The contemporary skills and talent competition brought out laughter and applause for the four young ladies running for Miss Navajo Nation 2008-2009 on Tuesday evening at the Navajo Nation Museum auditorium.

The auditorium was standing-room only and packed to capacity with spectators who came out to watch the competition, which included the four contestants competing in contemporary skills, public speaking, contemporary talent, evening gown and impromptu questions.

Each portion of the competition was timed and watched by five judges.

The contestants this year are Latasha Tom from Blue Canyon, Ariz., Rikki Jane Watchman from Yahtahey, Danielle Coralynn Goldtooth from Farmington and Yolanda Jane Charley from Chichiltah.

“What contemporary skills are is actually something you learn that can help you make a living ... because a skill is knowledge that’s acquired, that you have to work at and practice and learn,” said mistress of ceremony former Miss Navajo Nation Jocelyn Billy.

Amy Jackson, a 16 year old girl from Knowsley Village, England, triumphed over 25 international contestants, and was crowned Miss Teen World 2008.

This beauty didn’t let the fact that she had already won the Miss Teen Liverpool and Miss Teen Great Britain pageants give her any extra confidence. After all, she was competing against 25 of the most beautiful girls in the world. She told the Liverpool Echo:

‘I was completely shocked to win and so happy. I really thought I had not made the final five. But then I went on to take the title. I made lots of friends during the competition and may now be going to live in Texas for a year to promote the contest.’

Amy Jackson won 18 various prizes, which include: a modeling contract in the US, a wardrobe of clothes, cosmetics, shoes and a £10,000 scholarship.

A West end girl is in the running to become Miss Earth Scotland 2008, a beauty pageant where entrants do not only look good but are also beauties with a cause.

Twenty five year-old Razan Kandi of Knightswood, Glasgow and of Syrian origin, is hoping that she will pull in the votes and have the crown placed on her head to become Scotland’s “green goddess”.

First she has to get through the national grand final against 15 other young UK hopefuls later this year in Warwickshire.

If successful, Raz will be flown to Manila in the Philippines to represent Scotland in the final showdown against beauties from more than 90 countries to see who will take the coveted title of Miss Earth.

In an elegant salon inspired by a classic dance hall, the hotel Jaragua’s Teatro La Fiesta was the stage for the Miss Dominican Tourism 2008 beauty pageant,

where National District representative Keiry Calderón was selected among the 17 candidates.

Monseñor Noel’s candidate Esther Tejeda was first runner-up, and the other provincial representatives showed their talent and scenic presence.