UNR sophomore crowned Miss Nevada

SPARKS - A University of Nevada, Reno, sophomore has been crowned the new Miss Nevada.

Tiffanie Rachelle Story, 19, was crowned Sunday during the Miss Nevada pageant at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks.

Story also received an $8,000 scholarship and a chance to compete for the Miss America title in October in Atlantic City, N.J.

''Having an opportunity to be Miss Nevada is a dream come true,'' Story said after being selected from 16 finalists. ''I'm ready to take on Miss America. I think that will be fun.''

Story competed as Miss UNR/Truckee Meadows.

A fan of jazz music who is studying vocal performance, she sang ''Ain't Misbehavin'' during the talent portion of the 52nd annual competition.

She said one of her goals as Miss Nevada is to raise domestic violence awareness among youths.

Finalists for the competition were chosen from 16 smaller pageants held statewide.

Jenee Conway, Miss Gold Country, was named first runner-up. Miss Las Vegas, Jenny Valdez, was second-runner up, while Alisha Peterson, Miss Fallon, was third runner-up.