Miss Michigan Rima Fakih is 1st Arab-American to win Miss USA pageant
By ANIMonday, May 17, 2010
NEW YORK - Rima Fakih, who was crowned Miss Michigan, has become the first Arab-American woman to win the Miss USA pageant.
The 24-year-old, fromDearborn, Mich., beat out 50 other contestants, including runner-up Miss Oklahoma, for the grand prize on May 16.
She was asked on stage how she felt about winning the coveted crown.
“Ask me after I’ve had a pizza,” the New York Daily News quoted her as saying.
“I feel great. Thanks for hiring me, Donald Trump,” she added.
Fakih accepted her crown from Kristen Dalton, the outgoing Miss USA, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Fakih, the daughter of Lebanese immigrants, is the first Arab-American ever to participate in the 59-year-old Miss USA pageant.
She is a graduate the University of Michigan-Dearborn with degrees in economics and business management. She plans to begin law school after her yearlong reign.
In addition to winning scholarships and a wardrobe fit for a queen, Fakih will be given a luxury New York City apartment to live in while she’s Miss USA.
Fakih, an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer awareness, will compete for the Miss Universe title later this year. (ANI)
