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Photo by Amy Elliott |
By Ken Olsen
She did not win the crown, but U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Jill Stevens won America’s hearts at the 87th Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas Saturday night.
The 24-year-old Operation Enduring Freedom combat medic and reigning Miss Utah is believed to be the only combat soldier to compete in the national pageant. Among the 52 contestants in this year’s event, she was named America’s Choice – and one of the pageant finalists – as a result of votes cast by people across the country. Voting was initiated when The Learning Channel’s “Reality Check” series aired about the contestants in the weeks leading up to the competition. Voting ended last Friday night.
Stevens was a hit with the live audience at the Planet Hollywood theater, drawing vigorous applause when she led eight of the 16 finalists in push-ups after she was eliminated following the swimsuit competition. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yii2lTYmiM8)
“I couldn’t be more happy,” Stevens said at a reception following the pageant. “To get to be America’s choice is a priceless gift. It’s great to know that I wasn’t what those seven judges were looking for, but I was what America was looking for. I am more honored with that.”
Saturday night’s finale started with gratitude from the pageant to The American Legion, which sponsored the attendance of 50 military service members - many of them members of the Reserves and National Guard. Other soldiers from around the country traveled to the pageant as well to show their support for Stevens.
“You couldn’t have picked a better representative of a female soldier,” said Staff Sgt. Elisha Hubbard of San Diego, who attended combat medic school with Stevens in Texas in 2002. “She’s what every person wants to be – smart, beautiful and talented.”
“It took amazing courage and amazing strength for her to put herself out there,” added Sgt. Kristin Moldenhauer, who also attended combat medic training with Stevens and traveled from Wisconsin for the pageant.
Miss Michigan Kristen Haglund, who won the 2008 Miss America crown, called Stevens “a real morale booster” who frequently put the grueling week of competition into perspective for her fellow contestants. “Not only does she serve in the military, but the things she does are incredible,” Haglund said.
Capt. Karen L. Nuccitelli, acting public affairs officer for the Utah National Guard, praised Stevens’ effort. “Jill being America’s choice shows that she is a special person, and the fact that America supports our military. She is an amazing person and soldier.”
American Legion National Vice Commander Peggy Dettori, Department of Utah Commander Gary Schwartz, Utah Vice Commander Lee Engelbrecht and Jack Ford, Alternate National Executive Committeeman of Nevada, attended Saturday’s finale.
“I think the image she portrays is positive, not only for veterans but for America,” Schwartz said following the competition.
Miss Connecticut Dana Elaine Daunis, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Legion Riders, won Thursday night’s preliminary talent competition and a $2,000 scholarship for her vocal performance of “Let Him Fly.”
Daunis is the third Miss Connecticut affiliated with The American Legion family. Miss Connecticut 2007, Lauren Betancourt, also worked on behalf of veterans through the American Legion Auxiliary and the Legion Riders, as did Miss Connecticut 2006, Heidi Voight, another supporter of Legion Riders.
Comments (3)
Jill Stevens would have made a great Miss. America.
Great work by the Legion.
Posted by | 01/30/08 1:43 PM |
Great story. My brother-in-law was talking to me just today about the differences in America's attitude toward our soldiers today verses Veitnam. Thank you America!
Posted by Tom | 02/12/08 2:51 AM |
Lauren Betancourt was one of the youngest participants in the American Legion’s State Police Youth Week 2001. She has been an enthusiastic American Legion supporter for many years and was guest speaker at the American Legion Department Convention last year. She is an impressive young lady.
Posted by | 02/21/08 8:55 AM |