April 12, 2004

Shandi Finnessey, a Lindenwood University graduate student, was crowned Miss USA Monday night in Los Angeles at the Kodak Theatre.

Finnessey, 25, of Florissant, has a degree in Psychology. She is seeking a master's degree in professional counseling. She was crowned Miss Missouri last year.

Finnessey receives a New York City apartment for a year, extensive travel opportunities and a yearlong salary. She will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant June 1 in Quito, Ecuador.

Finnessey had said during the state competition that her platform is integrating people with mental challenges into society.

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