Miss Rhode Island and Miss Iowa Win First Night Preliminary Awards

Miss Rhode Island Ashley Bickford in her award-winning swimsuit presentation.

Miss Iowa Diana Reed in her award-winning baton twirling performance, set to

On January 22, the 52 contestants in the 2008 Miss America pageant competed in all phases of competition during the first night of preliminaries. The event was hosted by Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry.

Miss Rhode Island Ashley Bickford received a $1,000 scholarship for her performance in the swimsuit competition. Ashley wore a black and gold bikini provided by Winn Wear.

Miss Iowa Diana Reed won a $2,000 scholarship for her talent performance. She performed a rousing three-baton twirling act to "You Can't Stop The Beat" from the musical "Hairspray."

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