By Sandra Birungi

Miss New York, Mallory Hagan was crowned Miss New York Saturday 12th January 2013 beating other 52 contestants to the crown.

Hagan was seconded by Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers who was first runner-up, and Miss Oklahoma Alicia Clifton, who was second runner-up. The beauty pageant was hosted by Chris Harrison and Brooke Burke-Charvet. This year’s event saw the first the first autistic contestant in Miss America pageant history, Miss Montana Alexis Wineman.

The winner takes home a scholarship and the ultimate $50,000 scholarship prize.

Hagan amazed judges and viewers when answering questions which showed she had both beauty and brains. “Sandy may have swept away our shores, but never our spirit. I’m Miss New York, Mallory Hagan,” she introduced herself.

“In the wake of the Newtown tragedy there has been a lot of talk about gun control,” Champion said, “One solution being proposed is an armed guard in every school. Do you think that would make our schools safer?”

Hagan responded saying, “I don’t think the proper way to fight violence is with violence. I think the proper way is to educate people on guns and the ways we can use them properly. We can lock them up, we can have gun safety classes, we can have a longer waiting period.”