Regan Hutsell was crowned the 99th Miss America over the weekend.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 Houston native Regan Hutsell is waking up with a new title: Miss America 2027.<\/p>\n
Hutsell, who represented Texas in the national competition, was crowned Sunday night in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her victory ended a more than 50-year drought for Texas, which had not produced a Miss America winner since Shirley Cothran won the title in 1975.<\/p>\n
Hutsell is the fourth Miss Texas to win the crown in the pageant\u2019s 105-year history.<\/p>\n
Speaking with KHOU 11\u2019s Ron Trevi\u00f1o from New York on Monday, Hutsell said she is proud to carry her hometown with her during her year of service.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, born and raised, proud Houstonian, proud of the community in Houston that has truly shaped who I am,\u201d Hutsell said. \u201cGetting to carry that to the national level is something I\u2019m super excited for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutsell said seeing her parents after she was crowned was a moment she will never forget.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are so happy,\u201d she said. \u201cThe best part of my parents is I love how much they unconditionally love me. They\u2019ve seen me at my lowest, and they see moments like last night. The excitement is great in happy moments, but the unconditional love I felt during the entire journey is something that\u2019s really special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutsell is an alumna of the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre and trained as a dancer with the Houston Ballet. At 18, she was hired as a Radio City Rockette and later performed professionally as a ballerina.<\/p>\n
She has also spoken openly about recovering from an eating disorder and struggling with body image while performing professionally. Those experiences inspired her community service initiative, \u201cYour Body Is Your Home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through the initiative, Hutsell encourages self-worth, positive inner dialogue and the message that a person\u2019s value is not defined by appearance.<\/p>\n
As part of the Miss America organization, Hutsell has earned nearly $90,000 in scholarships toward her Bachelor of Science in health sciences. She plans to become a physical therapist.<\/p>\n
As Miss America, Hutsell\u2019s mission will be \u201cEmpowering Women to Lead with Purpose.\u201d She plans to spend her year of service encouraging others to pursue their goals and lead with confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiss America has always represented hope and inspiration,\u201d Hutsell said. \u201cI am incredibly honored to represent an organization that empowers women through scholarships, service and opportunity. I look forward to encouraging individuals of all generations to walk boldly in their purpose, pursue their wildest dreams and never give up on themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutsell said she did not get much sleep after winning the crown, but she made sure to thank everyone in Houston who helped her throughout her journey.<\/p>\n
Her mother told KHOU 11 that she is beyond excited and proud of her daughter. When Hutsell returns home, the family plans to celebrate at one of her favorite Mexican restaurants.<\/p>\n
Miss Louisiana Shelby Bordelon was named first runner-up, while Miss Illinois Kate Dimmett was named second runner-up.<\/p>\n