Sweeney first-runner-up in Miss Nevada Pageant

Carson High School graduate Diana Sweeney, 18, placed first runner-up in the Miss Nevada Pageant held in Mesquite on July 2 and 3. Sweeney competed as Miss University of Nevada. For her talent she performed a lyrical dance, as she has been dancing since the age of three and currently teaches and choreographs for local studios.

Sweeney was previously Carson City's Outstanding Teen in 2010.

She was also awarded the "Miracle Maker" award for her fundraising efforts on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network.

The 18 year old is a full-time student majoring in mathematics and education.

An Elko native who is majoring in journalism at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will be representing her state in the 2013 Miss America pageant.

Randi Sundquist, whose talent is contemporary dance, was crowned Miss Nevada.

During her yearlong reign as state titleholder, Sundquist will promote the prevention of bullying. Along with that personal platform, she'll be advancing the Miss America Organization's national cause - the hospital fundraising foundation Children's Miracle Network.

She takes the crown from 2011 Miss Nevada Alana Lee, daughter of Democratic State Sen. John Lee.

The 2012 Miss Nevada court included first runner-up Sweeney.

Las Vegas residents Elizabeth Mercado, Alyssa D'Agostino and Ashley Tarchione completed the top five.

Henderson resident and singer Ellie Smith topped the related 2012 Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen pageant, which includes contestants between 13 and 17.

Runners-up were Sabrina Singh of Henderson, Audrey Morris of Las Vegas, Katarina Clark of Reno, and Paris Regan of Carson City.

Smith will compete in the national teen competition in August at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Sundquist will compete in the national Miss America pageant in January at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.