GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI SCORE EARLY WINS IN PAGEANT

Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman

Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski

LAS VEGAS (AP) —Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman and Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski walked away winners in the second night of preliminary competition at the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.

Hardman, 24, of Columbus, took home a $2,000 scholarship Wednesday night for her performance in the talent contest. Hardman sang "Home" from the musical "The Wiz."

Kozlowski, 19, of D'lberville, won the swimsuit competition with her walk across the stage in a black and white bikini. She won a $1,000 scholarship. Kozlowski is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi.