By FRANK LEWIS
PDT Staff Writer

Two Wheelersburg contestants picked up titles at Saturday night's Miss Portsmouth/Miss Scioto Valley competition at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on the campus of Shawnee State University.

Amber Bussa was crowned Miss Portsmouth, while Brooklyn Thompson picked up the title of Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen.

"We're happy that both Miss Portsmouth and Miss Portsmouth Outstanding Teen are from Wheelersburg," said pageant director Greg Davis. "Which is really nice. It was great. They're local, and I am very happy with that."

This year's Miss Scioto Valley is Alyssa Hanson, while Savanah Sexton is Miss Scioto Valley Outstanding Teen.

"Both Miss Portsmouth, Amber Bussa, and Miss Scioto Valley, Alyssa Hanson, from them getting to know each other, found out they both go to Ohio State University, and they live two blocks apart. So now, they will be able to talk to one another and get to know one another better."

Ashley Hartman was first runner up in the Miss Portsmouth/Miss Scioto Valley competition, while Kristen Haas was second runner up and Ashley Miller was third runner up.

In the Miss Portsmouth/Miss Scioto Valley Outstanding Teen competition, Emilee Lowe was first runner up.

"It went very well," said Davis. "I mean it was all day, but it worked out great. Our theme was 'Ladies Night,' and everyone seemed to have a really good time, and we now have four wonderful winners that we are going to take on to the state program next year."

Davis said from now until next June when the state pageant is scheduled, the winners will be preparing for Miss Ohio.

"That will include preparation for all phases of competition -- the interview, talent, physical fitness and swimsuit, and evening wear," Davis said. "And they will be doing community appearances in the area, including an appearance in November at the Holly Days event. SOMC (Southern Ohio Medical Center) is our corporate sponsor, so on the weekend of Holly Days they will be emceeing the entertainment portion that they have every year."

Davis said there are several other events scheduled for the pageant winners including a Bridal Expo in January.

Davis said photos from Saturday night's program are available on www.missportsmouth.org.

Earlier in the day, several titles were on the line for children, and nine winners were announced.

- Lexi Conkel -- Wee Miss Portsmouth

- Shelby Gillum -- Wee Miss Scioto Valley

- Rily Ashley -- Tiny Miss Portsmouth

- Alix Smith -- Tiny Miss Scioto Valley

- Alyssa Dingus -- Little Miss Portsmouth

- Shaelyn Vassar -- Little Miss Scioto Valley

- Julianna Logan -- Junior Miss Portsmouth

- Victoria Ruggles -- Junior Miss Scioto Valley

- Brady Gillum -- Little Mr. Portsmouth