OLD DOMINION GRAD CROWNED MISS VIRGINIA

Old Dominion University alumna Meghan Shanley of Virginia Beach won the Miss Virginia pageant Saturday, June 30.

Shanley, 21, received her bachelor's degree in communications in May. Her platform for the year is raising youths' self-esteem.

According to an Associated Press story, Shanley plans to use the $16,000 in scholarship money she won to pursue a master's degree in public relations. Her ultimate career objective is to work in promotions for the music industry or become a country or contemporary Christian singer.

Shanley, who competed as Miss Hampton Holly Days, will represent Virginia in the Miss America Pageant on Sept. 22 in Atlantic City.