Teresa Scanlan of Nebraska has been crowned as Miss America after besting 52 other pageant hopefuls at Saturday's event in Las Vegas.

The 17-year-old Gering resident and Scottsbluff High School student played the piano during the competition. Her platform issue was tackling eating disorders. She wishes to attend law school, become a judge and eventually a politician, according to the Miss America website.

Scanlan succeeds last year's honoree, Caressa Cameron from Virginia. The 22-year-old Virginia Commonwealth University student is the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network.

The other four finalists were Emoly West of Oklahoma, Jacquie Brown of Washington, Jalee Fuselier of Hawaii and Alyse Eady of Arkansas.

Scanlan is the youngest winner since the pageant introduced age requirements -- between 18 and 28 starting in 1938. The age limit was altered again in 1993 to 17 to 24. In 1933, for instance, when there was no upper or lower age limit, 15-year-old Marian Bergeron of Connecticut captured the title.

Judges rate contestants on talent, appearance and demeanor based on performances, interviews and evening wear and swimsuit competitions. This year's contest was the 90th anniversary of the Miss America pageant.

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