Chandler Lawson may not have won the Talent Award at Tuesday’s first round of Miss America preliminaries, but Tennessee’s representative in Las Vegas was presented with the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze medal.
The Tullahoma native and graduate of UTC was one of 13 recipients of the award which is the nation’s leading youth development program which is now in partnership with the Miss America Organization. The award is based on community service, physical fitness and personal interest development.
Miss Oklahoma Alicia Clifton, who holds the world record for tap dancing pirouettes, took the top prize in talent with her high energy routine to the Michael Buble version of “Can’t Buy Me Love.” The swimsuit competition was won by Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers.
Ms. Lawson sang Adele’s “Turning Tables” dressed in an ice blue gown. She will compete in the on-stage question segment in tonight’s second round of preliminaries.
On Thursday, she could become the first Miss Tennessee to win the coveted Quality of Life Award for exceptional community service. Ms. Lawson is one of seven finalists for the honor and the winner receives a $6,000 scholarship.
She is already guaranteed a minimum $3,000 scholarship by being a national Miss America finalist. Ms. Lawson will be attending the University Of Tennessee School Of Law once her year of service as Miss Tennessee concludes in June.