Perry, 23, a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University originally from North Carolina, was chosen from among 27 contestants at the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant at Nazareth Area High School on Saturday night.
"It's surreal. I couldn't have dreamed it," said Perry, who entered the contest as Miss Armstrong County. "I want to do my very best for the young ladies who believed in me."
Perry, who played a classical piano piece during the talent competition, plans to champion Art Works, an arts education initiative, during her reign. She receives a $7,000 scholarship and a place in the Miss America pageant in January.
Last year's winner was Rachel Marie Brooks of Delaware County, who championed autism awareness.
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On the Net:
Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant: http://www.misspa.org
