Fullerton College Student Crowned Miss California

FRESNO —  Jennifer Hanson, a 20-year-old student at Fullerton College, was crowned Miss California on Saturday night.

“I can’t believe this is happening. I’m just, like, shocked. It’s something I worked really hard at,” she said.

Hanson was crowned by last year’s Miss California, Lisa Michelle Duncan of Tulare, and the 1994 Miss America, Kimberly Aiken.

The newly crowned Miss California will compete in the Miss America Pageant on Sept. 17 in Atlantic City, N.J. She also received a $10,000 scholarship and a new wardrobe.

The first runner-up was Miss San Francisco, Alicia E. Howard. The second runner-up was Miss Covina, Cori Jay Wellins.

The other finalists in the competition were: Miss San Diego East County, Barbara Lynn Humes; Miss Tulare County, Jennifer Lynn Cordua; Miss Sacramento County, Kristine Marie Smith; Miss San Joaquin County, Tracy Kathleen Hayes; Miss Greater Riverside County, Soraya Larissa Haeri, and Miss Greater East Bay, Anna Juliet Robinson.

For the talent competition, Hanson, Miss Garden Grove, sang “Since I Fell for You,” a blues vocal selection.

The talent portion of the three-day pageant accounts for 40% of each contestant’s score. Another 30% is given for a 12-minute private interview and 15% each for evening wear and swimsuit competitions.

The pageant was televised from the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno, only the third city to host the contest during its 70-year history.