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Soon, Miss Penn State 2002 will attempt to add another title to her collection -- Miss America.
On Monday night, Penn State graduate Emily Wills will represent Pennsylvania as she competes in the 2007 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nev.
Wills, who graduated in May 2006 with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the College of Liberal Arts and the Schreyer's Honors College, earned the spot to compete after winning the Miss Pennsylvania pageant in July.
Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said this is a great honor for both Wills and the university.
"We're really happy to see opportunities like this for our students and for our alums," Mahon said.
Wills' victory in the 2006 Miss Pennsylvania Competition came after three previous tries for the same title, coming as close as first-runner up in 2005.
Marlene Wynne, executive director of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization, said Wills has been preparing for the competition for months.
"She's fine tuned her talent, worked with her platform and has been shopping for her wardrobe ... she's very determined and very serious," Wynne said.
Throughout the competition, Wills will promote her commitment to children's issues. Wills will also compete in the talent portion with a vocal performance.
Wills could not be reached for comment because of pageant restrictions.
As a former member of the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team, Wills will have several people, including former adviser and several teammates, to support her in Las Vegas.
Former coach and current adviser to the Lionette Dance team Sue Sherburne said Wills' work ethic is outstanding and has allowed her to be in the best shape possible, both physically and mentally.
"I know that she gave it 110 percent and recognizes that she represents the state of Pennsylvania, her family and Penn State," Sherburne said of Wills' preparation for the pageant. "Emily takes a lot of pride in the people that she represents, and I have no doubt that she is prepared."
Gina Oliva (senior-finance), one of five former teammates traveling to support Wills during the competition, said Wills assisted her and helped her adjust to the dance team as a freshman.
"She took care of us and she made sure that we always felt comfortable," Oliva said.
The pageant will be aired live on the Country Music Television (CMT) Network at 8 p.m. Monday.
Article reprinted from The Daily Collegian, referred to online as:
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