Remember, these statistics include sixty (60) competitions between 1954 and 2013 (the television years).
Here's how to read the list:
STATE NAME - 10(5)-W,1,2,3,4
The first number indicates the number of times a state has made the Top 10.
The number in parentheses indicates the number of times has placed in the Top 5.
W = Miss America winner
1 = 1st Runner-up
2 = 2nd Runner-up
3 = 3rd Runner-up
4 = 4th Runner-up
# 22 - MASSACHUSETTS - 13(3)-1,1,2
Before the television era, representatives from Massachusetts (as Miss Mass. or Miss Boston) took a 1st Runner-up, a 2nd Runner-up, a 3rd Runner-up, and a Semi-Finalist placement in the 1940s.
In the first 13 years of the telecast, Massachusetts had three Top 10 Finalists: Virginia Maffucci in 1955 who also won her Talent Prelim, Jewel Smerage in 1956, and Brenda Covo in 1969.
Then in 1966, Massachusetts began a ten-year span of strong showings with five women making the 10 or better: Carol Kennedy, Top 10 in 1966; Catherine Monroe, 1st Runner-up in 1968, Georgina Hossfeld, Top 10 in 1969, Deborah O'Brien, 2nd Runner-up in 1971, and Cynthia Carpenter, Top 10 and a Talent Prelim win in 1975.
Massachusetts made Top 10 again in 1984 with Margaret O'Brien who also won her Talent Prelim, in 1992 with Lisa Desroches, and in 1995 with Marcia Turner.
Abbie Rabine won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 1st Runner-up in 2001, and Melanie Correia made Top 10 in 2001.
Massachusetts also has two more Talent Prelim wins, a Non-Finalist Interview award, a Special Judges Award, and 15 NFTs to its credit.
Before the television era, representatives from Massachusetts (as Miss Mass. or Miss Boston) took a 1st Runner-up, a 2nd Runner-up, a 3rd Runner-up, and a Semi-Finalist placement in the 1940s.
In the first 13 years of the telecast, Massachusetts had three Top 10 Finalists: Virginia Maffucci in 1955 who also won her Talent Prelim, Jewel Smerage in 1956, and Brenda Covo in 1969.
Then in 1966, Massachusetts began a ten-year span of strong showings with five women making the 10 or better: Carol Kennedy, Top 10 in 1966; Catherine Monroe, 1st Runner-up in 1968, Georgina Hossfeld, Top 10 in 1969, Deborah O'Brien, 2nd Runner-up in 1971, and Cynthia Carpenter, Top 10 and a Talent Prelim win in 1975.
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| Catherine Monroe Miss Massachusetts 1968 1st Runner-up |
Abbie Rabine won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 1st Runner-up in 2001, and Melanie Correia made Top 10 in 2001.
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| Abbie Rabine Miss Massachusetts 2001 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
#21 - WASHINGTON - 14(5)-2,2,3,3,4
Washington State's participation at Miss A was somewhat quiet until the 1970s. Sharon Vaughn won her Swimsuit Prelim and became 2nd Runner-up in 1959, and Lauren Waddleton was a Top 10 Finalist in 1964.
The 1970's and '80s were strong for Washington with eight women placing over a 21-year period. Susan Buckner won her Swimsuit Prelim and made Top 10 in 1971 (before appearing as Patty Simcox in the film of GREASE). Leslie Ann Mays won another Swimsuit Prelim in 1973 and made Top 10. Kathleen Moore made Top 10 in 1974., and Laurie Nelson plced as 4th Runner-up in 1978. Doris Hayes won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1980, Honey Castro was 3rd Runner-up in 1985, Jennifer Wall was Top 10 in 1989, and SoYoung Kwon was Top 10 in 1991.
Things got quiet again for Washington over the next 15 years. The last ten years, though, have been strong with Kristen Eddings, Miss WA 2006, making Top 10, Elyse Umemoto (07)-2nd Runner-up, Jacquie Brown (10)-3rd Runner-up, and Mandy Schendel (12)-Top 10 at the January, 2013 competition.
#20 - KENTUCKY - 14(5)-W,3,4,4,4
After having two runners-up and a number of semi-finalists in the 30's and 40's, Kentucky's fortunes at Miss America dipped in the 50's and 60's with only Linda Sawyer (Diane's older sister) making Top 10 in 1964.
Darlene Compton won her Talent Prelim and became 3rd Runner-up in 1974, and Marcia Bell made Top 10 in 1978. In the 80's Kentucky made Top 10 in four consecutive years: Gwendolyn Witten ('82), Lynn Thompson ('83), Kelly Lin Brumagen ('84), and Laurie Keller ('85).
The 90's were also strong for Kentucky. Tawnya Mullins won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1992 and made Top 10, Veronica Duka made Top 10 in 1996, and Chera-Lyn Cook won her Talent Prelim in 1998 and placed as 4th Runner-up. HEATHER FRENCH won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1999 on her way to being named Kentucky's first MISS AMERICA. She was followed by Whitney Boyles, another Swimsuit Prelim winner and 4th Runner-up in 2000.
Kentucky's most recent successes include Mallory Ervin's ('09) 4th Runner-up placement and Djuan Trent ('10) making Top 10 . The Bluegrass State has also had a Top 12, a Top 15, and a Top 16 Semi-Finalist, three NFTs, and a Non-Finalist Interview award in the television years.
# 19 - KANSAS - 14(6) - W,W,W,2,3,3
Future movie actor Vera Ralston (best known for Psycho) won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 3rd Runner-up in 1948 representing Kansas.
In the tv years, Kansas saw Mary Ann McGrew tie with Arizona for 3rd Runner-up in 1956. Then Kansas hit the big time with two MISS AMERICAs in three years: DEBORAH BRYANT won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1965 on her way to the title and was followed in 1967 by DEBRA BARNES who also won her Swimsuit Prelim.
Kansas then opened and closed the 70's in style, starting with two Top 10 finalists: Sandy Rings in 1971 along with a Talent Prelim win and Cindy Sikes (before her ST. ELSEWHERE days on television) in 1972 along with a Swimsuit Prelim win, and ending the decade with Lori Bergen's Talent Prelim win and Top 10 placement in 1978 followed by Michelle Whitson's 2nd Runner-up placement in 1979.
The 80's were quiet for Kansas but the state had five finalists in six years once the 90s hit: Robbin Wasson, Top 10 in 1991; Pam McKelvery, 3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim win in 1992; Trisha Schaffer, Top 10 and another Talent Prelim win in 1994; Amy Keller, Top 10 and a Swimsuit Prelim win in 1995; and then TARA DAWN HOLLAND's Swimsuit Prelim win in 1996 before being named MISS AMERICA 1997.
Kansas has seen two other women make Top 10 since Tara's win: Megan Bushell in 2004, and Theresa Vail at the September, 2013 competition. Over the tv years, Kansas also has seven NFTs and another Swimsuit Prelim win.
#18 - PENNSYLVANIA - 15(6)-2,2,3,3,4,4
Pennsylvania gave us EVELYN AY in 1953, the last MISS AMERICA to be named before the television era, along with four other pre-tv winners: RUTH MALCOMSON-1924, HENRIETTA LEAVER-1935, ROSE COYLE-1936, and FRANCES BURKE-1940. The city reps for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined for an additional sixteen Semi-Finalist spots in the pre-tv years.
Pennsylvania started the tv years with 3rd Runner-up Barbara Nager in 1954. Lois Piercy made Top 10 in 1959 and then Pennsylvania received few awards during the 1960s. In the 1970s, however, Pennsylvania came on very strong with four consecutive runners-up and then three Top 10 finalists during the decade: Maggie Walker-4th Runner-up in 1970, Maureen Wimmer-3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner in 1971, Linda Olson-2nd Runner-up in 1972, Tina Thomas-4th Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner in 1973, Marie McLaughlin-Top 10 in 1976, Lynn Grote-Top 10 and Talent Prelim winner in 1977, and Carol Black-Top 10 in 1979.
Two back-to-back Top 10 Finalists were Michelle Kline in 1989 and Marla Wynne in 1990. Another set occurred with Susan Spafford placing as 2nd Runner-up in 1999 and Melissa Jeka making Top 10 in 2000. Two more back-to-back Top 10 finalists came along in 2005-Nicole Brewer and in 2006-Emily Wills, who also won her Swimsuit Prelim.
Pennsylvania has also had six NFTs and an additional Talent Prelim win.
#17 - GEORGIA - 15(8)-1,1,1,1,2,2,3,4
Georgia's MISS AMERICA, NEVA JANE LANGLEY was a double prelim winner in 1952, two years before the telecast began. There were several Semi-Finalists and a 2nd Runner-up in the pre-television years, as both Georgia and the city of Atlanta sent reps to Miss America.
Mary Doar took 4th Runner-up during the first televised competition in 1954, and Jody Shattuck won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 1st Runner-up in 1957. Then, after Jeannie Cross' Top 10 placement in 1962, Georgia didn't place again until 1971 when Cynthia Cook won her Talent Prelim and made the Top 10. After another ten year wait, Georgia hit a double when Kristl Evans' placed as 2nd Runner-up in 1981 and future soap star Bobbie Eakes made Top 10 in 1982. Marlesa Ball made Top 10 in 1986.
Georgia had another double in the early 90s when Kara Martin won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1993 on her way to the1st Runner-up spot. She was followed by Andrea Krahn in 1994 who placed as 3rd Runner-up.
Georgia had its era of strength in the mid-2000s when Danica Tisdale won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 2004, Monica Pang ('05) was 1st Runner-up, Amanda Kozak ('06) was 2nd Runner-up, Leah Massee ('07) made Top 10, and Chasity Hardman ('08) won her Talent Prelim and was 1st Runner-up. Carly Mathis brought home another Swimsuit Prelim win and made Top 10 last year in the September competition.
Georgia also has a Top 15 Semi-Finalist, two more Swimsuit Prelim wins, a Non-Finalist Interview award, and six NFTs.
#16 - VIRGINIA - 15(8)-W,W,W,1,1,3,3,4
Virginia had a respectable showing in the pre-television days with three runners-up and three more semi-finalists prior to 1954.
The first Miss Virginia to make Top 10 on television was Dorcas Campbell in 1963 who also won her Talent Prelim. Cherie Davis also won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1968. Pamela Polk became the third Virginian to win her Talent Prelim and make Top 10 when she did that in 1976. KYLENE BARKER brought Virginia its first MISS AMERICA title in 1978.
Virginia had its strong era during the nine years between 1986-1994 with Julianne Smith winning her Swimsuit Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1986, Heidi Lammi making Top 10 in 1987, Shannon DePuy making Top 10 in 1990, Nancy Glisson placing as 4th Runner-up in 1993, and Cullen Johnson winning her Swimsuit Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1994.
NICOLE JOHNSON brought Virginia its second MISS AMERICA title in 1998, and then the state had another era of strength between 2003-2010 with Nancy Redd winning her Swimsuit Prelim and making Top 10 in 2003, Kristi Galakas ('05) also winning her Swimsuit Prelim and becoming 3rd Runner-up, Hannah Kiefer ('07) becoming 3rd Runner-up, CARESSA CAMERON ('09) winning her Talent Prelim and being named Virginia's third MISS AMERICA, and Caitlin Uze ('10) making Top 10.
Virginia also has a Top 15 Semi-Finalist, an additional Swimsuit Prelim win, an additional Talent Prelim win, 13 NFTs, and a Miss Congeniality.
#15 - TENNESSEE - 16(7)-W,1,2,2,2,2,3
BARBARA JO WALKER became Tennessee's first MISS AMERICA in 1947 and also won her Talent Prelim. Tennessee had four additional semi-finalists in the 40s and early 50s.
Tennessee's Gerry Johnson made Top 10 in the first televised competition in 1954 as did Marion Wayland in 1959. Martha Truett placed as 3rd Runner-up in 1963, Vicki Hurd was 2nd Runner-up in 1966, and Brenda Seal made Top 10 in 1968.
#14 - LOUISIANA - 16(8)-1,1,1,1,3,3,4
Even though it has the best record at Miss America without ever winning the title, Louisiana is very proud of its four 1st Runners-up over the years.
Louisiana had a handful of runners-up and semi-finalists before the tv era and then Lynda Ferguson made Top 10 in 1965. Genevieve Del Gallo also made Top 10 in 1967. Then Louisiana had three consecutive years of success: Debby Robert won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1972, Debbie Ward also won her Talent Prelim and placed as 3rd Runner-up in 1973, and Libby lovejoy placed as 4th Runner-up in 1974. Phyllis Kelly made Top 10 in 1978.
The five years between 1987-1991 were very strong for Louisiana with Patricia Brant winning her Talent Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1987, Valerie Brosset winning her Swimsuit Prelim and making Top 10 in 1988, Linnea Fayard placing as 4th Runner-up in 1990, and Christi Page winning her Swimsuit Prelim and making Top 10 in 1991.
Erika Schwartz was named 1st Runner-up in 1996 and Mette Boving made Top 10 in 1997. Faith Jenkins won both her Swimsuit and Talent Prelims and was named 1st Runner-up in 2000. Jennifer Dupont, who won her Swimsuit Prelim in 2004 was another 1st Runner-up. Katherine Putnam ('09) was 3rd Runner-up and Hope Anderson ('10) made Top 10.
Lousiana also has an additional Talent Prelim win, an additional Swimsuit Prelim win, and nine NFTs.
#13 - ILLINOIS - 16(10)-W,W,W,W,1,1,2,2,3,4
Before Miss America was on television, Illinois gave us LOIS DELANDER, MISS AMERICA 1927, future Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Cloris Leachman (Top 15 in 1946 as Miss Chicago), actress Lois Nettleton (3rd Runner-up in 1948 as Miss Chicago), five more runners-up, and eight more semi-finalists. The City of Chicago sent a rep separate from Miss Illinois until 1962.
The tv years began with three consecutive Miss Chicagos placing at Miss America: Regina Dombeck-Top 10 in 1954, Florence Gallagher-2nd Runner-up in 1955, and Sandra Stuart-Top 10 in 1956 (with a Water Ballet video as her talent!). Suzanne Johnson was the first Miss Illinois to place on television, making Top 10 after winning her Talent Prelim in 1959.
In 1960, BOTH Miss Illinois and Miss Chicago won Non-Finalist Talent awards. JUDITH FORD became Illinois' second MISS AMERICA in 1968 after winning both her Swimsuit and Talent Prelims. (see a photo of her on her trampoline in my post about non-traditional talents). Colleen Metternich made Top 10 in 1973 after winning her Talent Prelim, and Jean Ahern won another Talent Prelim in 1974 before placing as 2nd Runner-up.
Sandra Truitt won another Talent Prelim and was named 1st Runner-up in 1981 to start the 80s. Jeri Zimmermann (known to Star Trek, Boston Public, Shark, and Body of Proof fans as Jeri Ryan) won her Swimsuit Prelim and was named 3rd Runner-up in 1989.
MARJORIE VINCENT, who won her Talent Prelim in 1990, before being named MISS AMERICA 1991, started Illinois on a path that would see the state claim three (!) MISS AMERICA titles in 12 years. Tracy Hayes won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1995 and was named 4th Runner-up, KATE SHINDLE won her Talent Prelim in 1997 and was named MISS AMERICA 1998, Jade Smalls was 1st Runner-up in 1999, and ERIKA HAROLD was named MISS AMERICA at the 2002 competition.
Since then, Illinois has had two Top 10 Finalists: Hannah Smith ('11) and Megan Ervin ('12) who also won her Swimsuit Prelim.
Illinois is home to 14 NFTs in the tv years, an additional Swimsuit Prelim win, an additional Talent Prelim win, and a Miss Congeniality.
#12 - SOUTH CAROLINA - 16(11)-W,W,1,1,1,1,1,2,2,2,3
Washington State's participation at Miss A was somewhat quiet until the 1970s. Sharon Vaughn won her Swimsuit Prelim and became 2nd Runner-up in 1959, and Lauren Waddleton was a Top 10 Finalist in 1964.
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| Sharon Vaughn Miss Washington 1959 2nd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
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| Honey Castro Miss Washington 1985 3rd Runner-up |
#20 - KENTUCKY - 14(5)-W,3,4,4,4
After having two runners-up and a number of semi-finalists in the 30's and 40's, Kentucky's fortunes at Miss America dipped in the 50's and 60's with only Linda Sawyer (Diane's older sister) making Top 10 in 1964.
Darlene Compton won her Talent Prelim and became 3rd Runner-up in 1974, and Marcia Bell made Top 10 in 1978. In the 80's Kentucky made Top 10 in four consecutive years: Gwendolyn Witten ('82), Lynn Thompson ('83), Kelly Lin Brumagen ('84), and Laurie Keller ('85).
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| Darlene Compton Miss Kentucky 1974 3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner |
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| Whitney Boyles Miss Kentucky 2000 4th Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
# 19 - KANSAS - 14(6) - W,W,W,2,3,3
Future movie actor Vera Ralston (best known for Psycho) won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 3rd Runner-up in 1948 representing Kansas.
In the tv years, Kansas saw Mary Ann McGrew tie with Arizona for 3rd Runner-up in 1956. Then Kansas hit the big time with two MISS AMERICAs in three years: DEBORAH BRYANT won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1965 on her way to the title and was followed in 1967 by DEBRA BARNES who also won her Swimsuit Prelim.
Kansas then opened and closed the 70's in style, starting with two Top 10 finalists: Sandy Rings in 1971 along with a Talent Prelim win and Cindy Sikes (before her ST. ELSEWHERE days on television) in 1972 along with a Swimsuit Prelim win, and ending the decade with Lori Bergen's Talent Prelim win and Top 10 placement in 1978 followed by Michelle Whitson's 2nd Runner-up placement in 1979.
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| Michelle Whitson Miss Kansas 1979 2nd Runner-up |
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| Pam McKelvey Miss Kansas 1992 3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner |
#18 - PENNSYLVANIA - 15(6)-2,2,3,3,4,4
Pennsylvania gave us EVELYN AY in 1953, the last MISS AMERICA to be named before the television era, along with four other pre-tv winners: RUTH MALCOMSON-1924, HENRIETTA LEAVER-1935, ROSE COYLE-1936, and FRANCES BURKE-1940. The city reps for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined for an additional sixteen Semi-Finalist spots in the pre-tv years.
Pennsylvania started the tv years with 3rd Runner-up Barbara Nager in 1954. Lois Piercy made Top 10 in 1959 and then Pennsylvania received few awards during the 1960s. In the 1970s, however, Pennsylvania came on very strong with four consecutive runners-up and then three Top 10 finalists during the decade: Maggie Walker-4th Runner-up in 1970, Maureen Wimmer-3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner in 1971, Linda Olson-2nd Runner-up in 1972, Tina Thomas-4th Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner in 1973, Marie McLaughlin-Top 10 in 1976, Lynn Grote-Top 10 and Talent Prelim winner in 1977, and Carol Black-Top 10 in 1979.
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| Maureen Wimmer Miss Pennsylvania 1971 3rd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner |
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| Linda Olson Miss Pennsylvania 1972 2nd Runner-up |
Pennsylvania has also had six NFTs and an additional Talent Prelim win.
#17 - GEORGIA - 15(8)-1,1,1,1,2,2,3,4
Georgia's MISS AMERICA, NEVA JANE LANGLEY was a double prelim winner in 1952, two years before the telecast began. There were several Semi-Finalists and a 2nd Runner-up in the pre-television years, as both Georgia and the city of Atlanta sent reps to Miss America.
Mary Doar took 4th Runner-up during the first televised competition in 1954, and Jody Shattuck won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 1st Runner-up in 1957. Then, after Jeannie Cross' Top 10 placement in 1962, Georgia didn't place again until 1971 when Cynthia Cook won her Talent Prelim and made the Top 10. After another ten year wait, Georgia hit a double when Kristl Evans' placed as 2nd Runner-up in 1981 and future soap star Bobbie Eakes made Top 10 in 1982. Marlesa Ball made Top 10 in 1986.
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| Kristl Evans Miss Georgia 1981 2nd Runner-up |
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| Kara Martin Miss Georgia 1993 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
Georgia also has a Top 15 Semi-Finalist, two more Swimsuit Prelim wins, a Non-Finalist Interview award, and six NFTs.
#16 - VIRGINIA - 15(8)-W,W,W,1,1,3,3,4
Virginia had a respectable showing in the pre-television days with three runners-up and three more semi-finalists prior to 1954.
The first Miss Virginia to make Top 10 on television was Dorcas Campbell in 1963 who also won her Talent Prelim. Cherie Davis also won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1968. Pamela Polk became the third Virginian to win her Talent Prelim and make Top 10 when she did that in 1976. KYLENE BARKER brought Virginia its first MISS AMERICA title in 1978.
Virginia had its strong era during the nine years between 1986-1994 with Julianne Smith winning her Swimsuit Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1986, Heidi Lammi making Top 10 in 1987, Shannon DePuy making Top 10 in 1990, Nancy Glisson placing as 4th Runner-up in 1993, and Cullen Johnson winning her Swimsuit Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1994.
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| Julianne Smith Miss Virginia 1986 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
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| Cullen Johnson Miss Virginia 1994 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
Virginia also has a Top 15 Semi-Finalist, an additional Swimsuit Prelim win, an additional Talent Prelim win, 13 NFTs, and a Miss Congeniality.
#15 - TENNESSEE - 16(7)-W,1,2,2,2,2,3
BARBARA JO WALKER became Tennessee's first MISS AMERICA in 1947 and also won her Talent Prelim. Tennessee had four additional semi-finalists in the 40s and early 50s.
Tennessee's Gerry Johnson made Top 10 in the first televised competition in 1954 as did Marion Wayland in 1959. Martha Truett placed as 3rd Runner-up in 1963, Vicki Hurd was 2nd Runner-up in 1966, and Brenda Seal made Top 10 in 1968.
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| Vicki Hurd Miss Tennessee 1966 2nd Runner-up |
Two Top 10 finalists followed in the 70s: Deborah Kincaid in 1974 who also won her Talent Prelim and Linda Moore in 1977 who also won her Swimsuit Prelim. Desiree Daniels won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1982 and placed as 1st Runner-up, Shelly Mangrum was Top 10 in 1984, and KELLYE CASH won both her Swimsuit and her Talent Prelims in 1986 before being named MISS AMERICA 1987.
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| Desiree Daniels Miss Tennessee 1982 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
Dana Brown was 2nd Runner-up in 1990, Stephanie Culberson won her Swimsuit Prelim in 2001 and also placed as 2nd Runner-up. Ellen Carrington ('07) made the Top 7, Stephanie Wittler ('09) was another 2nd Runner-up, Erin Hatley ('11) made Top 10, as did Chandler Lawson ('12).
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| Dana Brown Miss Tennessee 1990 2nd Runner-up |
Even though it has the best record at Miss America without ever winning the title, Louisiana is very proud of its four 1st Runners-up over the years.
Louisiana had a handful of runners-up and semi-finalists before the tv era and then Lynda Ferguson made Top 10 in 1965. Genevieve Del Gallo also made Top 10 in 1967. Then Louisiana had three consecutive years of success: Debby Robert won her Talent Prelim and made Top 10 in 1972, Debbie Ward also won her Talent Prelim and placed as 3rd Runner-up in 1973, and Libby lovejoy placed as 4th Runner-up in 1974. Phyllis Kelly made Top 10 in 1978.
The five years between 1987-1991 were very strong for Louisiana with Patricia Brant winning her Talent Prelim and placing as 1st Runner-up in 1987, Valerie Brosset winning her Swimsuit Prelim and making Top 10 in 1988, Linnea Fayard placing as 4th Runner-up in 1990, and Christi Page winning her Swimsuit Prelim and making Top 10 in 1991.
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Patricia Brant
Miss Louisiana 1987
1st Runner-up & Prelim Talent winner
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| Erika Schwartz Miss Louisiana 1996 1st Runner-up |
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| Faith Jenkins Miss Louisiana 2000 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit & Talent Prelim winner |
#13 - ILLINOIS - 16(10)-W,W,W,W,1,1,2,2,3,4
Before Miss America was on television, Illinois gave us LOIS DELANDER, MISS AMERICA 1927, future Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Cloris Leachman (Top 15 in 1946 as Miss Chicago), actress Lois Nettleton (3rd Runner-up in 1948 as Miss Chicago), five more runners-up, and eight more semi-finalists. The City of Chicago sent a rep separate from Miss Illinois until 1962.
The tv years began with three consecutive Miss Chicagos placing at Miss America: Regina Dombeck-Top 10 in 1954, Florence Gallagher-2nd Runner-up in 1955, and Sandra Stuart-Top 10 in 1956 (with a Water Ballet video as her talent!). Suzanne Johnson was the first Miss Illinois to place on television, making Top 10 after winning her Talent Prelim in 1959.
In 1960, BOTH Miss Illinois and Miss Chicago won Non-Finalist Talent awards. JUDITH FORD became Illinois' second MISS AMERICA in 1968 after winning both her Swimsuit and Talent Prelims. (see a photo of her on her trampoline in my post about non-traditional talents). Colleen Metternich made Top 10 in 1973 after winning her Talent Prelim, and Jean Ahern won another Talent Prelim in 1974 before placing as 2nd Runner-up.
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| Jean Ahern Miss Illinois 1974 2nd Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner |
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| Sandra Truitt Miss Illinois 1981 1st Runner-up & Talent Prelim winner |
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| Jeri Zimmermann Miss Illinois 1989 3rd Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
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| Jade Smalls Miss Illinois 1999 1st Runner-up |
Illinois is home to 14 NFTs in the tv years, an additional Swimsuit Prelim win, an additional Talent Prelim win, and a Miss Congeniality.
#12 - SOUTH CAROLINA - 16(11)-W,W,1,1,1,1,1,2,2,2,3
Did you know that Miss South Carolina 1953, Miriam Stevenson who was a Top 10 Finalist at Miss America, went on to win Miss USA in 1954 and become the first American woman to win Miss Universe?
South Carolina's 1954 rep, Polly Suber, won her Swimsuit Prelim and placed as 2nd Runner-up. MARIAN McKNIGHT became South Carolina's first MISS AMERICA in 1956. Edith Browning won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1960 and was a Top 10 Finalist. Evelyn Ellis was 3rd Runner-up in 1962, and Nancy Moore won her Talent Prelim in 1965 and made the Top 10. Claudia Turner won her Swimsuit Prelim in 1970 and was named 1st Runner-up.
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| Claudia Turner Miss South Carolina 1970 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
South Carolina had its first era of strength in the mid 70's with Cynthia Anthony-Top 10 in 1975, Lavinia Cox-1st Runner-up and a Swimsuit Prelim win in 1976, and Catherine Hinson-2nd Runner-up and another Swimsuit Prelim win in 1977.
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| Lavinia Cox Miss South Carolina 1976 1st Runner-up & Swimsuit Prelim winner |
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| Sherry Thrift Miss South Carolina 1985 1st Runner-up |
Mary Gainey was another 1st Runner-up for South Carolina, this time in 1990. Carrie Davis, the first medical doctor to compete at Miss America, was a Top 10 Finalist in 1992, and KIMBERLY AIKEN was named the state's second MISS AMERICA IN 1993.
Miss South Carolina 1990
1st Runner-up
Erika Powell ('05) was a Top 10 Finalist, and Ali Rogers ('12) won her Swimsuit Prelim and became 1st Runner-up.
South Carolina also has a Top 13 and a Top 16 Semi-Finalist, two additional Swimsuit Prelim wins, an additional Talent prelim win, and six NFTs.
Tomorrow I'll list those states that rank from 11th to 7th place.
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