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July 17, 2008

Kelsey Holcomb to compete in Miss United States pageant

By Tara Kaprowy The Sentinel-Echo Thu Jul 17, 2008, 01:38 PM EDT

Local pageant princess Kelsey Holcomb is having the experience of a lifetime this week, as she competes in the Miss United States pageant in Las Vegas.

The national pageant started Saturday and will conclude with crowning Thursday. The new queen will receive $5,000 in cash and prizes and will make public appearances throughout the United States.

“This is a very, very huge pageant,” mom Paula Thompson said.

Holcomb, 20, qualified for the competition when she won the Miss Kentucky United States crown back in April. Since, she has been preparing for Las Vegas, which has included sticking to a strict work-out regimen, purchasing her outfits, and keeping up on current events in anticipation of her interview.

“Her interview is her biggest strength,” Thompson said. “She has worked really very hard on interview and she has to. She’s spent a lot of time with interview coaches. They have asked her to keep her southern accent. They know you’re from Kentucky so don’t act like you’re from New York.”

The competition will involve the interview, swimsuit and evening gown categories.

In the evening gown category, Holcomb will wear a gold Claire’s Collection gown that was hand beaded in China.

During the interview, she will wear a black dress with a short black jacket she found at The Pink Slip Boutique.

The competition will involve much more than just the three categories, however. The girls will spend their days in rehearsals and will attend galas at night, including the American Heart Association’s Lady in Red event.

For all of their appearances, the women are to look the part of princess.

“Everywhere they go they’ll wear their sash and crown,” Thompson said. “It’s mandatory. Even in the airport.”

Holcomb got her start in pageants when she won Miss Laurel County Fair in 2005. Since, she’s enjoyed many successes, including Miss Commonwealth Kentucky, Miss Laurel County Homecoming, Miss Russell County Fair, Miss Montgomery County Fair, Miss Pittsburg Homecoming, Miss Clay County Days and Miss World Chicken Festival.

In the fall, Holcomb will return to University of Kentucky where she is a business and marketing major.

Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.

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