Miss Tennessee 2007 Grace Gore, a doctoral student of audiology at Vanderbilt University, held her first press conference Sunday morning in Jackson.
The 23-year-old Nashville resident, who succeeded 2006 winner Blaire Pancake of Chattanooga, became the first Miss Lexington in the pageant's 55-year history to capture the state crown.
She will become the state's goodwill ambassador for Children's Miracle Network, serve as the governor's spokesperson for a Safe and Drug-Free Tennessee and will also promote Character Education in the schools.
Miss Gore, who won Wednesday's swimsuit preliminary, receives a $12,000 scholarship and will also represent the state at the Miss America Pageant.
First runner-up for the second consecutive year was Miss Hamilton County Ansley Reagan, who won a $6,000 grant. Earlier she received the Miss America Community Service Award also for the second straight year.
Second runner-up was Miss Metropolitan Tucker Perry, and rounding out the top five were Miss Capital City Ashley Cole and Miss Milan No-Till Ellen Carrington.
Miss Scenic City Rachel Parsons and Miss Knoxville Lindsay Moffett of Cleveland were among the top 10 finalists.
Miss Cleveland Jaclyn Roe was the winner of an overall non-finalist award and Miss Chattanooga Bobbie Marie Gregg scored highest in interview among non-finalists.
Stefanie Wittler received the Miss Tennessee Community Service Award.