Ohio once again beats Michigan

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http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/09/teen.usa.ap/index.html

Ohio girl crowned Miss Teen USA

Tuesday, August 9, 2005; Posted: 9:35 a.m. EDT (13:35 GMT)

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (AP) -- Allie LaForce did her mother one better.

LaForce -- the daughter of Miss Teen Ohio 1977 -- was named Miss Teen USA Monday night, defeating 50 other contestants to take home the crown and a prize package worth an estimated $250,000.

The 16-year-old's winnings include a one-year modeling contract with Trump Modeling Management, a custom-designed wardrobe, a four-day trip to the Caribbean or Mexico, a scholarship to The School for Film and Television in New York and a one-time appearance on the NBC soap opera "Passions."

During her reign, LaForce will also share an apartment in Manhattan with Miss USA and Miss Universe, though she will fly back and forth to Ohio to finish high school.

LaForce plays varsity basketball, volleyball and softball and also sang at Carnegie Hall with her school choir.

LaForce said she plans to carry on the work on drugs and alcohol awareness started by her predecessor, Louisiana's Shelley Hennig, Miss Teen USA 2004.

"I definitely think it's a big issue facing teens and it can be changed with a little positive influence," she said.

Catherine Laurion, Miss Michigan Teen USA, was named runner-up.