September 19, 1999
By STEVEN V. CRONIN Staff Writer, (609) 272-7242Miss Kentucky Heather Renee French was crowned Miss America 2000 before a sell-out crowd in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Convention Hall Saturday night.
"You cannot imagine the feeling running through my entire being right now,'' the 24-year-old design student at the University of Cincinnati told reporters moments after being crowned. "This is like a dream come true."
French's mouth dropped open and she hugged first runner-up Miss Illinois Jade Smalls as hosts Donny and Marie Osmond announced she was Miss America 2000.
French, the first contestant from Kentucky to win the pageant, began to cry as Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson placed the special gold millennium crown upon her head.
The daughter of a disabled Vietnam Veteran, French, who hails from Maysville, Ky., will spend her year promoting her platform as an advocate for homeless veterans. She volunteers in Veterans Affairs hospitals.
French's father was hospitalized in March with strep pneumonia, and she expressed concern about him minutes after her crowning.
"My father, I hope he was able to withstand the cheering crowd,'' she said.
French seemed confident throughout the final night telecast. For her talent she performed the song "As If We Never Said Goodbye.''
During the swimsuit competition she wore a white two-piece bikini bathing suit. French won the swimsuit competition in preliminary competition earlier in the week.
During the evening gown portion, the fashion major wore an unusual strapless blue gown that featured a tie-dyed-like pattern.
Second runner-up was Miss Pennsylvania Susan Spafford. Miss Maryland Keri Schrader was third runner-up. Miss Texas Yanci Yarbrough was fourth.
The remaining five contestants in the top 10 included: Miss Alabama Julie Smith, Miss Arkansas Brandy Rhodes, Miss Connecticut Sylvia Gomes, Miss New Jersey Victoria Paige and Miss Wisconsin Mary-Louise Kurey.
As Miss America, French will receive $40,000 in scholarships and stands to earn over $200,000 in speaking fees as she travels the country in the coming year.
(Staff writers Gail Wilson and Bett Norcross McCoy contributed to this report.)
