This is the second consecutive year that three young women from Crawford County are competing for the title of Miss Pennsylvania the same year.

Alycia McCullough of Cochranton, competing this year as Miss Greater Johnstown, finished in the top 10 at the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant in 2005 when she represented Crawford County and was first runner-up last year when she competed as Miss Butler County.

Melissa Pierce, who competed as Miss Crawford County in 2006, won $500 for non-finalist talent and the Miss America Community Service Award which included a $1,000 prize.

Lucy Hazelet of Saegertown competed as Miss Moraine State. She won a $500 non-finalist interview award.

There have been several occasions when two county residents competed the same year.

In 1973, Lori Doutt represented the county as Miss Crawford County and Anna Monica Pusz of Cambridge Springs competed as Miss Edinboro State College.

In 1995, Jennifer Held represented Crawford County as Miss Crawford County. Elizabeth Stuyvesant, the 1993 Miss Crawford County, competed as Miss Northwest Pennsylvania. Allegheny College student Amy Akers competed as Miss Greater Pittsburgh; she was the state’s first runner-up, and Stuyvesant was in the top 10.

The following year, Held competed as Miss Clarion County while Heather Clancy competed as Miss Crawford County.

Alison Irwin, Miss Crawford County 2001, returned to the state pageant the following year as Miss Steel Valley. Kelly Frampton competed that year as Miss Crawford County. Irwin was scheduled to return for the third time in 2003, but gave up her crown as Miss Greater Juniata Valley to participate in a reality TV show.

Although no Crawford County resident has been named Miss Pennsylvania, there have been many who have won awards at the state pageant.

Jean Shanley can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jshanley@meadvilletribune.com.