Sylvania: Ohio queen runner-up will try again

7/19/2006

Becky Minger of Sylvania, who was named first runner-up to Melanie Murphy, 20, of Brook Park, Ohio, in the Miss Ohio Scholarship program, plans to seek the crown again.

Miss Minger, who won $4,500 in scholarship money as first runnerup, intends to compete again; she can compete until she either wins the crown of Miss Ohio or "ages out," meaning that she reaches the contestant age limit of 24 years old, according to Miss Minger's father, Mike.

Miss Minger, 18, who would assume the crown if for some reason Miss Murphy were unable to fill the duties of Miss Ohio, earlier this year was crowned Miss Greater Dayton. A graduate of Sylvania Northview High School, Miss Minger attends Bowling Green State University.

The Miss Ohio organization awarded over $49,000 in scholarship money to the contestants during the pageant in Mansfield which concluded July 8. Miss Murphy will represent Ohio as she competes for the crown of Miss America.

During Miss Minger's personal interview with the six judges, she was asked about her platform "Building Self Esteem in Teen" and a variety of questions on domestic and political topics, including her opinion on the United States' immigration policy.

Also finishing in the Top Ten or Miss Ohio 2006 was Miss Maumee Valley Abby Bollenbacher who lives in Holland, Ohio.

Her hometown was listed as Rockford, Ohio, in the Miss Ohio contestants' information; she was born in Rockford.

The pageant featured a number of entertainers and production numbers, including a performance by award-winning tap dancers from the Manhattan Dance Company, based in Toledo.