With reverence, representatives from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands enthusiastically displayed their talents, fitness, poise, and intelligence. Each contestants' diversity proves that the Miss America competition, like the United States, is a melting pot.
Each contestant is given ninety seconds to demonstrate talent to the judges panel. Miss Minnesota Rebecca Yeh commanded judges' attention as confidently as she played each note on her violin during the talent competition. She was awarded a $2,000 scholarship for her performance.
And Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Griswold wore a black, Catalina Swimwear-designed bathing suit to display her commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. She was awarded a $1,000 for this phase of competition.
Volunteers and fund raisers were also recognized Wednesday night. For her nearly thirty-five years of volunteer service to the Miss America Organization, specifically in Michigan, Shelley Taylor was awarded the Academy of Honor Award.
In the seven years they have worked in partnership, the Miss America Organization has raised more than $9.5 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Awarded all three Miracle Maker Scholarships, representatives from South Carolina received awards for most money raised by a state organization, highest average dollar amount raised per contestant, and contestant to raise the most money for CMNH. Miss South Carolina Brooke Mosteller has raised $77,000 so far during her year of service. Overall, the state organization raised $135,000 (or $2,500 per contestant).
Tomorrow is the final night of preliminary competitions, and contestants' final shot at making it into the top fifteen. Stay tuned tomorrow for final preliminary competition details. And don't forget, you could choose one of the contestants to compete on stage Sunday night. Click here to vote for America's Choice now!
Written by: Erika Rose is fourpoints magazine's staff writer. If you have a story idea or photo you'd like to see in the magazine, e-mail her at erika@serendipitymediallc.com! Main photo: Miss America Organization