Lisa Murkowski: “congratulations are in order for a ``Royal'' Alaskan on my staff. Staff Assistant Ivette Fernandez was recently crowned…”

“congratulations are in order for a ``Royal'' Alaskan on my staff. Staff Assistant Ivette Fernandez was recently crowned Miss Alaska USA 2001 at the state pageant held in Anchorage. Ivette was judged in the interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions. Along with the title of Miss Alaska USA, Ivette also was honored with the Miss Congeniality title. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Ivette is the daughter of Antonio and Gloria Fernandez of Fairbanks. She is a graduate of Lathrop High School in Fairbanks and attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks before transferring to The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, DC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from GWU in the fall of 1999. Her future plans include attending law school and working in International Affairs. As the new Miss Alaska USA, Ivette will represent Alaska in the Miss USA pageant which will be held in early February in Gary, Indiana. Ivette will compete for the title of Miss USA with other young women from 49 states and the District of Columbia. Upon winning the Miss Alaska USA title, Ivette won scholarship and wardrobe money, a free trip to the national pageant, and other generous prizes, as well as her crown and sash. However, this is not her first time wearing a crown. In April 1999, Ivette represented Alaska as our Cherry Blossom Princess for the National Cherry Blossom Festival here in Washington, DC. My wife Nancy and I have known Ivette for many years.…”