June 2, 2003

MISS AMERICA 2003 ERIKA HAROLD VISITS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Stephen Moliver
Director of Public Relations
609.345.7571

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands -- May 30, 2003 � On Wednesday, Miss America 2003 Erika Harold made an unprecedented visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Also visiting the Virgin Islands was the President & CEO of the Miss America Organization George F. Bauer III. Harold and Bauer spoke at a press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on St. Thomas to promote the newly organized Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization.

Harold stated, �The beauty of the Virgin Islands is breathtaking. Thank you to all of the residents for giving me such a warm welcome. I am motivated by the fundraising efforts of the Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization, Women who are interested in scholarship and platform opportunities, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-four, who are residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact the Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization to learn more about the many scholarships offered.� In her quest for the Miss America title, Harold was awarded more than $80,000 in scholarship assistance.

Bauer commented, �The Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization and its leaders exemplify the spirit and mission of the Miss America Organization. The president of the Organization, Shannon Skokos, is fiercely dedicated to empowering the young women of the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing to them educational scholarships and opportunities to express their opinions, talent and intelligence. We are delighted to have the Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization as part of the Miss America program.�

Harold and Bauer�s visit of the Virgin Islands climaxed at the first annual Miss Virgin Islands Dinner Gala, a fundraiser held Wednesday night. With the simple elegance of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Ballroom serving as a backdrop, Miss America 2003 Erika Harold flowed among the crowd of attendees during the opening reception and then eloquently explained during the dinner following the numerous scholarship opportunities provided due to the attendees� participation in fundraising events such as the dinner gala.

As the world�s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation�s leading achievement programs, The Miss America Organization made available more than $45 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance last year. Based in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs.

Other Press Releases

May 7, 2003 - Miss America Organization Announces the Appointment of Stephen Moliver as Director of Public Relations

April 4, 2003 - Miss America 2003 Erika Harold to Appear in Cheyenne, Wyoming with Darrel Scott of the Rachel's Challenge Campaign

March 17, 2003 - Miss America Organization Approves New Management Team For Miss Colorado Scholarship Organization

February 26, 2003 - Miss America Organization Awards a Franchise to the U.S. Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization

February 25, 2003 - Miss America Organization Recognizes Outstanding Volunteer Theresa A. Beauchamp with National Academy of Honor Award

February 11, 2003 - Former Miss America Contestant Receives Prestigious Award from Toastmasters International

February 6, 2003 - Miss America 2003 Erika Harold Logs 50 Appearances To Date

December 10, 2002 - Appointment of Jeffrey J. Quin as Director of Production / Events

November 13, 2002 - George Bauer Appointed CEO/President

October 11, 2002 - National Community Service Scholarship Winner

October 2, 2002 - Miss America 2003 Erika Harold to Attend World Health Organization's Launch of Report on Violence and Health

September 27, 2002 - Miss America Organization Announces Overall Finalists

September 19, 2002 - Maryland, Mississippi, Georgia, Missouri and Illinois Win Preliminary Awards in 2002 Miss America Competition

September 19, 2002 - Miss Mississippi and Miss Nevada Take Top Offstage Miss America Scholarships

September 18, 2002 - Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, New Jersey and Nevada Win Preliminary Awards in 2002 Miss America Competition

September 17, 2002 - Indiana, New York, Nevada, Maryland and Texas Win Preliminary Awards in 2002 Miss America Competition

September 3, 2002 - Preliminaries Host/Judges Panel

August 28, 2002 - Miss America Telecast

August 22, 2002 - The Miss America Parade

August 21, 2002 - Miss America Breakfast

August 12, 2002 - Miss America Family Fun

August 8, 2002 - Wayne Brady Selected As Host Of 2002 Miss America Competition

May 22, 2002 - Lay's Potato Chips

April 18, 2002 - The Miss America Organization launches Miss America Competition Magazine

March 1, 2002 - Miss America Organization Announces Resignation of Renneisen as President/CEO, Names Bauer to Head Organization

February 13, 2002 - Statement by Katie Harman, Miss America 2002

December 27, 2001 - Statement of Robert M. Renneisen, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miss America Organization

November 22, 2001 - Miss America Reigns at WPVI-TV Parade, Channel 6 Invites Katie Harman To Host Nation's Oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade

September 20, 2001 - Miss Iowa Named 2001 Miss America Scholar, $5,000 Scholarship Awarded by Miss America Organization

September 20, 2001 - Miss Utah Wins 2001 Quality of Life Award, Runners-Up are Maryland, Mississippi

September 20, 2001 - Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Pennsylvania Win Preliminary Awards in 2001 Miss America Competition

September 19, 2001 - D.C., Massachusetts, and Tennessee Win Preliminary Awards in 2001 Miss America Competition