Monica Pang, a University alumna, was named first runner-up in the Miss America Pageant Saturday night while representing the state of Georgia. The 25-year-old from Atlanta held the Miss University of Georgia title in 2003 and was crowned Miss Georgia in 2005. This year’s Miss America Pageant was broadcast from the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Fifty-two young women participated in Saturday’s competition, including those representing each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Pang’s place as first runner-up in the pageant earned her a $20,000 scholarship.Pang’s platform promoted America’s Promise, a mentoring program for America’s youth. For the talent competition, she performed Chopin’s “Polonaise in G Sharp Minor” on the piano.Pang graduated from the University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in consumer journalism. She hopes to earn her master’s degree in sound design and to one day become a producer in the music industry.This year’s Miss America title went to Miss Oklahoma, Jennifer Berry.

- Brittany Kraft