CORNETT PRESENTS SEMINAR; MISS AMERICA AT RUST & MARTIN

Leanza Cornett wants to complete a degree in communications, pursue a theater career, and be a volunteer for social causes.

The degree may have to wait an extra year while the Jacksonville, Fla., native fulfills her duties as Miss America 1993.

During her reign as Miss America, Cornett is making personal appearances at home-furnishings stores and industry events. One of those appearances will be in Cape Girardeau next week.

Cornett will have a busy afternoon and evening in Cape Girardeau Tuesday. She will discuss "Current Trends in Colors and Home Decorating" at a special seminar to be held at Rust & Martin, 2502 Tanner Drive, between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. She will remain at the store between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. for an informal reception and autograph signing, and will be guest of honor at a private reception and fund-raiser for the Salvation Army from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The afternoon seminar conducted by Cornett Reservations are required. Reservations are available by calling the store at 334-4434 through Monday at 2 p.m.

The evening fund-raiser will also be held at Rust & Martin. Cost of the private reception will be $25 per person donation, with wine and hors d'oeuvres to be served by the Royal N'Orleans Restaurant.

Proceeds from the private reception will go to the Salvation Army Building Fund.

"We're happy to sponsor Miss America's visit to Cape Girardeau," said Harry Rust of Rust & Martin. "This is the first time we can remember a visit to Cape Girardeau by a Miss America."

Miss America 1989, Debbye Turner, a native of Arkansas, visited Charleston High School in November 1989, and Miss America 1971, Laurie Lee Schaefer, a native of Bexley, Ohio, visited Shawnee Community College near Ullin, Ill., in May 1972.

Sept. 20 became a special day for Cornett when she was named Miss America 1993. Besides receiving a $35,000 Miss America scholarship, she became a spokesperson for the Home Furnishings Council, an ongoing sponsor of the Miss America Pageant, held each year in Atlantic City.

Cornett, a student at Rollins College in Jacksonville, has appeared with some big names in the entertainment field as a member of a USO Troupe.

She has appeared with entertainer Michael Jackson and movie director Steven Spielberg, and has danced with Bob Hope. As a member of the USO Troupe, she performed for both the U.S. and Soviet navies aboard the USS Whitney upon its return from the Persian Gulf.

Cornett has more than eight years of voice training and extensive professional theater training and experience. She is also an AIDS awareness volunteer with the Hope and Help group and the Serenity House, which specializes in pediatric care for AIDS patients in Florida. She is active in "Just Say No to Drugs" programs in elementary school.