Cauley crowned Miss Douglas County

GARDNERVILLE, Nev.

Staff Reports

Mackenzie Brynn Cauley was crowned Miss Douglas County at the 2009 Miss Douglas County and Miss Carson City pageant at the Capital Christian Center in Carson City on Saturday.

Cauley, 17, a Douglas High School student, won a $1,500 scholarship and will compete for Miss Nevada in June.

Lindsay McKay, 17, a Douglas High School student, was first runner-up for the Miss Douglas County crown, winning an $800 scholarship.

Five Douglas County and four Carson City contestants competed in the on-stage question, swimsuit, talent and evening wear portions of the program. Each contestant also was interviewed by the judges before the public program.

Cauley said being in the Miss Douglas County contest was an honor.

"It's a respected title," she said. "It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. It leads to more scholarship opportunities and gives me a chance to talk about my platform which is DARE teen drug prevention."

She is still undecided, but has been checking into colleges in Chicago, Washington and Oregon and plans to go into the medical field. She interns in an emergency room.

Cauley sang the Italian aria "Caro Mio Ben" for the talent section of the pageant. She's studied voice since she was 8 years old, and the Miss Douglas County pageant was the first she's entered.

"I was surprised when they said my name because you never know," Cauley said. "I was overwhelmed. It's a great feeling."

Angelina Marie Liguori, 23, was crowned Miss Carson City at the pageant. She won a $1,000 scholarship and the chance to compete for Miss Nevada.

Nevada Appeal reporter Kirk Caraway and R-C People Editor Sharlene Irete contributed to this article.