The Daily Star, Oneonta, NY - The Newspaper for the Heartland of New York

Miss N.Y. is still "special"
LAS VEGAS _ Miss New York didn't win a crown in Las Vegas, but relatives said she will remain a gem in the Baldanza family.
2008 Miss America Pageant: Elisabeth Baldanza
Rebecca Meston talks about her sister, Elisabeth
Rebecca Meston, talks with Denise Richardson, Daily Star Reporter, about her sister Elisabeth Baldanza.
Adam & Terri Baldanza talk about Elisabeth
From the 2008 Miss America Pageant, Adam and Terri Baldanza speak with us about their pride in Elisabeth.
Kathleen Piccirillo, modeling coach, talks about Miss New York.
Kathleen Piccirillo, modeling coach, talks about Miss New York.
A SCENE SETTER: An exhibit by Pageantry magazine
At the trade show, Tracy Alexander, of Oklahoma, has her hair done by Larry Chowning, hair and makeup stylist for Miss Oklahoma 2006 and 2007, who were crowned Miss America those years.
Miss America Notebook: Reminders of Oneonta amid the glitz of Vegas
Robin Meade, Cable News Network anchor, has taken a chair on the news-making side as she heads the judges panel for this year's Miss America pageant.
Pageant redefines 'it girl"
Clara Bow, Edie Sedgwick, Twiggy, Goldie Hawn, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton. They have been described as "it girls," and Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007, has taken the modern-day title.
Finale to air at 8 p.m.
Elisabeth Baldanza, Miss New York 2007, will appear with 51 other women on Miss America Live! on cable television at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Baldanza: Pageant has been a learning experience
The Miss America pageant has been a learning experience, said Miss New York Elisabeth Baldanza during a break between lunch and rehearsals Thursday.
Miss New York dons gown, swimsuit
Thursday night was the final preliminary contest in the Miss America pageant, and it was Elisabeth Baldanza's turn as Miss New York to compete in the evening gown and swimsuit competition.
Miss America Notebook: In Vegas, get ready to ask for directions
The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is connected to the Miracle Mile Shops. It's not possible to walk through either without being approached by someone trying to sell something, even service to help carry my luggage.
Miss N.Y. fields practice questions
Miss New York, also known as Elisabeth Baldanza of East Meredith, went shopping Wednesday _ sort of.
Miss America judges seek passion, role models
Judges of the Miss America pageant are looking for passion.
Watch Elisabeth on Reality Check
Watch Elisabeth on Miss America: Reality Check on the TLC website.
Pageant opens for Miss N.Y., 51 others
"Born to Win.'' Elisabeth Baldanza, Miss New York, was in this category of Miss America contestants to be presented Tuesday night in the first of three preliminaries this week to determine the next crown-bearer.
N.Y.'s Miss Americas made history
Three Miss New York contestants have been crowned Miss America, and in the process, two of them made history.
Baldanza one of 52 women seeking crown
The Miss America pageant has provided many opportunities and millions of dollars in scholarships for its contests since the first event more than 85 years ago.
Pageant History
Some highlights of pageant history