Two Rebels will be among the women competing for the Miss USA crown this year. Claire Schreiner and Emily Anne Miller will have a hometown crowd rooting for them when the competition is held May 16 at the Planet Hollywood theater.
Claire Schreiner
'09 BA Journalism and Media Studies
Miss Wyoming USA
Got my start: Being from Wyoming, the opportunities in the entertainment industry are limited. I started competing in pageants and got the pageant bug.
Favorite part of the competition: I love the interview. I don't stress about having the "right" answer. It's more about letting the judges see your personality.
Least favorite: Not being able to eat cupcakes. The final question is also nerve-wracking. It always seems to provide the YouTube moment of the year. I'm praying that I am not that girl.
People would be surprised to know: It's both physically and mentally demanding. For the mental side, I journal every day. I also keep up on current events so I'm confident going into the interview.
UNLV experience: I came here on a scholarship for high jumping. That taught me some skills - time-management, hard work, how to prepare physically - and has helped me prepare for the pageant.
Post-pageant plans: Last year, I interned at ESPN for Kenny Mayne (a fellow alumnus, '82 BA Communication Studies), and I really liked being part of the broadcast world. But I have to admit my secret love is soap operas. I would love to act in them.
Emily Anne Miller
UNLV senior, majoring in dance
Miss South Dakota USA
Got my start: When I was in second grade, I discovered I was dyslexic. So as an incentive to achieve good grades, my parents told me I could do any activity I wanted. I had just watched a pageant on TV, and that just popped out of my mouth.
Favorite part of the competition: It's kind of weird but I really love the swimsuit portion because it's all about showing your confidence. If you can feel great walking across a stage in heels and a swimsuit, you can do just about anything.
Least favorite: Trying to get the glue off that holds your swimsuit in place. It takes days.
People don't realize: That Miss USA and Miss America are two different pageants. Miss USA goes on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
UNLV experience: I think coming here was the best decision I've ever made. The dance department is well-connected, and I've had the chance to perform regularly and to travel overseas to Australia and South Korea. I hope now to go on to Miss Universe.
Post-pageant plans: I'll move to Los Angeles to pursue acting. It's also always been my dream to be a Radio City Rockette, so I plan to try out for the holiday extravaganza.
