Stephanie Tsarsi, a resident of Syosset, was recently crowned Mrs. New York America 2005 at the annual Mrs. New York America pageant in Rochester. Tsarsi is a homemaker and lives in Syosset with her husband Christopher and her two children, Ariana and Alexander.

Tsarsi because the 29th married woman to earn the title. She was selected from 19 contestants across the state after competitions in interview, evening gown and swimwear.

Tsarsi will represent New York State's married woman at the Mrs. America Pageant in Palm Springs, California this September and make appearances statewide throughout her reign representing married women and her platform of early detection of colon cancer.

Tsarsi was born and raised on Long Island. After high school, she attended Boston University, majoring in psychology. She later obtained an associates degree in early childhood education at Nassau Community College.

While in college, Tsarsi worked as a model in New York City and competed in various pageants. She was crowned Miss Teen New York City in 1988 and went on to gain the national title of Miss Teen Cities of America in 1989. In 1992, Tsarsi placed first runner up in the Miss New York USA pageant.

On August 5, 1998, while celebrating her 28th birthday at Matteo's Restaurant in Roslyn, Tsarsi met Christopher. Matteo's was and still is her favorite restaurant and it just happens to be her husband's place of business.

On September 9, 2000, Stephanie and Christopher were married. On January 11, 2002, they were blessed by the birth of their daughter Ariana and on September 19, 2003, their family was made complete with the birth of their son Alexander.

In her spare time, Tsarsi enjoys visiting antique shops and thrift stores where she uses her discerning eye to make wise purchases. She then sells her fabulous finds on eBay. Her other hobbies include yoga, fitness and cooking.

Tsarsi's platform as Mrs. New York America 2005 is early detection of colon cancer. Two years ago, her mother-in-law was diagnosed with this disease, which prompted the desire to learn more and to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her goal is to use her celebrity status and now "bigger voice" to help raise awareness and spread the message of the necessity to screen early for prevention of colon cancer.

"Stephanie is clearly the entire package," said Joanne Cercone, Executive Director/Producer and former Miss New York. "She is very dynamic and will do an excellent job of representing Mrs. New York America. She also has a very supportive family, which is very important because that is what we are doing here - promoting family."

The following women were selected as top five finalists: first runner-up - Jennifer Johnson, second runner-up - Shiemicka Banner, third runner-up - Dasha Braverman and fourth runner-up Jolene Matthews.

The Mrs. America Pageant is the only pageant for married women to be televised on the national and world levels. The Mrs. America Pageant will air national on the PAX television network.

For more information, contact pageant office at (585) 225-5795 or visit www.mrsnewyorkamerica.com.

-Denise Nash