Contestants eye Miss USA Pageant

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: April 3, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Las Vegas lights will be even brighter in one week as the Miss USA Pageant is set to take the stage from that city, and be broadcast to homes across the nation April 11.

Competing this year for the coveted title of Miss USA are two young women who say they have worked hard to get to where they are, and know they will do well in the competition.

Chelsey Sophia Rodgers, 24, is representing the District of Columbia in the competition. Originally from Augusta Georgia, Rodgers is a full-time law student at Washington’s Howard University, and has participated in various evening gown contests. Despite other competitions, however, she said she is better suited to participate in the Miss USA event.

“I entered because a former titleholder served as a judge where I was named first-runner up. The judge immediately rushed on stage after the crowning of the winner, pulled me aside and told me I should try out the USA circuit because I would make an incredible candidate,” said Rodgers in a released statement.

The 5 foot 8 inch Rodgers has dedicated time to many area charities, including AIDS Walk Washington, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House.

Rodgers said many women face many challenges today, such as low self-esteem, which leads to abusive relationships, alcoholism, drug abuse and unwed pregnancy.

Tori Hall, 21, will be representing the state of Virginia in the competition. Originally from Greenville, N.C., Hall claims Midlothian, Va. as her hometown for this competition. She said that having immediate family living outside the state, however, can sometimes be difficult.

“My dad and I lived in Virginia while my mom and two younger sisters lived in Kentucky. It was hard for me because I didn’t get to see her all the time because we lived so far away. Over the past couple of years restoring the relationship with my mother to where it needs to be is one of my greatest accomplishments,” said Hall in a released statement.

Hall, who is also 5 feet 8 inches tall, won the title of Miss Virginia Teen USA in 2005. She said it was because of the experiences she had and the friends she made during that competition. “I knew that one day I would be back to compete for Miss USA,” she said.

Hall has also appeared on the MTV reality competition show, “Road Rules 2007: Viewers’ Revenge” and “The Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Gauntlet 3.”
Hall has worked with various charities throughout the state, including Students Against Drunk Driving, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Live for the Challenge organization, and also was awarded the Deans Award at her school, Virginia Intermont College.

“Women today struggle on a daily basis with their insecurities brought on by a society that set unrealistic expectations both at home and at the workplace. Not all women can be a size two, nor should they try to be.

They need to look within themselves at the gifts they have been given, tap into them and become the best person they can be,” said Hall.
The Miss Universe Organization produces both the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA events, and is a joint venture between Donald Trump and the National Broadcasting Company.

The event will air live April 11 from 8 to 11 p.m. on Channel 4 in Washington and Channel 12 in Richmond.