Beauty pageant winners across America came together on Sunday night with each contestant representing her state, as the Miss America pageant sought to identify that one lady who most closely represents the ideals of America.
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She was declared the Miss America victor, among 52 contestants who vied for the prestigious title.
This year’s victor was Miss Arkansas, otherwise known as Savvy Shields, who was chosen above 51 other contestants for her beauty, intelligence, and skills.
For coming out on top in a competitive field of 52 women, 21-year-old Shields won a $50,000 college scholarship.
Shields “aims to educate people on how the foods we eat really make an impact on our lives as a whole, “according to the Miss Arkansas website”. She became the new Miss America on a night where she referred to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park in her introduction and was cut off while responding to a question about her thoughts on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
After her run as Miss America, Savvy wants to return to art school in the hopes of either working in a museum or becoming a teacher at collegiate level.
The rest of the finalists were Miss Kentucky, Miss Massachusetts, Miss Idaho, Miss Iowa, Miss Texas, Miss California, Miss Oklahoma, Miss Maryland, Miss Tennessee, and Miss Louisiana.
Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt was named the first runner-up and won a $25,00 scholarship.
Miss America 2017 was hosted by ABC’s Chris Harrison and Sage Steele, and the event was broadcast live from Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City. She later said it seemed both candidates seemed to be yelling at each other and they needed to focus more on compromise.
“This is such an iconic moment, the toe dip in Atlantic City that every Miss America does”, she said.
Celebrity jury included millionaire American businessman and investor Mark Cuban, American artistic gymnast Gabby Douglas and American singer Ciara.
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Savvy Shields’ talent was a jazz dance routine. which helped her win the preliminary competition.
