The newest ambassador for the State of Nebraska was crowned last night at the North Platte High School Performing Arts Center.

Miss Western Nebraska JaCee Pilkington was named Miss Nebraska 2013.

Pilkington began the evening as one of 16 girl competing for scholarship money, as well as the coveted title.

Pilkington’s amazed the audience during the talent competition, when she performed her own rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” then impressively answered her on-stage question to finish on the top.

Pilkington’s platform is “Operation Remember Me,” which strives to bring honor and recognition to America’s veterans.

Her hometown is Minatare, and she is a graduate of Bayard High School.  She currently attends Doane College in Crete.

She will compete in the Miss America Pageant on September 15 in Atlantic City New Jersey.

Pilkington was Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen in 2009.

First Runner-Up was Miss Lake McConaughy, Rachel Foehlinger.

Second Runner-Up was Miss Douglas County, Aleah Peters.

Third Runner-Up was Miss Northwest, Megan Dimmitt and Fourth Runner-Up was Meghan Thalken of North Platte.

The contestants were awarded with thousands of dollars in college scholarships.