In the City Where It All Began, Miss New York is Named Miss America 2015
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey - Miss New York Kira Kazantsev was crowned Miss America 2015 tonight at the birthplace of the legendary competition in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall. The Miss America Finals were broadcast live on ABC.
Kira's acceptance of the highly-prized crown is just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the nation during her year of service as Miss America 2015. She will embark on her national speaking tour about her platform, Love Shouldn't Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence and act as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.
Kira is a graduate of Hofstra University. During her year as Miss America she will serve as spokesperson for education as she travels to Washington, D.C., to work with the Department of Education. Along with the coveted title of Miss America 2015, Kira won a $50,000 scholarship provided in part by Joseph Ribkoff Inc. and the Miss America Organization to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Kira performed a vocal performance of the song "Happy".
First runner-up in the competition was Miss Virginia Courtney Paige Garrett who earned a $25,000
