There’s nothing that glitters like the sparkling lights of Los Angelesexcept for maybe a tiara.

For West Virginia University student Carolyn Jennings, a senior broadcast news major from Erie, Pa., and member of WVU ’s Golden Key honorary, L.A. is where she hopes to fulfill her dream of becoming the new Miss USA .

In just a few weeks, Jennings, the reigning Miss West Virginia USA , will make the cross country trip to compete for the crown at the legendary Kodak Theatre. The pageant will be broadcast live on NBC at 9 p.m. April 12.

Leading up to the event, Golden Key will host a send-off party from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Hatfields on WVU ’s downtown campus.

Trey Hinrichs, WVU ’s 2003-04 Mountaineer mascot, will serve as master of ceremonies for the festivities, while student body president Jordan Workman and University officials will speak on Jennings’behalf.

Entertainment includes Brooks Parker, an accomplished musician and freshman music major, who will play the piano and perform a song he wrote calledHometown.

State and local dignitaries, WVU administrators, Golden Key members and other students are invited to wish Jennings good luck and enjoy light refreshments with her family and guests.

Randy Sanders, state director of the Miss West Virginia USA Pageant, will also be attending. He said this is a proud moment for WVU .

One of WVU ’s own is representing the state of West Virginia in one of the most celebrated events in the country,he said.Carolyn Jennings will compete for the title of Miss USA April 12 th . During this time, she will not only raise awareness of what a magnificent state West Virginia is, but of the tremendous education she is receiving at West Virginia University.

Besides the send-off party, Morgantown Mayor Ron Justice plans to issue a proclamation, calling upon city leaders to recognize March 24 as Carolyn Jennings Day to coincide with the event.

For more information about the Miss USA Pageant or Jennings, go to http://www.missusa.com/delegates/2004/state/WV.html.