Almaden woman named Miss California USA 2004

A 21-year-old college senior is the 53rd Miss California USA. Ellen Chapman of Almaden earned her crown at the annual state pageant held in the Labor Day weekend in Fresno. She is the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Chapman. Her siblings are Sarah, 19, and Daniel, 23.

In December, the 5-foot 10-inch brown-eyed brunette will receive her bachelor's degree in American Multi-Cultural Studies from Sonoma State University. She is also completing requirements for her elementary teaching credential. Ultimately she hopes to be a school principal. Chapman was selected as a community services advisor for 56 SSU freshman, is the social chair for her sorority and has participated in extensive leadership training. She is on the SSU Dean's List, a California Scholarship Federation Life Member and has received a Chancellor's Quest for Excellence Award.

Researching and applying time management techniques have helped Chapman to achieve her academic and personal goals, she says, and has caused her to set priorities. When asked where she would like to be as a VIP, in history or in the future, she replied, "I would be at Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech to hear and feel the power in that moment in time and to witness the world on the verge of change."

As Miss California USA, Chapman won her expenses to the national pageant, signature pendant, diamond crown ring, competition wardrobe and $5,000. The Miss USA Pageant will be produced in a live telecast on NBC in March and Chapman will be California's official state representative. She entered the state pageant as Miss San Francisco Bay Area USA.

Chapman will travel across the state promoting breast cancer awareness, the Miss USA
Pageant's official charity. She will also appear as a spokesperson around the country for Sun-Maid Growers of California, promoting the company's raisin products as healthy snack food for children and adults.

The Miss California USA Pageant is produced annually and concurrently with the Miss California Teen USA Pageant on the Labor Day weekend. The pageants are independently produced by the Munger Company, San Luis Obispo, by license and trademark agreement with Miss Universe, L.P., LLLP, New York. The parent company is a joint partnership with Donald J. Trump and NBC, Paul Shugart, president.