Miss Arkansas is crowned

Amid tears of joy and amazement, four-time contestant Amy Crain was finally crowned Miss Arkansas on Saturday night.

She was awarded the title by Miss Arkansas 2012 Sloane Roberts of Rison.

Crain, of Hot Springs, is a 23-year-old graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she studied communications.

As Miss Diamond Lakes, Crain clogged her way to victory with a dance routine to “Game Time,” claiming the night’s Overall Talent Award. It was the second time in her years of competition that she won overall talent with the routine.

“I knew that my goal was to entertain the audience and entertain the judges, do my absolute best and have fun,” she said. “There was a potential that it could be the last time I would do that dance for the crowd and I was thrilled with the outcome.”

Crain’s triumph was not an easy one. As a three-year veteran, she placed Top 10, second runner-up and first runner-up before taking a year off from competing.

With the drive and her years of experience, she returned for one more chance at the crown.

This time proved successful and Crain said it was because she was OK with whatever the outcome would be.

Her mother, Terri Crain, said that she knew her daughter was ready.

“It was her childhood dream since she was 13,” she said. “She worked her whole life for it, and it was now or never.”

As the night’s winner, Crain was granted more than$70,000 in scholarships, prizes and gifts.

“I am extremely excited, and I still can’t wrap my head around it,” she said.

In front of a sold-out crowd, 45 contestants vied for the crown at this year’s competition, where they were judged on their performances in private and on-stage interviews, talent, swimsuit and evening wear.

Semifinalists included Miss University of Central Arkansas Lauren Howell of Conway, who placed fourth runner-up; Miss Ouachita Baptist University Kiley Wright of Glenwood, who was third runner-up; Miss Ouachita River Abby Lindsey of Van Buren, second runner-up; and Miss Heart of the Ozarks, Tracy Neal, who was first runner-up.

As Miss Arkansas, Crain will travel the state promoting her platform “Bullying - Prevention and Recovery” and she will take her chance at the crown for Miss America in Atlantic City on Sept. 15.

Despite the emotional win, Crain remained humble. “I was at peace with whatever God wanted for me and I am so excited that it was the job of Miss Arkansas.”