Miss America 1981

Miss America 1981, Oklahoma - Susan Powell
1st runner-up, Alabama - Paige Phillips
2nd runners-up (tie), Mississippi - Donna Pope, New Jersey - Therese Hanley
4th runner-up, Arkansas - Lencola Sullivan

54th Miss America Pageant
Held on September 6th, 1980 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Aired by NBC

Miss Arizona, Brenda Strong, went on to be an actress in Desperate Housewives.

Miss Washington, Doris Hayes, became the first African-American to win a Preliminary Award with a Talent win. She made the Top 10.

Miss Arkansas, Lencola Sullivan, was the first African-American contestant to place as a runner-up at Miss America. She also won the second Preliminary Award for Swimsuit.

Miss Maine, Valerie Crooker, was Miss Maine USA 1979.

Miss West Virginia, Pamela Ellen Paugh, was the Aunt of JonBenet Ramsey. She was also the sister of Miss West Virginia 1977.