2008 Woodie Awards
Here she comes, Miss America
Brittany Raine
Issue date: 2/15/06 Section: News
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The beauty. The brains. The bittersweet reality as Miss USA. Chelsea Cooley, or better known as Miss USA 2005, has gone from college student to capturing the crown; living and loving the American dream.
Cooley, the now 22-year-old fashion marketing student from Charlotte, North Carolina and junior at the Art Institute of Charlotte. From the quaint southern comfort to lights of New York City, Cooley is the first woman from her state to bring home the Miss USA crown.
Cooley is very involved with cancer, especially breast and ovarian, education, research and legislation. Her involvement with cancer charities eagerly brought her to Bridgeport last Wednesday to raise awareness and support for Swim Across the Sound.
Swim Across the Sound is a Fairfield County based cancer charity. The Swim sponsors 34 cancer education, screening and prevention programs.
In 2005, the Swim raised a record $2.52 million and helped 20,000 cancer patients and their families. Frank Szivos, director of Media Relations for the Swim, is proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
"The Swim is there when you need it," said Szivos. "It is a unique organization because it helps people on a personal level. The Swim fills the basic needs of cancer patients and their families that health insurance does not cover. We are avid towards trying to turn the tide against cancer."
The opportunity of a lifetime was offered to Cooley in the form of a crystal crown. In addition to balancing a public career, extensive travel and constant publicity, Cooley is very dedicated to a plethora of charities, such as Special Olympics, Toys for Tots and Flames to Blame.
"My favorite duty as Miss USA has to be the opportunity to meet some amazing people and help out with numerous charities," said Cooley. "I am a huge supporter of ovarian and breast cancer research and education and U.S.O."
This all American college girl and beauty queen has much more to her than what meets the eye. Cooley defies all stereotypes that are attributed to beauty pageant contestants.
"[Cooley] is the third Miss USA I've met at our events," said Szivos. "They have all been intelligent young ladies who have clear goals of what they want to do. One is already in acting. Miss USA has gone way beyond looking pretty in a bathing suit; she has to have intelligence, poise, and talent."