FIRST NIGHT OF COMPETITION

The first night of Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition begins!

Elena (center) and other contestants in the opening production number

The Opening Production Number Concludes

Misstress of Ceremonies Kellye Cash

 Elena in Contestant Introductions

Elena in Miss America's Outstanding Teen Evening Wear Competition

The Contestants Await the Tuesday Night Preliminary Announcements

Elena (center) and other contestants continue to wait for the result announcements

Elena reacts as she is named Preliminary Evening Wear Winner (Photos courtesy of Joe Whiteko)

Elena poses for a photo with Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2006 Maria DeSantis following the announcement that Elena had won the Preliminary Evening Wear Award for Tuesday Night

Elena poses in her Evening Wear after winning the Preliminary Evening Wear Award

Tuesday Night Preliminary Winners: Miss Louisiana Mary Jane Hobgood - Talent, Miss Wisconsin Bishara Dorre - Sportswear  and Elena - Evening Wear

Elena and Miss Pennsylvania Rachel Brooks at Tuesday After-Pageant Visitation

Elena receives congratulations from her sister Bella

Elena and her Roommate Miss Iowa Outstanding Teen Taylar Swartz at the After-Pageant Visitation (Photo Courtesy of Joe Whiteko)

Elena receives telephoned congratulations at the Tuesday After-Pageant Visitation