Miss Tennessee Stefanie Wittler, of Soddy-Daisy, took second runner-up to Miss America on Saturday night at the 89th pageant in Las Vegas.
She is the daughter of Steve and Kim Wittler.
Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron won the 2010 Miss America title after strutting in a yellow dress, belting Beyonce’s “Listen” from “Dreamgirls” and telling kids they should get outside more often.
Miss Cameron won a $50,000 scholarship and the crown.
Miss Wittler’s success marked the second time a local contestant has placed second runner-up in the national pageant. Stephanie Culberson, a former Miss Cleveland who won Miss Tennessee in 2000, placed second runner-up in the 2001 Miss America pageant. Desiree Daniels Disterdick was first runner-up in 1982.
Miss Wittler said in a video segment during the evening gown competition that “glamour was someone who was comfortable in their own skin.” She appeared to follow that advice, showing poise and confidence during the swimsuit and gown rounds.
Miss Wittler was an obvious audience favorite, drawing rousing applause during and following her talent performance of “I Will Always Love You.”
A delegation of 50 Chattanoogans was in the 7,000-seat Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
The local beauty queen was featured prominently in a segment of “Miss America: Behind the Curtain,” hosted by Clinton Kelly of “What Not to Wear,” and in a Planet Hollywood commercial taped with several of the contestants that aired during the pageant.
Her platform is Ronald McDonald House Charities. She has been a volunteer for the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House since it opened.
Susan Palmer Pierce is a reporter and columnist in the Life department. She began her journalism career as a summer employee 1972 for the News Free Press, typing bridal announcements and photo captions. She became a full-time employee in 1980, working her way up to feature writer, then special sections editor, then Lifestyle editor in 1995 until the merge of the NFP and Times in 1999. She was honored with the 2007 Chattanooga Woman of ...
Or login with:
New Account