ABCMiss New York Kira Kazantsev was crowned Miss America 2015 last night, and she faced some serious competition in the annual beauty pageant.
Although she started with 52 other women vying for the title, the judges narrowed it down to 15 semifinalists, This wasn't easy to do, because all of the gals brought something unique to the table.
For example, first runner-up, Miss Virginia Courtney Garrett, uses her voice to sing beautiful music and to speak out about her platform, Defying Disabilities. And while she can definitely get dolled up and strut her stuff on the runway, this beauty queen isn't afraid to get her hands dirty! According to an interview with Press of Atlantic City, the 21-year-old Virginia native spends plenty of time at her grandparents' farm, which houses boa constrictors, llamas and even a baby crocodile. "Every time I'm there they always put me to work," she said.
Brave! Second runner-up, Miss Arkansas Ashton Campbell, is the whole package, too. She's a huge advocate for higher education, serves as the spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network and the Arkansas Children's Hospital, and, as you probably noticed in the swimsuit competition, she's got one heck of a bikini body,! Per her Miss Arkansas bio, she nabbed an Alpha and Preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit Award and e Julie Blackwood "Smart" Swimsuit Award.
These ladies all put some serious time and commitment into their pageantry, and while there's only one Miss America 2015, her competitors are definitely worth getting to know, too!