Crystal Renee Hayslett and Jennifer Lauren Ogg captured the Miss UTM and Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival crowns Saturday night at UTM’s Harriet Fulton Theatre.

Hayslett and Ogg, both students at UTM, are looking forward to competing in the upcoming Miss Tennessee pageant.

“I’ve always dreamed of winning this title. This is my third year to compete in this pageant, and I worked so hard to get here. The third time’s the charm,” said Hayslett.

The joint scholarship pageants, which are preliminaries to the Miss Tennessee pageant, were hosted by Miss UTM 2002 Valli Kugler and her brother, Josh Kugler.

The 16 contestants were judged in the following categories: Lifestyle and Fitness in a Swimsuit, Artistic Expression, Presence and Poise in Evening Wear and an interview session with the judges.

Judge and former Miss Tennessee, Rita Wilson Howard, said that the interviews from the contestants were some of the best she has ever heard.

The pageant began with contestant introductions. Throughout the evening, special performances were given by Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival 2003 Brandi Dial, Valli Kugler, who sang a beautiful duet with Josh Kugler.

Then, the top six finalists were named and special awards were presented. Hayslett was named Miss Congeniality for the pageant.

The Non-Finalist Artistic Expression award was presented to Rachel Baker, a student at Murray State University. Jordan Cole, a senior at Westview High School, was presented the Non-Finalist Lifestyle and Fitness in a Swimsuit award.

UTM student Erica Jacobs was named first runner-up to Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival, while Tabitha Covington, a senior at Obion County Central High School, was named second runner-up.

Holly Barcroft and Jennifer Roberts, both UTM students, were named first and second runners-up to Miss UTM.

“All of the girls were so beautiful and talented. The judges had such a hard decision to make, but I think they made the right choices. I know both girls will be successful at the Miss Tennessee pageant,” Anna Evans, a UTM student from Martin.