Miss America Betty Cantrell: 5 Things to Know
Get to know the 21-year-old stunner.
— -- Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was crowned the new Miss America on Sunday night in Atlantic City.
"I'm still so overwhelmed, I don't know what to say other than thank you! " Cantrell told reporters, according to the Associated Press. Cantrell wowed the judges, including Taya Kyle, Danica McKellar and Kevin O'Leary to take home the coveted crown.
Here are 5 things to know about Cantrell:
1 - She's Georgia Through and Through
Cantrell is a student at Mercer University, the oldest private university in Georgia. Cantrell is the first Miss Georgia to win the competition since 1958. The 21-year-old will now travel all around the country as Miss America 2016.
2 - Her Cause
According to her official bio on MissAmerica.org, her platform is "Healthy Children, Strong America" and she will now be a "National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals." The hospital is a partner of the competition.
3 - She's Not Afraid to Speak Her Mind
During the competition, Cantrell was asked about Tom Brady and Deflategate. She answered, "If there's any question, then yes, he cheated."
After the show, she added to the AP, "I'm not a football player and I really wasn't there to feel that ball. If there was any question as to whether or not he cheated and somebody else felt the ball and decided that it was deflated, then yes, I guess he did cheat."
4 - Her Father is an Army Ranger
After the win, the United Service Organization tweeted, "We're proud @MissAmerica Betty Cantrell is member of our USO-Metro family!"
We're proud @MissAmerica Betty Cantrell is member of our USO-Metro family! We learned her dad is an Army Ranger! pic.twitter.com/wIvxuxSKAq
— USO-Metro (@USOMetroDC) September 14, 2015
5 - She's Got Celebrity Fans
Cantrell said she grew up without cable television, but that does't stop her from mingling on Social Media with actors and actresses.
A few weeks back, she tweeted that actress Sutton Foster, who is also from Georgia, inspired "me to make my way to the Broadway stage." The "Younger" star took notice and retweeted her. She also shared her some best wishes.
We're proud @MissAmerica Betty Cantrell is member of our USO-Metro family! We learned her dad is an Army Ranger! pic.twitter.com/wIvxuxSKAq
5 - She's Got Celebrity Fans
Cantrell said she grew up without cable television, but that does't stop her from mingling on Social Media with actors and actresses.
A few weeks back, she tweeted that actress Sutton Foster, who is also from Georgia, inspired "me to make my way to the Broadway stage." The "Younger" star took notice and retweeted her. She also shared her some best wishes.