Nina Davuluri, a 24-year-old from Syracuse, N.Y., (US Immigrant parents from Vijayawada) was crowned Miss New York last night during a spectacular production at the stately St. George Theatre.
Miss Davuluri, Miss Syracuse, was crowned by her predecessor, Sharon Oliver. She received a $10,000 scholarship.
The new Miss New York was attired in a floor length evening gown of light yellow. She will spend her year advocating for diversity.
First runner up was Miss Manhattan Amanda Mason and she was given a $4,000 scholarship. Second runner-up was Miss New York City Acacia Courtney, who was awarded scholarship funding in the amount of $3,000. The Third runner up was Miss Empire Rose Desiree Wiley and she won a $2,500 scholarship.
A total of 24 contestants competed for the Miss New York crown last night and another 15 young women for the title of Miss New York Outstanding Teen yesterday afternoon. Winners were announced last night. Of that roster, seven call Staten Island home.
The new Miss New York received a $10,000 scholarship and will represent the Empire State at the Miss America Pageant Sept. 15 in Atlantic City.
Mallory Hytes Hagan, the former Miss New York turned Miss America who was on hand for the production noted that she was excited to be coming home this weekend to see who will walk away with the job of Miss New York 2013 and embark on their journey to Miss America 2014 in September.
"Staten Island has been such an incredible support for the Miss New York scholarship program and I can't wait to be back in the community who has embraced the Miss America Organization so whole-heartedly," she noted.
Pageant winners will represent New York in their respective competitions and their win translates into their taking a giant step on the competitive road that leads to the legendary Miss America Pageant.
Four Staten Islanders have held the title of Miss New York; Kari Pedersen Cynar in 1967; Lezley Braun in 1977; Alice Knisely in 1987 and Deana Herrera Walker in 1998.
The Miss America Organization is the nation's leading scholarship provider for women, awardin-g more than $45 million annually.
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