Ellis competing for Miss USA

Magen Ellis

Whitehouse's Magen Ellis will be competing with 50 other state representatives for the title of Miss USA 2007. Miss Ellis, a University of Houston student, is in Los Angeles, Calif., for two weeks of pre-taping, rehearsals, special events and preliminary competitions, all leading up to the televised Miss USA Pageant on Friday, March 23.

Miss Ellis, a 2005 graduate of Whitehouse High School, was crowned Miss Texas USA in Laredo last June 26. The 20-year-old professional model has spent the months since performing her official duties, preparing for Miss USA competition and participating in charitable events.

Those who would like to send cards or well wishes to Magen may mail them to: Magen Ellis, Miss Texas USA, c/o The Wilshire Grand Hotel, 930 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Voting for most photogenic begins around March 13, with the public able to cast votes at www.nbc.com.

The Miss USA Pageant is jointly owned by Donald Trump and NBC and will be broadcast live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. The winner will be awarded an employment contract with the Miss USA organization and will represent the company for one year, traveling, meeting dignitaries, participating in official charity and social events, appearing on TV and speaking on a variety of topics.

In June 2007, Miss USA will compete with young women from all over the world at the Miss Universe Pageant.