The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program had a double preliminary winner Friday night in Miss Shawnee Stephanie Finoti, who won the health and fitness award.
On Thursday night, Finoti, 21, of Columbus, wasthe preliminary talent winnerwith her dance from the ballet, "Don Quixote" at the Renaissance Theatre.
On Friday night, Finoti wasthe preliminary lifestyle and fitness winner, wowing judges with her physique on stage wearing fitness wear, saying she stays active through ballet and workouts as a cycling instructor.
Finoti, in her second trip to the Miss Ohio stage, said she was in disbelief about being a double preliminary winner.
"I'm just trying to come to my senses," she said. "I am more than grateful to have won both the preliminary talent award and the preliminary fitness award.
Finoti said she stays fit in many ways and doesn't really like to go to a gym to work out but likes to work out in fun ways on the campus, including walking or running at The University of Cincinnati where she is majoring in biomedical science. She watches what she eats, too.
Both Friday night preliminary winners said the sisterhood at Miss Ohio is real, with contestants supporting each other backstage and during rehearsals.
"This class is so tight," Finoti said.
Thursday:Two contestants garner Miss Ohio preliminary talent, fitness awards
Friday night preliminary talent winner Olivia Fosson sang French aria
Miss Ohio River Olivia Fosson, 23, of Kitts Hill, garnered the preliminary talent award Friday night, singing "The Jewel Song" from Faust.
Fosson is enrolled at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She graduated from Oklahoma City University in May. Her community service initiative is "Body Neutral: Celebrate, Connect, Create," promoting healthy living.
She said the aria she sang is in part about a maid getting a box of jewels delivered to her doorstep.
Fosson wants to become a lawyer because it reminds her so much of acting.
"I've always had a passion for storytelling and helping people," she said, saying she is happy to dedicate her life to serving others. She is making her second trip to the Miss Ohio stage, having competed in 2021. She also competed in the Miss Ohio teen program as a junior in high school.
Her secret dream or wish, according to the Miss Ohio program book, is to star in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Fun-filled show Friday on Miss Ohio stage
It was a night of musical surprises and guest performances.
A quartet from The Fun Center Chordsmen sang the national anthem. Miss Ohio 2018 Matti-Lynn (Chrisman) Arvidson emceed with Miss Ohio 2011 Ellen Bryan. Arvidon and her husband, David, also entertained the crowd with a duet of "Ready, Set, Not Yet" from the musical "Beetlejuice."
Miss Ohio 1962 Jackie Mayer was among the Miss Ohio directors to take the stage. She went on to become Miss America 1963. She at one point was a director of Miss Vacationland.
Mayer thanked all the local directors. "Without them you would not have a pageant. They care about their contestants and are caring and loving," she said.
Honored for their dedication and service were Miss Ohio local directors Martha Campbell; Charmae Cottom; Kirsten Schmitz; Dolly Ruffing; Wil Vickery; Jan and Don Moll; Jacky Johnson; Regina Speas, and Pam Rase.
Miss Ohio singers and dancers, Miss Ohio's Teens and Miss contestants entertained the audience with musical productions, with a special number dedicated to honoring the Golden Age of Hollywood delighting the crowd.
Two contestants were awarded $500 Women in Business Scholarships: Miss North Coast Caroline Trennepohl, 24, of Cincinnati; and Miss Miss Lake Erie Lauren Partin, 20, of Peebles.
Taking home STEM awards were Finoti and Miss Greater Cleveland Lucabella LaEace, 20, of Cincinnati.
Winning the Richland Mall (now called The Ontario Center) Photogenic Award was Miss Rock & Roll City Grace Reigel, 23, of Mansfield, also receiving a $500 scholarship. Miss Clayland Brittney Putnam, 21, of Grove City, was awarded the $500 Mina O'Guinn Memorial Scholarship Award.
Wednesday:Miss Lake Festival's Teen Allie Gray, of Celina, wins Miss Ohio's Teen on first try
More Miss Ohio on Saturday
Twenty-seven contestants from across the state are vying for the Miss Ohio crown this week.
On Saturday, it's the Miss Ohio finals and a new Miss Ohio will be crowned. The show begins at7:30 p.m.; preshow at 7:05 p.m. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to compete at Miss America. Miss Ohio Executive Director Steven Oliveri said $52,100 in scholarships will be awarded at Miss Ohio. Ten semifinalists will be selected plus one lucky contestant will be the People's Choice winner, becoming the 11th semifinalist.
For tickets go to rentickets.org.
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