Caitlin Brunell, Miss Leeds Area, won the 2014 Miss Alabama Pageant Saturday night at Samford University's Wright Center.
Brunell, graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in dance, was one of 47 women who vyed for the crown, eight of whom attend Auburn University.
First runner-up was Katie Malone, Miss Point Mallard; second runner-up was Briana Kinsey, Miss Marble Valley; third runner-up was Elisabeth Chramer, Miss Tennessee Valley; and fourth runner-up was KeLeigh Edwards, Miss Smiths Station.
As Miss Alabama, Brunell will receive a $10,000 scholarship, in addition to any in-kind scholarships for which she qualifys.
According to Frank Kanelos, historian and public relations manager for the pageant, in-kind scholarship are those that individual colleges in the state make available to the contestants, and are totaled at more than $4.9 million this year.
The main benefit to Miss Alabama participants is the scholarship money available.
Each contestant is awarded scholarship money, even if they do not win or place in the competition.
Cash scholarships, raised through Miss Alabama Golf Classic, Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen program, Rising Star Program and Miss Alabama fashion show, totaled $95,000 for 2014.
The pageant is comprised of five parts: interview, swimsuit, talent, evening gown and on-stage question. Contestants competed in those events during preliminaries earlier in the week.
Mi'a Callens, junior in radio, television and film, was the only Auburn student to make the top 10.
The remaining top 10 finalists were Megan Smith, Miss Center Point; Hayley Barber, Miss Phenix City; Alyssa Boyd, Miss Lake City; and Cassidy Jacks, Miss Tuscaloosa.
Callens, Miss Jefferson County, will receive a $1,000 scholarship as a semi-finalist.
According to Miss Auburn University scholarship program director Katie Willoughby, sophomore in communication disorders, this program gives girls once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
"I would say, as a whole, the Miss America program develops incredibly well-rounded, driven women," Willoughby said. "Regardless of their scholarship winnings, being a participant is a credential or benefit of itself."
Contestants learn public speaking skills, show work ethic toward health and their bodies and learn appreciation of the arts.
"I see pageants as a positive mainly because they are a positive influence on the participants' lives," Willoughby said.
Each contestant has a platform, as well as the national platform of Miss America - Children's Miracle Network.
Brunell's platform was Caitlin's Closet, an organization that provides homecoming and prom dresses for girls that can not afford to attend those events.
Leading up to the pageant, Kanelos said the ladies not only rehearsed, but had press events at Colonial Brookwood Mall.
Ann-Marie Riley, who attended the pageant's final night, "had a wonderful time watching so many talented young women and hearing about each of their platforms and all of their accomplishments."
Brunell will compete in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 9-14.
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