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Highlands Today

Freeland Lands Miss Highlands Crown

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Leeza Freeland was named Miss Highlands County 2008 on Monday at the Highlands County Fairgrounds.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: February 13, 2008

Miss Highlands County 2008 Photo Gallery

SEBRING — Leeza Freeland can add another tiara and sash to her growing collection, after she was chosen from among 13 contestants as Miss Highlands County 2008.

The former Junior Miss Highlands County 2006 had at least one moment at the Highlands County Fair on Monday when she feared a small mistake might cost her a chance to again represent the county.

The 17-year-old daughter of Linda and the late John Freeland confided from the podium after the pageant that she tripped, while strutting her stuff in front of the judges, on her long, fuchsia evening gown. Apparently no one caught the error.

The brown haired green-eyed beauty was captain of the swim team for two years and is passionate about limiting poverty in the Bahamas.

When asked to tell the audience of 600 spectators what she would improve as Miss Highlands County 2008, during the interview competition, the National Honor Society member said she would help make fellow students more aware of community service opportunities.

The Expo Pavilion pulsed with activity as friends and acquaintances caught up and renewed old friendships. Many sampled fair food from the their seats in the bleachers. The rowdy crowd nearly filled the grandstands and loudly cheered on their favorites.

Jesslin Joy Rego acted as emcee and kept the pageant rolling as the event gathered steam. Samantha Wilson, Miss Highlands County 2007, helped with emcee duties, then thanked Jesus for her successes. Afterward she said the transfer of the crown was bitter-sweet.

Amanda Livingston won a photo package from Mark Delaney Photography after she was chosen as "Miss Photogenic." The daughter of Tommy and Michelle Livingston, and Richard and Tina Murray, is 17 years old, loves playing the piano, riding horses, sunning on the beach and playing volleyball.

The other contestants chose Justine Devlin as "Miss Congeniality."

Ashley Hoffner was second runner-up and is the daughter of Jodi and Scott Hoffner dreams of becoming a fashion designer. She was also awarded second runner-up.

Seventeen-year-old Logan Palmer was chosen as first runner-up and is the daughter of Patty Palmer and the late Mark Palmer. With blond hair and green eyes, Logan loves to sing, especially when worshipping God. She enjoys lake activities, riding four-wheelers and likes making people laugh.

The entire 90-minute pageant was videotaped and will be broadcast on Channel 4 on Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.

The contestants included: Rebekah Moody, Ashley Tinker, Crystal Brock, Jenny Bond, Melissa Moody, Paige Giller, Whitney Spires and Angilique Hammonds.

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