by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Courtesy of MissAmerica.org
There she is, Miss America. And as pageant season comes to a close yet again, the Miss America Organization inducts it’s newest member into the esteemed sisterhood; Miss America 2016, Betty Cantrell. Cantrell, who won the pageant as Miss Georgia is only the second from her state to ever take the title in the 95 year history of the pageant.
Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell wins the 2016 Miss America Competition at Boardwalk Hall Arena on September 13, 2015 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images)
Cantrell performed operatic vocals for the talent portion of the show and nervously answered in the interview portion that she thought Quarterback Tom Brady did cheat in the deflate-gate scandal if there was any question about malfeasance.
The pageant, held at historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City was founded in 1921 and has since evolved from a simple beauty pageant to become a premiere scholarship organization for young women.
Executive Chairman and CEO for Miss America Sam Haskell III and Vanessa Williams (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images)
Photo credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
This year’s pageant also included a humble and historic moment welcoming back actress and vocalist Vanessa Williams who was Miss America 1984 and amid scandal about nude photos resigned her crown. Williams returned this year as head judge for the evening. After performing the song “Oh How the Years Go By” in front of an uncomfortable montage of headlines about her resignation. What followed however was a triumphant moment that got the crowd cheering. Sam Haskell, CEO of the Miss America Organization took the the stage and apologized to Williams for what happened all those years ago.
“Though none of us currently in the organization were involved then, on behalf of today’s organization, I want to apologize to you and to your mother, Miss Helen Williams. I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less than the Miss America you are and the Miss America you always will be.”
Selfie
Photo credit: Donald Kravitz/Getty Images
What many may not realize is that the telecast is not the culmination of the Miss America opportunity for these young women, but actually only the beginning. During Cantrell’s year-long-reign she will travel around the United States as strong advocate for her platform, Healthy Children, Strong America, and act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Take a look at a few highlights of Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell’s clinching of the crown at this year’s pageant:
