Lima woman fares well at Miss Ohio Pageant

MANSFIELD - Shannon O'Neill, of Lima, won the best interview award and was one of the 12 semifinalists in the Miss Ohio competition held during the weekend in Mansfield.

O'Neill, 19, a 2007 Lima Central Catholic High School graduate and sophomore at Fordham University's Lincoln Center Campus in New York City, earned a $1,500 scholarship for the interview award. She was one of 27 statewide contestants, representing the Lima area by winning the Miss West Central Ohio Pageant in July.

Her semifinalist selection was based on her performance in the interview, evening wear, talent performance and bathing suit components. O'Neill's vocal performance was the Barbra Streisand classic "Don't Rain On My Parade" from "Funny Girl."

O'Neill will return to New York City this fall to begin an internship at CBS News. She is the daughter of Dr. James and Christine O'Neill, of Lima.

Karissa Martin, of Woodsfield, won the Miss Ohio competition and will compete in the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas in January. Erica Gelhouse, of St. Henry, placed as second runner-up while Jessica Barrett, of Wapakoneta, Victoria Miller, of Delphos, and Heather Waterman, of Celina, also participated.