Cranberry Township native Sarrah Bair, a Seton Hill University sophomore biology major, will compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania International.

At the beginning of February, Bair won the title of Miss Cranberry Township. Next Bair will compete at the Miss Pennsylvania International Pageant on March 20, in Altoona, Pa., with the platform “Self Esteem and the Role of Tobacco Use Among Young Women.”

“Through research, I have found that many young women, regardless of their background, have low self-esteem and low expectations for the future,” said Bair. “These perceptions lead to an increased use of tobacco products among younger girls as their stress continues to increase.”

Bair’s interest in pageants was sparked rather ironically.

“I was watching the Miss America pageant with my roommates and told them all that I could do the same things the competitors in the Miss America pageant do. My friends laughed and said my goal was an impossible one,” said Bair. “I decided to apply and compete in a pageant to see if my talents would help me succeed. Much to my friends’ surprise, I did win. And, now, I’m competing for Miss Pennsylvania International.”

Bair is the daughter of Ronald and Mary Alice Bair of Cranberry Township. She is a 2008 graduate of Seneca Valley Senior High School. At Seton Hill, Bair is a member of the dance team. Upon graduation from Seton Hill, Bair plans to continue her studies and become a physician assistant.

In the Miss Pennsylvania International pageant, contestants are judged on interviews, fitness, fun fashion wear, and evening wear. The Miss International® system has been developed to promote today's young women and their accomplishments and is recognized as the premier pageant for young women ages 19-29.