winner of the Miss Armstrong County competition, is a 2002 graduate of Penn State.

She wins $6,000 in scholarship money and will compete for the Miss America title in Atlantic City, N.J., in September.

“I’m in a whirlwind right now; it just hasn’t sunk in,” a glowing Marisa told reporters just after being crowned.

Marisa edged out competing sisters Melissa and Emily Wills, who were named first and second runners-up, respectively. Rounding out the court were Kristin Szarell and Corinne Rose Leach.

Marisa’s platform names the Make-a-Wish Foundation, where she has worked for the last five years as a volunteer. She performed a lyrical dance for the talent portion of the competition.

Marisa, who hopes to be a sportscaster, just started a public relations job for the National Football League but will put those plans on hold to prepare for the Miss America pageant.

Six Pennsylvania women have won the Miss America title since the state pageant began in 1927. The last time was in 1954.

The state pageant started Thursday with preliminary rounds. The top 10 contestants chosen after interview, talent, swimwear and evening gown rounds were picked to compete at Saturday night’s final.

All the finalists receive scholarships to cover school loans or college tuition. Some Pennsylvania universities also offer tuition waivers for winners.

The major part of their scores depended on the talent rounds and interviews, which measure public speaking skills.

Rosalyn Menon of Hazleton was Miss Pennsylvania 2001.

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Miss Pennsylvania: http://www.misspa.org