A 20-year-old Arkansas baby sitter won the title "America's Next Top Model" Wednesday night on the popular UPN show's season finale.

But the other two women in the final three -- both with Pittsburgh connections -- are determined to make a major mark on the industry.

Beaver Falls native Joanie Dodds was edged out in the final round by Danielle Evans, from Little Rock, Ark. Before that happened, Pittsburgh-born Jade Cole, who lives in Philadelphia, was eliminated after a Cover Girl photo and TV commercial competition.

In interviews yesterday, both reality show contestants said they plan to pursue modeling careers.

Dodds, 24, was grateful her appearance on the show helped shine a spotlight on Beaver Falls, home of former NFL great Joe Namath.

"I'm happy someone from our area got an opportunity to be nationally recognized, and kind of put us back on the map a little bit," said Dodds, who now lives in Patterson.

She's been overwhelmed by the encouragement of relatives, friends and strangers who watched her survive until the end of the program's sixth cycle.

"I love the buzz I'm getting," she said. "People just feel like they know me. That's great."

There were plenty of tense situations and stress, but Dodds said there was never a time when she wanted to quit. Her 63-day experience was a lesson in patience, with plenty of hurry-up-and-wait, three-hour rides to competition sites, 12-hour photo shoots, and the monotony that often set in because contestants were allowed no television, radio or newspapers.

She said the most important lesson she learned about modeling was "to own whatever you're doing. Do it with intention. Don't just do it because you think that's what models do. And be confident."

Even after the show had completed taping, Dodds flew back to California several times over a four-month period to complete extensive dental work that began during the competition. That work included four extractions, three bridges and crowns, which gave her a more attractive smile.

Dodds is eager to parlay her new look and her experiences into modeling and acting work, with Los Angeles as her base.

"I just can't wait to start working," she said.

Cole, who had experience as a model before being selected as a contestant on "Top Model," plans to relaunch her career in New York City. She's temporarily at home in Philadelphia, helping her mother care for her grandmother.

"Modeling is my passion," she said, "so I feel this experience has definitely opened more doors for me. And I'm going to continue on my quest to be a star supermodel."

Cole, 26, is aware she came across as the show's villain. She often appeared to be overly confident and, occasionally, catty. She said the program didn't show that she is warm and caring.

"Unfortunately, I believe everyone only saw the one side of me. I have a very strong character and presence. I'm confident, but I'm also sensitive and sweet. [The show] is like a fictional novel, and every fictional novel has an antagonist. That's what makes it interesting."

Cole said positive response from viewers "has been so overwhelming, and I feel so blessed."

"It was a great opportunity, as well as experience and exposure," she added. "I'm grateful to UPN and 'America's Next Top Model' for learning so much about myself. You live and you learn all the time."