Christina Novak (sophomore-music) recently won the title Miss State Capitol and a $650 scholarship, completing the first step toward the Miss America Pageant.

Novak will compete in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant June 11-18 along with fellow University students Karla Smith (junior-elementary education) and Laura Sikes (sophomore-business), she said. The winner of this pageant will continue on to the Miss America Pageant next year.

Smith won the Miss Greater Reading Pageant early this month and Sikes became Miss Nittany Valley two weeks ago.

Nancy Sinisi, media coordinator for the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant, said that it is not unusual for three women from the same area to each win local pageants.

"Many of the local pageants are what we call opens. Women are permitted to enter almost any pageant in the state whether they are local residents or not," she said.

Novak, a Dickson City native, said she has been participating in the local pageants for two years. Participating in the pageants has been a learning experience, she said.

"I think I have made great strides in personal development as a performer and as a communicator," she added.

Novak plays the piano in the talent competition, she said.

Having been Miss State Capitol for about a month, Novak has appeared in a parade and a television interview. Novak said she will also co-host a radio program on one of Harrisburg's local stations.

"Right now, my biggest responsibility is preparing for the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant in June," she said.