Lauren Abshier, a junior political science major from Monroe, was crowned as the 2009 Miss Tech during the annual pageant held at Louisiana Tech on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Abshier is the daughter of Virgil and Laurie Abshier, and her platform is cystic fibrosis awareness.

First runner-up was Nicole Fairburn, a junior finance major from Covington. Fairburn is the daughter of Dale and Rhonda Fairburn. Second runner-up was Nancy Hedgemon, a senior kinesiology and health promotions and business administration major from Shreveport. Hedgemon is the daughter of Abner and Helen Hedgemon.

Third runner-up was Lexie McKenzie, a sophomore accounting major from Minden. McKenzie is the daughter of Mark and Misty Wise. Fourth runner-up was Sarah Vance, a junior marketing major from Tioga. Vance is the daughter of James and Debra Vance.

Lacy Thibodeaux served as Miss Tech 2008. The other contestants were Rebecca Price, a freshman nursing major from Bossier City; Jessica Hill, a junior psychology major from Ruston; Elizabeth Drobina, a junior aviation management major; Savanna Marie Pace, a junior animal science major from Alexandria; and Kari Alayna Austin, a freshman nursing major from Quitman.

Written by Judith Roberts