ODU Graduate Crowned Miss Virginia United States

Ashley Smith, a 2010 Old Dominion University graduate from Chesapeake, has been crowned Miss Virginia United States 2011.

Smith, 22, graduated from ODU with a degree in communication and is currently pursuing a master's in journalism at Regent University. She was awarded the title of Miss Virginia United States during a pageant the weekend of April 8-10 in Richmond.

As Miss Virginia United States, Smith will promote awareness of childhood speech and hearing impediments through the Rite Care program, the official program of Miss Virginia United States. She will also promote breast cancer awareness through her personal platform: "Breast Cancer: It's Not Just Hereditary."

"As Miss Virginia United States, I will not only have the privilege to touch the lives of others, but will grow as a young woman," said Smith of her pageant victory.

"By promoting my personal platform, I have already altered my own lifestyle to reduce the risk of contracting breast cancer because I want to be the catalyst for a cure. I'm dedicated to setting new standards for creative collaboration in the fight against breast cancer. My involvement in service is a part of who I am, and will continue long after I am a contestant in the Miss United States organization."

Smith will now compete for the title of Miss United States, July 7-15 in Las Vegas.

Pageant director Lynda Samuels said: "Winning is so much more than the crown and banner, it's giving a voice to those that need to be heard, lending a hand to those less fortunate and being a compass to those daring to dream."

The Miss Junior Teen, Miss Teen, and Miss and Ms. United States pageants will be held the same week in Las Vegas.