Each time the competition for Charlie Sheen‘s social media summer intern has progressed to the next level, a host of localized media stories have appeared profiling the lucky(?) remaining contestants.

As of this week, the competition is down to a final group of 50, courtesy of a YouTube-powered phase three. Among the remaining gluttons for punishment are:

- Recent LA transplant Krystelle Lorraine, who has started a social media consulting firm called Modern Muse Online. [Hartford Courant]

- Canadians Phil Pallen, currently studying in Florida (pictured), and Sepy Bazazzi, a 25-year-old west coaster who does social media work for a restaurant chain. [Vancouver Sun]

- Columbia College student Mike Zima, 24. As the last standing Illinois contestant – may now benefit from Sheen’s newfound love for the Windy City. [NBC Chicago]

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And then there were 250. That’s how many applicants have made it through to the third round of actor Charlie Sheen‘s highly publicized online competition for a summer, social media focused intern.

Among this group is 21-year-old part-time central Pennsylvania journalist Julia Hatmaker, who covers city politics and school issues for daily the Patriot-News. More importantly, she was an intern last summer for the UK government and writes about Twitter trends on her blog Trendtweet. She tells colleague Dustin Hockensmith:

“I first applied as a joke, because I thought I wouldn’t have any chance,” Hatmaker said. “I still don’t think it’s really going to happen, but I would be so excited. Whatever people may think of Charlie Sheen, he’s so smart at using social media to further his brand.”

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