After participating in her first pageant, Eliza Ganster has come away with a crown, a banner, a scholarship and new confidence in her own decisions -- such as the one to enter the Miss Pittsburgh 2008 pageant.

"When I first told people about it, my friends from high school thought it was kind of weird," Miss Ganster said.

"Even my best friend was like, 'Why would you do that?' "

Despite the skepticism of those friends, Miss Ganster, 18, of Hampton, followed through on her decision and in June was named Miss Pittsburgh 2008. She won the contest after a long day of interviews and displays of fitness and fashion sense.

Miss Ganster's interest in pageants began when she received a letter inviting her to participate in the Miss Teen USA pageant. She didn't feel ready for such a large competition, but the idea of entering a pageant was planted.

So Miss Ganster began looking for a smaller, more localized contest and settled on Miss Pittsburgh. The 14th annual pageant, held June 15 at the Radisson Hotel in Monroeville, is produced by Michele J. Alexander, of WinACrown by Lily Entertainment.

Before ever walking across the stage in her evening gown, though, she had to find sponsors. The contest requires participants to contact businesses and organizers looking for sponsors to help cover their costs.

"It's really a lot of work," she said.

Then she had to practice for the interviews. Although she was judged on a fitness routine, fashion sense by wearing an outfit that she believed best suited her personality, and an evening gown competition, she also had to answer a question after each of those events.

The topics included who was the most important person in her life (Answer: her mom) or what she thought of the motto that one should live each day as though it's the last.

"I just ended up saying that was a pretty extreme way to live your life," Miss Ganster said.

The bulk of her scores were based on the interviews, she said.

By the end, not only was she Miss Pittsburgh 2008, but she'd also been named Miss Photogenic and honored for best marketing.

Her winnings include scholarship money, an opportunity to attend modeling school and, of course, the crown and banner.

Miss Ganster is a student at Duquesne University, majoring in integrated marketing with a minor in broadcast journalism.

As Miss Pittsburgh, she will volunteer with organizations including Children's Hospital, Make-A-Wish and Veterans Affairs. She also will participate in parades and give speeches throughout the state.

Her advice to anyone thinking of taking on a similar challenge: Just be yourself.

"It sounds so cliche," Miss Ganster said. "But for pageants, you really have to be yourself. Especially for the interviews, you can't give canned answers. Just be honest."