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Vanessa Minnillo, Miss South Carolina Teen USA Crowned Miss Teen USA 1998

Shreveport, LA--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 18, 1998--Vanessa Minnillo, Miss South Carolina Teen USA, was crowned MISS TEEN USA 1998, Monday Night, August 17th during the 16TH ANNUAL MISS TEEN USA(R) on the CBS Television Network. Due to the timing of the Presidential Address, the network determined that they would crown a new titleholder and air a taped program, Tuesday night, August 18th, 9:00 PM, ET; 8:00 PM, CT.

Minnillo, 17, from Charleston, SC is a Senior at Bishop England High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Beta Club, and is also enrolled in several honors courses. She is involved in her community with Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and the Beach Clean-up Crew.

Hosted by Mario Lopez, star of the hit television series, Pacific Blue, the CBS Television Network Prime Time Special was recorded at the Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana. Miss South Carolina Teen USA was one of 51 State Delegates competing for the title.

According to Molly A. Miles, CEO of the Miss Universe Organization, ``Her reign will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with enriching opportunities for growth and self-discovery. We will work closely with Vanessa to plan a program designed to help her reach her personal, professional and humanitarian goals.''

First and second runners-up were Bridgett Jordan, Miss Tennessee Teen USA, and Victoria Franklin, Miss Nevada Teen USA respectively.

Ms. Minnillo was also presented with the Congeniality award, a HOYA Crystal statuette and one thousand dollars. The 51 State Delegates selected Minnillo as the recipient of this award for the extra energy and spirit that she exhibited during pre-pageant activities.

Vanessa will spend her spectacular year-long reign as Miss Teen USA traveling throughout the country, making special appearances on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization, its sponsors and affiliated charities. Miss Teen USA will also be represented by the William Morris Agency.

Eight U.S. and international celebrities served as judges for this final phase of competition: Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Tara Lipinski; Olympic Gold Medal Skier Jonny Moseley; MTV star Bill Bellamy; CBS sports announcer Tim Brando; fashion designer Jill Stuart; model Alek Wek; and stars of the CBS-TV primetime series, Promised Land, Austin O'Brien and Sarah Schaub.

`N SYNC, the musical chart-topping singing sensations, were headline performers showcasing from their self-titled debut album. Competition began tonight with the naming of the top ten finalists: Katee Doland, Colorado; Nicole Broderick, Florida; Nicole Manske, Illinois; Jennifer Reel, Mississippi; Victoria Franklin, Nevada; Vanessa Minnillo, South Carolina; Bridgett Jordan, Tennessee; Christie Cole, Texas; Misty Horn, Virginia; and Gina DeBernardi, Wyoming.

From the ten, five were selected: Victoria Franklin, Nevada; Vanessa Minnillo, South Carolina; Bridgett Jordan, Tennessee; Misty Horn, Virginia; Gina DeBernardi, Wyoming. From these, the final three were named, Vanessa Minnillo, South Carolina; Bridgett Jordan, Tennessee; and Victoria Franklin, Nevada.

The Miss Universe Organization, producer of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and CBS partnership. The 16TH ANNUAL MISS TEEN USA was executive produced by the team of Susan Winston and Dan Funk.