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June 25, 2011

Recent ULM graduate captures state crown

In another history making moment for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, ULM graduate and Miss Spirit of Ruston Hope Anderson was crowned Miss Louisiana 2011 by Miss Louisiana 2010 Kelsi Crain, a ULM Junior, at the Monroe Civic Center on June 25.

Anderson, (B.A., ’10), who served as Miss ULM 2009, is the daughter of Alan and Onna Gallagher and Mike and Brenda Anderson.

Anderson graduated with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2010.

She competed on the platform "Love the Skin You're In."

Anderson said as Miss Louisiana 2011 her focus would be on service first because that is "what the entire Miss Louisiana organization is about."

"It's actually just setting in that I won," said Anderson, as her crown was being readjusted in the dressing room following her win.

"I'm incredibly honored and humbled, and I am looking forward to serving the state as Miss Louisiana."

Anderson, who performed a contemporary en pointe dance to "Sway," was a preliminary winner on Friday night, taking home the Academic Award, as well as Evening Gown and Swimsuit Awards.

Anderson will likely spend the next several months preparing for competition in the Miss America Pageant. 

Anderson has already been busy fundraising for the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that raises money for hundreds of children's hospitals across the country and the national platform of the Miss American Organization.

Saturday's Miss Louisiana Pageant runners up included:

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