Tiffany Haas (front) is crowned Miss Ohio 2003 by Natalie Witwer, Miss Ohio 2002. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        MANSFIELD, Ohio — Tiffany Haas, a University of Cincinnati sophomore from Yorktown, Va., has been crowned Miss Ohio 2003 and will represent the state at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., in September.

        Haas, 20, competed Saturday night as Miss Heart of it All with a platform of “Operation Smile: Changing lives one smile at a time.” The nonprofit organization helps pay for reconstructive surgery for people with facial deformities.

        Hass, a singer who majors in musical theater, performed “Glitter and be Gay” during the artistic competition. She receives five scholarships worth $14,200 for the title and for individual events.

        The first runner-up was Jennica McCleary, 21, of Navarre, competing as Miss Cincinnati. She receives a $6,000 scholarship and will serve as Miss Ohio if Haas becomes Miss America or cannot complete her year as titleholder for other reasons.

        The second through fourth runner-ups, in order of finish, were Katie Kauppila, 24, of Olmsted Falls, Miss Conneaut; Andrea Ison, 23, of Marion, Miss Mansfield; and Heather McDonald, 24, of Akron, Miss Greater Cleveland.

        Rounding out the top 10 were: Katie McMurray, 20, of Celina, Miss Clayland; Amanda Beagle, 22, of Warren, Miss Summit County; Amity Sites, 22, of Zanesville, Miss Miami Valley; Bryn River Hough, 21, of Massillon, Miss Ashland; and Monica Boggs, 19, of Columbus, Miss Greater Columbus.

        On the Net: www.missohio.org

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