Smith, 21, is a senior at Miami University . She grew up in the Dayton area and attended Vandalia Butler High School.
“It was a whirlwind,” Smith said of the competition. “I’ve never done a pageant before in my life. I found out (about the pageant) and said, ‘Why not?’ I’m always up to trying new things. I met a lot of great people. … It was very exciting. I’m very excited to start on my new journey this year.”
Fifty-two women competed in this year’s event in Ohio. As the winner, Smith received prizes including a $45,600 college scholarship to Lindenwood University and a $1,000 partial tuition scholarship from the New York Film Academy. She now is the ambassador for the Pink Ribbon Girls, a breast-cancer support organization.
“The next steps are just to do appearances and events, and preparing for the Miss USA pageant,” Smith said. “… It’s crazy. I’m still in shock. … I can’t thank everyone enough who supported me.”
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