Juliana Erdesz, Miss Carson City, has been crowned the new Miss Nevada 2008 Friday night at the Grand Sierra Resort.

Christina Keegan, Miss Carson Valley, received first runner-up.

Erdesz’s platform is keeping arts in education, and she has offered free dance classes to elementary students in the region.

She has taught at Positive Energy Dance Studio in Carson City, and at other studios in Northern Nevada.

Erdesz takes over as Miss Nevada from, Caleche Manos, who also represented Carson City when she ran for the title.

The Miss Nevada competition entered its 60th year this year and the event honoured all the previous title holders.

Erdesz will represent Nevada in the Miss America pageant on Jan. 24.