Shannon Kelahan-Pierson, a sophomore marine science major from Phoenix, Ariz., was crowned the 2013 Miss Coastal Carolina University on Sunday, Oct. 27, in Wheelwright Auditorium. The first runner up was Renee Williams, and second runner up went to Nicole Moody.

The Miss CCU pageant raised $500 for the Children's Miracle Network.

In addition to a $500 cash prize, Pierson will also host the opening day of the Homecoming Talent Show Extravaganza and have the opportunity to represent CCU in the next Miss South Carolina Pageant.

The Miss Coastal Carolina University pageant kicked off CCU's Homecoming Week. For a full list of Homecoming events, visit www.coastal.edu/homecoming.