Pageant winners urge responsible actions

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 | 11:20 a.m.

Nevada's newly crowned Miss Nevada USA and Miss Nevada Teen USA said Monday their goals are to encourage responsible actions by teens and young adults.

Ashley Huff, 22, and Ashley Phelps, 15, both blue-eyed blond Las Vegans, won their crowns Saturday night in Henderson.

Monday morning they were at the pageant's California headquarters preparing to have official photographs taken and prepare their schedules for the upcoming USA pageants and speaking engagements throughout Nevada.

"I'm excited to get a chance to use the crown to get the message out about Gov. Kenny Guinn's Abstinence Works program," said Huff, a junior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a cosmetic artist at Victoria's Secret.

"I have been working on this program for three years to encourage sexual and drug abstinence and living a healthy lifestyle."

The 5-foot-7 1/2 Huff is majoring in cosmetic dentistry and enjoys dancing, working out and playing tennis.

Phelps, who is the founder and president of Faith Lutheran High School's Students Against Destructive Decisions, said encouraging youth responsibility will be her platform for the Miss Teen USA pageant.

"It used to be Students Against Drunk Driving, but now it encompasses so much more to address all of the negative influences," said the 5-foot-7 sophomore cheerleader who plans to one day become a clinical psychologist. "I hope to spread the message at schools all over the state."

Phelps' hobbies include shopping and going to the movies. She has been a Las Vegas resident since age 5.

"We are so excited to have two very impressive ladies representing Nevada," said Carolee Munger of San Luis Obispo, Calif., executive director for the Miss Nevada USA and Teen USA pageants.

"This is our first year doing the pageant in Nevada and we were fortunate to get two representatives who are so faith-based and goal-oriented."

Sixteen girls competed at the Henderson Convention Center for the Miss Nevada Teen USA crown Saturday night. Six women vied for the Miss Nevada USA title at the same location.