<p>The third time was a charm for Miss Lake Lanier Monica Pang, who was crowned Miss Georgia 2005 Saturday.</p><p>"I feel absolutely wonderful," Pang said minutes after emerging the winner from a field of 52 contestants at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus. "It seems like a surreal moment."</p><p>Pang, 24, graduated in 2003 from the University of Georgia where she majored in consumer journalism. She is the first Asian to win the title.</p><p>As Miss Georgia, she will receive a $15,000 scholarship and represent the state in the Miss America competition in Atlantic City, though a date hasn't yet been set, said Amy Gant, a spokeswoman for Miss Georgia.</p><p>Pang will focus on her platform, America's Promise, a program started by former Secretary of State Colin Powell to offer a safe place for children after school.</p><p>Saturday's competition was Pang's third try for the Miss Georgia crown. The classically trained pianist was first-runner up last year to Danica Tisdale, the first black to win the title. During the preliminary competition that started Wednesday, Pang won in the swimsuit and evening wear competition.</p><p>First runner-up was Miss Warner Robins Amanda Kozak, 20; second runner-up was Miss Spirit of Georgia Blair Alexandra Riley, 23; third runner-up was Miss Coastal Georgia Kelley Bradshaw, 21; and fourth runner-up was Miss Capital City Kristen Elizabeth White, 24. They will receive scholarships ranging from $2,500 to 8,000. Sara Waldan, Miss DeKalb, took Miss Congeniality.</p>
