Miss USA Crowned as Winner of Miss Universe Contest
Miss USA, Brook Mahealani Lee, was crowned the 1997 Miss Universe Friday night in this multicultural, subtropical setting chosen by first-time pageant owner Donald Trump.
Lee, 26, of Pearl City, Hawaii, is in the master’s program for communication at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Miss Venezuela, 23-year-old Marena Bencomo, was the first runner-up, and Miss Trinidad and Tobago, 24-year-old Margot Bourgeois, was second runner-up.
Contestants from 74 countries vied for the title at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where an enormous stage was flanked by Art Deco buildings and palm trees.
Prizes include a $40,000 employment contract with the pageant, $10,000 in cash, a $10,000 shopping spree and a complete swim and sportswear wardrobe.
Actor George Hamilton emceed the show along with Marla Maples Trump.
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