Baton Rouge, LA - August 8, 2005 -This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Ohio's Allie LaForce as MISS TEEN USA® 2005.

Ms. LaForce is a 16 year-old from Vermilion, Ohio who plans on studying broadcast journalism and participating in NCAA athletics so she can live out her dream of interviewing professional athletes.

MTV VJ and Miss USA 2003, Susie Castillo, co-hosted with 'Passions' Heartthrob Galen Gering live from the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. Teen sensation Aaron Carter performed "Saturday Night" and "American Idol's" Kimberley Locke sang her top 20 hit "I Could."

The celebrity judging panel for Miss Teen USA 2005 included: Kathy Hilton, NBC's "I Want to be a Hilton," Naima Mora, CoverGirl spokesmodel and winner of "America's Next Top Model," John Ferriter, Senior Vice President Television-Cable Syndication Network Reality Department and head of Network Alternative at William Morris Agency; Shane McRae, Bobby on NBC's "Four Kings;" Danica Stewart, Jessica Bennett on NBC's "Passions;" Matt Ellis, Tommy's roommate on NBC's "Tommy Lee Goes to College;" and Lou Pearlman, world famous music producer.

Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Shelley Hennig, Miss Teen USA 2004, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

Miss Photogenic Teen USA™ Award: LaTasha Laine Lawrie, Miss Kansas Teen USA. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.

Miss Congeniality Teen USA™ Award: Rachel Joy Woolard, Miss Missouri Teen USA. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.