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The Miss Nevada competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Nevada in the Miss America competition, and the name of the title held by that winner. The first Nevadan to compete at Miss America was Carol Lampe in 1949.[1]

Key Information

The competition currently takes place in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Other venues have included Reno, Elko, Las Vegas, Carson City and Mesquite.[2][3][4] It has at various times been hosted by the Reno Lions Club and the Soroptimist club of Nevada.[5][6]

Karrina Ferris of Carson City was crowned Miss Nevada 2024 on June 21, 2024, at Bally's Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada. She will compete for the title of Miss America 2025.

Results summary

[edit]

The following is a visual summary of the past results of Miss Nevada titleholders at the national Miss America pageants/competitions. The year in parentheses indicates the year of the national competition during which a placement and/or award was garnered, not the year attached to the contestant's state title.

Placements

[edit]
  • 2nd runners-up: Stacie James (1988)
  • 3rd runners-up: Teresa Benitez (2003)
  • Top 7: Heather Renner (2023)
  • Top 10: Loni Gravelle (1958), Cheryle Thompson (1964), Joan Burachio (1972)
  • Top 16: Tosca Masini (1951)

Awards

[edit]

Preliminary awards

[edit]

Non-finalist awards

[edit]
  • Non-finalist Interview: Elizabeth Muto (2005)
  • Non-finalist Talent: Vicky Jo Todd (1971), Helen Bennett (1973), Sandra Kastel (1977), Megan Anderson (1979), Sonja Nall (1986), Jennifer Joseph-Lier (1996), Tiffanie Story (2001), Ellie Smith (2015)

Other awards

[edit]
  • Equity & Justice Winners: Heather Renner (2023)
  • Overall Interview Award: Teresa Benitez (2003)
  • Quality of Life Award Winners: Teresa Benitez (2003), Caleche Manos (2008)
  • Quality of Life Award 2nd runners-up: Elizabeth Muto (2005), Christina Keegan (2010)
  • Quality of Life Award/Social Impact Initiative Scholarship Finalists: Bailey Gumm (2017), Nasya Mancini (2020)
  • STEM Scholarship Award Winners: Alexis Hilts (2019)
  • STEM Scholarship Award Finalists: Katherine Kelley (2016), Andrea Martinez (2018)

Winners

[edit]
  •   Declared as winner
  •   Ended as a runner-up
  •   Ended as a finalist or semi-finalist
Year Name Hometown Age Local Title Miss America Talent Placement at Miss America Special scholarships at Miss America Notes
2025 Abigail Bachman Henderson 27 TBA TBA TBA
2024 Karrina Ferris Carson City 21 Miss Silver State Lyrical Dance - "You Will Be Found"
2023 Taylor Blatchford Boulder City 23 Miss Boulder City Violin Distinguished Young Woman of Nevada 2018
2022 Heather Renner Reno 23 Miss Las Vegas Vocal Top 7 Equity & Justice Winner Previously Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen 2016
2021 Macie Tuell[7] Gardnerville 24 Miss Las Vegas Vocal Former personal assistant to David Copperfield[7]
2019–20 Nasya Mancini[8] Sparks 22 Miss Washoe County Comedic Monologue Social Impact Initiative Scholarship Finalist[9]
2018 Alexis Hilts[10] Las Vegas 23 Miss UNLV Piano, "Transcendental Étude No. 4" by Franz Liszt STEM Scholarship Award[11] Previously Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen 2008[12]
2017 Andrea Martinez[13] 23 Miss Clark County Vocal, "His Eye in on the Sparrow" STEM Scholarship Award Finalist[14]
2016 Bailey Gumm[15] Minden 20 Miss Pleasant Valley Tap Dance, "Sax" by Fleur East Quality of Life Award Finalist[16] Previously Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen 2011[17]

Contestant at National Sweetheart 2014 pageant
2015 Katherine Kelley[18] Madisonville 23[18] Miss Summerlin Piano, "Etude in D Minor" STEM Scholarship Award Finalist[19]
2014 Ellie Smith[20] Henderson[20] 17 Miss North East Nevada Vocal, "Somebody to Love" Non-finalist Talent Award[20] Sister of Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen 2014, Amy Smith[21]

Previously Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen 2012
2013 Diana Sweeney[22] Mound House 19 Miss Carson City Lyrical Dance, "Roads" Contestant at National Sweetheart 2012 pageant
2012 Randi Sundquist[3] Elko[3] 22[3] Miss Southern Counties Contemporary Jazz Dance, "I Won't Give Up"
2011 Alana Lee Las Vegas 21 Miss Clark County Vocal, "At This Moment"
2010 Cris Crotz Mesquite 24 Miss Southern Counties Popular Vocal, "Alone"
2009 Christina Keegan[23] Gardnerville 23 Miss Northern Counties Ballet en Pointe, "Bohemian Rhapsody" Quality of Life Award 2nd runner-up
2008 Julianna Erdesz[4] Reno 24 Miss Carson City Vocal Later Miss Nevada USA 2010
2007 Caleche Manos 23 Vocal, "Love Is a Battlefield" Quality of Life Award Winner Contestant at National Sweetheart 2006 pageant
2006 Caydi Cole Las Vegas 22 Miss Clark County Vocal, "Blues in the Night"
2005 Crystal Wosik 23 Miss Las Vegas Lyrical Dance, "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl
2004 Elizabeth Muto[24] 24 Dramatic Monologue, "Who Will Cry?" Non-finalist Interview Award

Quality of Life Award 2nd runner-up 		Received Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush[25]
2003 Christina O'Neil Carson City 24 Miss Gold Country Vocal, "Your Daddy's Son" from Ragtime Contestant at National Sweetheart 1999 pageant
2002 Teresa Benitez[26] Reno 24 Miss Silver State Dramatic Monologue from The Laramie Project 3rd runner-up[2][26] Overall Interview Award

Preliminary Interview Award

Quality of Life Award Winner 		Majority Floor Leader of the Nevada Assembly[27][26]
2001 Ashley Huff[28] Las Vegas 21 Miss Las Vegas Polynesian Dance, "Welcome to Polynesia" Later Miss Nevada USA 2003
2000 Tiffanie Story Reno 19 Miss UNR/Truckee Meadows Vocal, "Ain't Misbehavin'" Non-finalist Talent Award
1999 Gina Giacinto Las Vegas 24 Miss Las Vegas Original Vocal Presentation, "Dreams Were Given Wings To Fly" Preliminary Swimsuit Award[29] Later Miss Nevada USA 2001
3rd runner-up at Miss USA 2001 pageant[30]
1998 Anna Carpenter Mesquite 18 Miss Mesquite Monologue
1997 Amanda Gunderson Reno 19 Miss Northern Counties Classical Vocal, "Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen"
1996 Annette Albertson 24 Miss Truckee Meadows Vocal, "Luck Be a Lady"
1995 Jennifer Joseph-Lier Wendover 24 Miss Elko County/Northeast Nevada Vocal, "I Am Changing" Non-finalist Talent Award Contestant on the E! reality show "The Entertainer"[citation needed]
1994 Laura Hubach Reno 22 Miss Reno Classical Piano
1993 Mitzie Cox[31] Sparks 20 Miss Sparks Vocal / Dance, "I'm a Brass Band" from Sweet Charity
1992 Sandra Dornak Las Vegas 25 Miss Las Vegas Ventriloquism, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from Mary Poppins
1991 Malia Winn Minden 17 Miss Douglas County Interpretive Ballet, music from Somewhere in Time
1990 Tia Marie Zorne Las Vegas 21 Miss Las Vegas Acro-Jazz Dance, "Julie's Theme" from American Anthem
1989 Brenda Linscott Incline Village 23 Miss Cosmopolitan Counties Vocal, "Memory" from Cats
1988 Deborah Schuler 22 Vocal, "The Woman in the Moon" from A Star Is Born
1987 Stacie James Las Vegas 23 Miss Las Vegas Vocal, "On My Own" from Les Misérables 2nd runner-up Preliminary Talent Award
1986 Kelsey Kara Las Vegas 23 Miss Las Vegas Flamenco Dance
1985 Sonja Nall 23 Classical Ballet en Pointe, "Kitri's Variation" from Don Quixote Non-finalist Talent Award
1984 LeAnna Grant 22 Vocal, "I Love Paris" Later Miss Nevada USA 1986
1983 Kim Pacini Incline Village 24 Miss North Lake Tahoe Vocal, "You're the Top"
1982 Kim King Las Vegas 21 Miss Clark County Banjo, "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee"
1981 Suzanne Bowman Reno 20 Miss Reno Modern Rhythmic Gymnastics, "Zero to Sixty in Five"
1980 Phyllis Hamlin[32] 23 Piano, Warsaw Concerto
1979 Jeanne Cangemi North Lake Tahoe 22 Miss North Lake Tahoe Classical & Jazz Saxophone, "Harlem Nocturne" & "Csárdás"
1978 Megan Anderson Reno 19 Miss Washoe County Classical Vocal, "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca Non-finalist Talent Award
1977 Lori Isom Las Vegas 18 Miss Clark County Jazz Dance, "Classical Blues"
1976 Sandra Kastel 21 Miss Las Vegas Vocal, "My Man" Non-finalist Talent Award
1975 Sherri Ann Lowe 21 Baton Twirling / Variety Act
1974 Jacqueline Barker Sparks 19 Miss Sparks Popular Vocal, "The Way We Were"
1973 Echo Rost 20 Modern Jazz Dance, "I Feel the Earth Move" Neat As A Pin Award (tie)
1972 Helen Bennett[33] Reno 23 Miss Reno Classical Ballet, "Dance of the Gypsy" Non-finalist Talent Award[33]
1971 Joan Burachio Las Vegas 21 Miss Las Vegas Accordion, "Csárdás" Top 10
1970 Vicky Jo Todd Sparks 20 Miss Sparks Vocal / Guitar, "Time" Non-finalist Talent Award
1969 Karen Wastun Yerington 21 Miss Lyon County Dramatic Presentation, "Lizzie" from The Rainmaker
1968 Sharon Davis Reno 19 Miss University of Nevada Classical Vocal, "Quando m'en vò" from La bohème
1967 Vicky Landeck 18 Miss Reno Dramatic Reading, "Ruth, the Moabitess" by N.A. Truell
1966 Roberta Sharp Carson City 18 Miss Carson City Piano
1965 Kathryn Blaikie 18 Musical Comedy, "I'm Late" Preliminary Swimsuit Award[34]
1964 Ellen Roseman Sparks 21 Miss South Lake Tahoe Comedy Skit
1963 Cheryle Thompson Las Vegas Miss Las Vegas Folk Singing, "My Lover Has Gone" Top 10
1962 Audrey Chambers Las Vegas 19 Miss Reno Baton Twirling, Fire Baton & Dance
1961 Sherry Wagner Reno 19 Miss Reno Tap Dance, "Oh Them Golden Slippers"
1960 Nancy Bowen[35] McGill 19 Humorous Reading & Piano
1959 Dawn Wells Reno 20 Miss Reno Dramatic Reading from Antigone Played role of Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island[36]
1958 Judy Wadsworth Sparks 18 Dramatic Monologue from The Lark
1957 Loni Gravelle[37] Reno 19 Miss Reno Piano, "Piano Concerto in A Minor" by Edvard Grieg Top 10 – 6th place
1956 Carmen Ruggeroli Las Vegas 19 Vocal
1955 Vivienne Potter Reno 21 Miss Reno Dramatic Monologue, "An Address to the Jury"
1954 Janice Babcock 17 Miss Reno Grecian Interpretive Dance
1953 Jeannine McColl Las Vegas 18 Miss Las Vegas Ballet, "Something to Dance About"
1952 Bonnie Wilson Reno Miss Reno Ballet, "Something to Dance About" Assumed the title after the original winner, Sylvia Russell, chose to marry[38]
1951 Donna Sollars 21 Miss Reno Vocal & Ukulele, "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?" & "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"
1950 Tosca Masini Sparks 24 Miss Sparks Comedy Characterization Top 16 – 7th place
1949 Carol Lampe Reno 20 Speech, "4-H"[39]
1935–1948 No Nevada representative at Miss America pageant[40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53]
1934 No national pageant was held[54]
1933 No Nevada representative at Miss America pageant[55]
1932 No national pageants were held[54]
1931
1930
1929
1928
1921–1927 No Nevada representative at Miss America pageant[56][57][58][59][60][61][62]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Miss Nevada

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Miss Nevada is the title awarded to the winner of the annual Miss Nevada Scholarship Pageant, a state-level competition that serves as Nevada's official preliminary to the pageant, emphasizing , , and . The pageant selects an unencumbered single woman from , typically between the ages of 19 and 24, to represent the state at the national competition, where contestants demonstrate talents, interview skills, and personal platforms focused on social issues. As a scholarship program, it provides financial awards to titleholders and participants to support education and career goals, aligning with the Miss America Organization's mission established in 1945. The Miss Nevada Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was established in 1949, marking the state's entry into the Miss America system when Carol Lampe became the first Nevadan to compete nationally as . Since then, the pageant has been held annually, evolving from early competitions in Reno to more recent venues like , with the 2024 event crowning its 75th titleholder. Over its history, the competition has grown to include preliminary events across , fostering programs such as the Little Sister Program, which pairs young girls aged 3-13 with titleholders to promote self-confidence and leadership. Despite producing over 70 titleholders, no Miss Nevada has ever won the crown, though the state has achieved several top placements and special awards at the national level. Notable alumni include , Miss Nevada 1959, who gained fame as on the television series and later pursued a career in theater and . Other prominent figures are Teresa Benitez-Thompson, Miss Nevada 2002 and third runner-up at , who became the first former titleholder to serve in the ; Jennifer Joseph, Miss Nevada 1995, recognized for her talent competition win and performances on the Las Vegas Strip; and Elizabeth Muto, Miss Nevada 2004, an adoption advocate who earned national media attention for her child welfare platform. These women highlight the pageant's role in launching careers in , , and . The current Miss Nevada 2025 is Abigail Bachman, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from , crowned on June 26, 2025, and set to compete at 2026 in . Bachman's platform focuses on disability rights and , reflecting the pageant's ongoing commitment to empowering women through education and service, with the 2026 competition registration now open to eligible participants statewide.

History

Establishment

The Miss Nevada pageant was established in 1949 as the official state preliminary to the Miss America competition, selecting Nevada's representative for the national event. Prior to this, Nevada had no participants in the Miss America pageant since its inception in 1921, resulting in a complete absence of state representation from 1921 to 1948. The inaugural Miss Nevada titleholder was Carol Lampe, who was crowned in 1949 and advanced to compete at the Miss America 1949 pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, marking the first time a Nevadan participated nationally. Lampe's selection highlighted the pageant's immediate alignment with the Organization's scholarship-focused mission, emphasizing talent, interview skills, and community involvement. From its outset, the Miss Nevada pageant maintained close ties to local civic organizations in Reno, including the Reno Host Lions Club, which sponsored and hosted early iterations of the event to promote and . Similarly, of Reno provided foundational support, contributing to the pageant's organization and chaperoning roles in its formative years.

Evolution

Following its establishment in 1949 as a state preliminary to the competition, the Miss Nevada pageant underwent notable expansion during the 1950s and 1960s, driven by the national organization's growing prominence through live television broadcasts beginning in 1954 and expanded scholarship awards that attracted broader participation from local communities across . This period saw increased involvement from preliminary pageants in cities like Reno and , reflecting a surge in interest among young women seeking educational opportunities and experience. A key milestone came in 1958 when Loni Gravelle, 1957, advanced to the Top 10 at the pageant, representing the state's first significant national recognition and highlighting the competitive potential of contestants. Subsequent placements, such as Cheryle Thompson's Top 10 finish at 1964 as 1963, further solidified the pageant's reputation for producing talented delegates. Hosting venues evolved over time, starting primarily in Reno during the early years before shifting to as the city's entertainment industry boomed in the mid-20th century, and later incorporating , with the 2022 event marking the first time at after decades in . These changes accommodated larger audiences and aligned with Nevada's tourism landscape. In response to national reforms, the Miss Nevada pageant, following , rebranded its swimsuit segment as the lifestyle and fitness competition in to promote holistic wellness alongside physical presentation. The 2018 elimination of the swimsuit competition at the national level prompted Miss Nevada to revise its judging to eliminate appearance-based segments, focusing more on social impact initiatives, interviews, and talent, fostering a greater emphasis on contestants' advocacy for community causes like education and .

Organization

Structure

The Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization maintains its headquarters at 7838 Tiempo Court in , and operates as the official state preliminary program to the Organization, selecting representatives for both the Miss America and Miss America's Outstanding Teen competitions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1949, it focuses on empowering young women through education, leadership, and community service initiatives. The organization's governance is led by Jillian Helget, who manages daily operations, including the recruitment of candidates via open registration and personalized outreach to potential delegates across the state. Helget and the collaborate on training programs, such as mentorship workshops and skill-building sessions, to equip participants with tools for personal and professional development while adhering to guidelines. The board provides oversight on strategic decisions, ensuring fiscal responsibility and program integrity. Miss Nevada's operational framework is predominantly volunteer-driven, relying on a network of committed individuals who organize , provide guidance to contestants, and promote the program's values at the level. This volunteer structure extends to local preliminary pageants held throughout Nevada's counties, including , Douglas, Elko, and Washoe, where volunteers coordinate qualifiers that feed into the state competition and award initial scholarships. These county-level , often hosted by local nonprofit groups, emphasize accessibility and grassroots participation. Financially, the organization sustains its activities through sponsorships from local businesses and partners, which directly fund scholarships exceeding $50,000 annually for winners, runners-up, and participants in both the Miss Nevada and Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen programs. Key sponsors include community-focused entities like the Reno Public Market, a hub of locally owned vendors that supports pageant-related initiatives. These partnerships not only provide monetary contributions but also align with the organization's mission by offering in-kind resources such as venues and promotional opportunities. Early ties to groups like the Reno Lions Club, which sponsored the pageant in its formative years, laid the groundwork for this sponsor-supported model.

Venues and hosting

The Miss Nevada pageant, affiliated with the Miss America Organization, has historically rotated venues across the state to engage diverse communities and leverage local hospitality partnerships. Early competitions in the mid-20th century were primarily held in Reno, often at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, where the event drew local crowds for its scholarship-focused programming. These Reno events were frequently sponsored by community organizations such as the Reno Lions Club and Soroptimist International of Reno, which provided logistical support and emphasized women's empowerment through scholarships and service initiatives. For instance, the 1957 pageant was sponsored by the Reno Lions Club, highlighting the club's role in promoting civic engagement. Similarly, the 1959 competition, which crowned Dawn Wells as Miss Nevada, was organized by the Soroptimist Club of Reno, aligning with the group's mission to advance women's opportunities. By the early 2010s, the pageant shifted to , hosting at Bally's Las Vegas for over a decade to capitalize on the city's entertainment infrastructure and broader audience reach. This period saw consistent annual events supported by casino partnerships, which facilitated production and accommodations for contestants and attendees. In , the competition relocated to in , marking a return to a more scenic, northern venue after years in southern ; the move aimed to refresh the event's setting while maintaining ties to Bally's hospitality brand. As of 2025, Bally's Lake Tahoe continues to host the pageant, including the 75th anniversary event in 2024 and the 2025 competition on June 26, where Abigail Bachman was crowned Miss Nevada 2025. Broadcast history includes local television coverage by stations such as KOLO-TV and MyNews4, which air highlights and live segments to amplify visibility across northern Nevada.

Competition

Selection process

To compete in the Miss Nevada competition, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements aligned with the national Miss America Organization. These include being a citizen, a resident of , and between the ages of 18 and 28 during the competition year, with no restrictions on marital status or having children. The application process begins with interested women contacting the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization via email at [email protected] to register for the upcoming competition. Applicants are required to develop a social impact initiative—a personal platform addressing a , such as or health awareness—to demonstrate their commitment to and leadership. Qualification for the state finals primarily occurs through participation in local preliminary pageants held in key Nevada cities, including and Reno. Winners from these events, such as Miss Las Vegas or Miss Reno, advance directly to represent their areas at the state level. The state competition typically features 15 to 20 contestants, comprising local preliminary winners and a limited number of selections for qualified applicants who did not compete in a preliminary.

Events and criteria

The Miss Nevada competition, as the official state preliminary to the pageant, consists of several key phases designed to evaluate contestants' intelligence, talent, physical fitness, poise, and communication skills. These phases include a private interview, a fitness presentation, a mandatory talent performance limited to 90 seconds, an evening wear segment, and an on-stage question portion. The talent phase is compulsory for all contestants and allows them to showcase skills such as music, , or , emphasizing and stage presence. Following the 2018 national updates to the Organization, the traditional was eliminated across all levels, including state pageants like Miss Nevada, to shift focus toward holistic assessment rather than physical appearance alone. Judging in the multi-night state competition is structured with specific weightings to ensure balanced evaluation: 30% for the private interview, where a panel assesses the contestant's , goals, and social impact initiative in a 10-minute discussion; 20% for fitness, demonstrating and wellness through activewear; 20% for talent; 20% for evening wear, combining runway presentation with a response to a question about aspirations; and 10% for the on-stage question, testing quick thinking and articulation during the . This scoring system prioritizes substantive qualities, with judges scoring each phase on scales that consider poise, confidence, and relevance to the mission. Contestants advancing from preliminary rounds to carry forward composite scores, culminating in of the titleholder. A core requirement for participation is the development of a Social Impact Initiative (SII), a personal community service platform that contestants must champion throughout the competition and, if crowned, during their reign. This initiative addresses a cause of the contestant's choice, such as , , or , and is evaluated in and evening wear phases for its depth, feasibility, and potential impact. The SII underscores the pageant's emphasis on leadership and service, requiring contestants to demonstrate prior involvement and future plans. The competition also awards scholarships to participants, with the Miss Nevada Scholarship Foundation distributing over $50,000 annually across winners, runners-up, and category honorees to support and . These funds, drawn from event proceeds and sponsorships, are disbursed based on performance in the phases, providing financial aid for or vocational pursuits in line with the organization's scholarship-focused mission.

Achievements

Placements

Miss Nevada contestants have participated in the competition annually since the state's debut in 1949 with Carol Lampe, resulting in 76 appearances without a single national title win. The highest achievements include second runner-up finishes by Stacie James in 1988 and third runner-up by Teresa Benitez in 2003. Semi-finalist placements have been infrequent but notable, with Tosca Masini reaching the top 16 in 1951, Loni Gravelle and Cheryle Thompson in the top 10 in 1958 and 1964 respectively, Joan Burachio in the top 10 in 1972, and Heather Renner in the top 7 in 2023. Performance trends show sporadic success across decades, with early top placements in the and giving way to a stronger showing in the , highlighted by Benitez's podium position, followed by Renner's recent advancement in 2023.

Awards

Miss Nevada contestants have earned various non-finalist and preliminary awards at the national Miss America competition, recognizing excellence in specific categories beyond overall placement. In 2003, Teresa Benitez received the Award for her advocacy on women's heart health and stroke prevention, along with preliminary interview and onstage interview honors. In 2008, Caleche Manos was awarded the Award during the pageant festivities at Resort in . Additionally, in 2019, Alexis Hilts won the $5,000 STEM Scholarship, highlighting contributions in science, , , and . Other notable recognitions include the Non-finalist Interview Award earned by Elizabeth Muto in 2005 and the Non-finalist Talent Award won by Jennifer Joseph in 1995 for her vocal performance. These supplemental honors underscore the diverse talents and platforms of representatives. The Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization, established in 1949, has collectively awarded scholarships exceeding $1 million to contestants over the years, supporting and initiatives. For instance, in 2023, the titleholder received $18,000 in scholarships tied to efforts focused on youth volunteerism.

Titleholders

List of winners

The Miss Nevada competition, the official state preliminary to the pageant, has selected titleholders annually since 1949, with occasional gaps during organizational transitions in the early . The following table lists all titleholders chronologically, including name, age at time of crowning (where documented in contemporary reports), residence or hometown, talent category (if specified in pageant records), and placement at the subsequent Miss America competition. Local titles are noted where the winner advanced from a preliminary such as Miss Las Vegas or Miss Reno. Data is compiled from official pageant announcements and news archives; placements reflect national results where the titleholder competed.
YearNameAgeResidenceTalent CategoryMiss America Placement
1949Carol Lampe-Reno-Non-finalist
1950Tosca Masini---Non-finalist
1951Donna Sollars---Non-finalist
1952Bonnie Wilson-RenoBalletNon-finalist
1953Shirley Chevillier-Reno-Non-finalist
1954Anita Sherman-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1955Marianne Fletcher-Reno-Non-finalist
1956Kay Douglas-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1957Louanne Greene-Reno-Non-finalist
1958Loni Gravelle-Las Vegas-Top 10
1959Dawn Wells20Reno-Non-finalist
1960Nancy Bowen-McGill-Non-finalist
1961Sherry Wagner-Reno-Non-finalist
1962Audrey Chambers-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1963Cheryle Thompson-Las VegasFolk SingingTop 10
1964Ellen Roseman-SparksComedy SkitNon-finalist
1965Pat Kelley-Reno-Non-finalist
1966Vicky Castro-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1967Jane Russell-Reno-Non-finalist
1968Kathy Landry-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1969Susan Ashley-Reno-Non-finalist
1970Sheri Schruhl-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1971Nancy Witkowski-Reno-Non-finalist
1972Maryval Stein-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1973Janet Graham-Reno-Non-finalist
1974Nancy Dawson-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1975Marsha Redd-Reno-Non-finalist
1976Patricia Whittemore-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1977Julie Heller-Reno-Non-finalist
1978Robin Peterson-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1979Mary O'Neal Contino-Reno-Non-finalist
1980Karen Weller-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1981Dawn Meling-Reno-Non-finalist
1982Susan Carlton-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1983Robin Turner-Reno-Non-finalist
1984Tamara Djordjevich-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1985Sonja Nall23RenoClassical Ballet en PointeNon-finalist
1986Rhonda Seman-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1987Stacie James23Las Vegas-Top 15
1988Mitzi McCall-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1989Lori Johnson-Reno-Non-finalist
1990Angela Perez-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1991Malia Winn-Minden-Non-finalist
1992Sandra Dornak-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1993Mitzie Cox-Sparks-Non-finalist
1994Laura Hubach-Reno-Non-finalist
1995Jennifer Joseph-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
1996Misty Corral-Reno-Non-finalist
1997Amanda Gunderson-Reno-Non-finalist
1998Anna Carpenter-Mesquite-Non-finalist
1999Gina Giacinto-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2000Tiffanie Story-Reno-Non-finalist
2001Nikki Schmidt-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2002Teresa Benitez24Reno-3rd runner-up
2003Christina O'Neil24Carson City-Non-finalist
2004Elizabeth Muto-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2005Ashley Coleman-Reno-Non-finalist
2006Kaycee Bills-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2007Katie Brown-Reno-Non-finalist
2008Ashley Coleman-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2009Christina Keegan-Reno-Non-finalist
2010Courtney Summers-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2011Alana Champagne-Reno-Non-finalist
2012Beth Frady-Las Vegas-Non-finalist
2013Diana Sweeney22Mound House-Non-finalist
2014Ellie Smith20HendersonVocalNon-finalist
2015Katherine Kelley21MadisonvilleDanceNon-finalist
2016Bailey Gumm18MindenVocalNon-finalist
2017Andrea Martinez20Las VegasDanceNon-finalist
2018Alexis Hilts19Las VegasVocalNon-finalist
2019Nasya Mancini20SparksDanceNon-finalist
2020Nasya Mancini21SparksDanceCompeted in Miss America 2021 (non-finalist)
2021Macie Renee Tuell19GardnervilleVocalNon-finalist
2022Heather Renner24RenoLyrical danceTop 11
2023Taylor Blatchford22Boulder CityVocalTop 11
2024Karrina Ferris23Carson CityVocalCompeted in Miss America 2025 (non-finalist)
2025Abigail Bachman27HendersonTBDTo compete in Miss America 2026

Notable alumni

Teresa Benitez-Thompson, crowned in 2002, became the first former titleholder to serve in the State Assembly after her in 2010, representing District 27 until 2022 as a Democrat. She rose to the position of Assembly Majority Floor Leader and focused her legislative efforts on funding and , drawing from her background as an educator and her pageant platform on . Benitez-Thompson's experience in the system honed her and skills, which she credited for her political success. Dawn Wells, who won the Miss Nevada title in 1959, achieved lasting fame as an actress, most notably portraying on the sitcom from 1964 to 1967. After her pageant participation, Wells pursued acting and theater, earning a degree from the and appearing in over 50 film and television roles, while also founding the Rocky Mountain Film Festival to promote independent cinema. Her wholesome on-screen persona, influenced by her pageant poise, made her a , and she remained active in philanthropy for seniors and until her death in 2020. Other former titleholders have leveraged their experiences into advocacy and media careers. Christina Keegan, Miss Nevada 2009, became a vocal advocate for survivors after her own experience as a victim, using her platform to promote rape awareness during the Miss America competition and later as a medical professional. Jennifer Joseph, crowned in 1995, transitioned into as a jazz vocalist, performing on Las Vegas Strip shows and earning a Non-Finalist Talent Award at Miss America for her musical talents. These accomplishments highlight common trajectories among alumni, including advancements in , , and , often shaped by the leadership and communication skills gained through the pageant.

References

  1. https://missnevada.org/
  2. https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2004/may/31/miss-nevada-pageant-to-be-held-in-carson-city/
  3. https://eurekasentinel.com/2024/07/75th-miss-nevada-crowned-in-tahoe/
  4. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jun/17/many-past-nevada-pageant-winners-have-gained-notor/
  5. https://news3lv.com/news/arc/52-candidates-vie-for-the-miss-america-2026-crown-in-orlando
  6. https://www.kolotv.com/2025/06/30/introducing-this-years-new-miss-nevada-miss-nevadas-teen/
  7. https://mynews4.com/news/local/miss-nevada-moving-2022-competition-to-lake-tahoe-after-years-in-las-vegas-ballys-miss-america-pageant-outstanding-teen-macie-tuell-carol-lampe-reno-sparks-entertainment
  8. https://www.recordcourier.com/news/2021/jul/03/macie-tuell-fifth-douglas-resident-named-miss-neva/
  9. https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/renohostnv/page-7.php
  10. https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/nada-novakovich-aluevich/
  11. https://www.missamerica.org/history/
  12. https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark%253A/62930/f18p40
  13. https://missnevada.org/miss-nevada-alumni/1957-loni-gravelle/
  14. https://missnevada.org/miss-nevada-alumni/1963-cheryle-thompson/
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/05/business/miss-america-bans-swimsuits-metoo.html
  16. https://greatnonprofits.org/org/miss-nevada-scholarship-foundation-inc
  17. https://www.facebook.com/MissNVOrg/
  18. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/47-2972133
  19. https://www.kolotv.com/2022/06/22/executive-director-excited-73rd-annual-miss-nevada-competition-lake-tahoe/
  20. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2015/03/12/meet-miss-reno-miss-sparks-miss-washoe-county/70236222/
  21. https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinsshea
  22. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/472972133
  23. https://www.instagram.com/missnvclarkcounty/
  24. https://www.facebook.com/people/Miss-Douglas-County-and-Miss-Douglas-Countys-Outstanding-Teen/100064564214697/
  25. https://everythingelko.com/2017/12/29/miss-elko-county-scholarship-organization/
  26. https://missnevada.org/scholarships/
  27. https://missnevada.org/sponsors-amp-partners/reno-public-market/
  28. https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2009/jun/28/gardnerville-resident-named-miss-nevada/
  29. https://renohistorical.org/items/show/70
  30. https://newspaperarchive.com/nevada-state-journal-jul-07-1957-p-18/
  31. https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-6221959-dawn-well/10265623/
  32. https://www.recordcourier.com/news/2024/jul/12/miss-nevada-crowned-in-stateline-competition/
  33. https://www.carsonnow.org/06/28/2024/miss-nevada-and-miss-nevada-teen-crowned-75th-diamond-anniversary
  34. https://missamerica.org/2025/07/09/updatedage-2/
  35. https://knpr.org/desert-companion/2024-01-11/safety-queen
  36. https://missamerica.org/competition-scoring/
  37. https://www.pageantplanet.com/article/miss-america-pageant-talent-rules-what-you-need-to-know
  38. https://www.missalabama.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MALOT-Official-Judging-Guide.pdf
  39. https://missutah.org/how-to-maximize-the-impact-of-your-social-impact-initiative/
  40. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/09/21/Miss-America-1988-helps-terminally-ill/7950559195200/
  41. https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/campaign/259789-from-reigning-to-campaigning-beauty-queen-political-candidates/
  42. https://www.pageantplanet.com/event/miss-america-2003
  43. https://www.facebook.com/SparksMuseum/posts/tosca-masini-was-chosen-as-miss-nevada-in-june-1950-and-was-3rd-runner-up-to-mis/1491214405452995/
  44. https://www.newspapers.com/article/10265648/6221959_miss_nv_results/
  45. https://www.rgj.com/story/life/2014/04/22/nevada-nuggets-miss-nevada/8003395/
  46. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/jun/10/nevada-finally-got-pageant-winner-heres-10-who-fai/
  47. https://missnevada.org/miss-nevada-alumni/
  48. https://www.instagram.com/missamericanv/?hl=en
  49. https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/former-beauty-queen-eyes-education-funding/
  50. https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/Legislator/A/Assembly/80th2019/27
  51. https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-nevada/former-miss-nevada-gilligans-island-star-dawn-wells-dies-2236215/
  52. https://travelnevada.com/nevada-magazine/notable-nevadan-dawn-wells/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0920171/bio/
  54. https://lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2010/jan/26/miss-nevada-christina-keegans-miss-america-path-ha/
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