Sam Haskell, CEO of the Miss America Organization, with Miss Minnesota and Miss Oklahoma at the 2013 Miss America competition. Via YouTube.
The second night of the Miss America preliminary competition saw two new winners along with a somber tribute to September 11th.
Last night’s program opened with the Spotlight Performers Show Choir’s rendition of “God Bless America.” Speaking to the AP, Miss America Organization CEO Sam Haskell recalled what happened on the date in 2001:
“No one knew what to do. Should we cancel? There was no book to follow…They’d be damned if they let a vicious enemy keep them from celebrating those values. Those girls stood up. And they are still standing.”
Miss Oklahoma Kelly Griswold and Miss Minnesota Rebecca Yeh both won scholarships during last night’s preliminary. Griswold took home a $1,000 schoalrship for the swimsuit competition while Yeh received $2,000 during the talent competition for her performance. Since the regionals, Yeh has been stunning crowds with her playing:
“It’s been a huge way for me to give back to other people,” Yeh said. “I love sharing with other people whenever I can.”
Including Tuesday’s winners Miss Mississippi Chelsea Rick and Miss New Hampshire Samantha Russo there are now four scholarship winners thanks to the Miss America Organization. Thursday will be the final preliminary before the weekend’s festivities including the famous “Show Us Your Shoes” parade followed by the big event on Sunday night at 9pm on ABC.
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