After the glitz and glam of Hollywood shone its bright lights on the recently concluded Miss USA pageant, several of the stand-out contestants left lasting impressions on fans and admirers alike. This year's batch of beauties caused a stir as they made their way through the streets of Hollywood. From the arctic state of Alaska, to the island state of Hawaii, and even from the good ol' state of New York, to the sunny state of California... all 50 states + the District of Columbia were represented by their finest. In the end it was Missouri who took home the crown, and she makes her way to Quito, Ecuador in June to compete at Miss Universe. But that's not to say that the other ladies aren't to be forgotten. Among them, one of them took it all the way to the Top 5. As a veteran of the Miss America Organization pageant, she took what she could and worked it in Hollywood, landing her in the 4th Runner-up position after all was said and done. The April SPOTlight, ladies and gents, goes to the ever-so-hot Miss Tennessee, Stephanie Culberson!

Miss Tennesse, Stephanie Culberson, as she competes during the swimsuit preliminaries at the Kodak Theater on Hollywood and Highland.

The 24-years-old professional healthcare representative from Chattanooga entered the pageant as an early favorite along the likes of pageant powerhouses Texas and California. Along with a slew of other southern belles, Miss Tennessee entered the Top 15, the Top 10, and eventually, the Top 5, where she tipped-out as 4th runner-up. Her 2nd runner-up finish in the 2002 Miss America Pageant surely helped to pave the way for her at Miss USA.

As a graduate of Lee University, Stephanie Culberson maintained a 4.0 GPA. She double-majored in Business and Piano Performance, and graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2003. To add to that feat, Stephanie was awarded the F. J Lee award, given to the school's most outstanding student. In addition to these accolades, she's also been awarded the Honor, Presidential, Celeste Ann Marley Music, and Robertson Leadership Scholarships.

Stephanie was the Official Spokesperson for the Governor's Alliance for a Safe and Drug Free Tennessee in 2001. During her year as spokesperson, she traveled over 50,000 miles across the state of Tennessee delivering a personal message to school children on the importance of staying drug free.

While she didn't take home the crown, she took away a great experience just being a part of the magic 5. America is sure to see more of this Tennessee swan in the future. The world hasn't heard the last of Miss Stephanie Culberson, Miss DAILYdish SPOTlight for April 2004!