Representing the state with dignity and beauty, 2015 Miss Mississippi Hannah Roberts was named first runner-up to Miss America last night in Atlantic City.

Roberts is the daughter of James and Danna Roberts of Mount Olive.

“We are ecstatic. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions all week. We would just like to thank all the state of Mississippi and to say thank you for letting our daughter represent this great state,” James Roberts said.

Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was crowned the winner during the 95th installment of the national pageant during the Sunday night’s telecast on ABC.

Second runner-up was Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson; third, Miss Louisiana April Nelson; and fourth, Miss Alabama Meg McGuffin.

Along with Roberts’ family, Vicksburg supporters and members of the Miss Mississippi Pageant Board attended the 2016 Miss America Pageant.

“Wow, she [2015 Miss Mississippi Hannah Roberts] was awesome. She has worked hard all week long and is deserving of what she got,” said David Blackledge, executive director and chairman of the Miss Mississippi Pageant Board.

“This is a great showing for Mississippi and we are so excited,” Blackledge said.

Including Roberts, 52 women competed for the national title.

Three preliminary competitions were held prior to the final competition and crowning, with contestants competing in talent, swimsuit, evening gown, on-stage question and judges’ interview.

During Wednesday night’s preliminary competition, Roberts was named as one of the five STEM scholarship winners, where she was awarded an additional $5,000 in scholarships to the $25,000 as first runner-up.