accessAtlanta

Kristen White of Stone Mountain has been a runner-up six times in major state pageants, including first runner-up twice in Miss Georgia USA.

But earlier this week, White finally had her crowning moment – this time on a national stage – winning the Miss Black USA pageant in Las Vegas.

Renee' Hannans Henry/AJC (ENLARGE)
Kristen White of Stone Mountain has been a runner-up six times in major state pageants but won the Miss Black USA crown last week.
Euan Henry/Silhouette Photography (ENLARGE)
'I finally heard my name last!' Kristen White said of winning the title.
Renee' Hannans Henry/AJC (ENLARGE)
Mary Elizabeth White tries on her daughter's crown and sash after Kristen unpacked them.
MOST POPULAR STORIES Los Angeles police under scrutiny in Jackson death LA police plan for huge crowd at Jackson memorial Sandra Bullock movie takes over Atlanta private school How and where to have a blast on the Fourth Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
RELATED LINKS: • Atlantan highlights charity work at pageant • Photos • Springer, Mel B to co-host Miss Universe

"I finally heard my name last!" cheered White, shortly after arriving in Atlanta.

With the $20,000 in scholarship money, the 27-year-old model plans to return to college and finish a drama degree. She also won a walk-on role in Tyler Perry's sitcom "House of Payne" and a week-long trip for two to the Bahamas.

While dining at the Pancake House after her flight home, she spoke to the AJC.

Tell us about your Atlanta connections.

I grew up in Stone Mountain and graduated from Stone Mountain High School in 1999. I was class president all four years. And I was a cheerleader. I was the popular kid that wasn't all that popular. My parents were strict and had rules, and I wasn't the partying kind.

What is the best part about winning?

I am really excited about the scholarship money. I left Tennessee State University to try out for "American Idol" and made it to the quarterfinals. After that, I pursued an acting and singing career. And I really wanted to go back to college but didn't have the money to pay for it, so a friend suggested I go for the pageant. I thought even if I didn't win, I would get enough money to cover my books. So here I am at 27, going back to school.

Are you single?

Yes, very single. My nephew jokes, "Why are you always by yourself?" That's pretty sad when your 3-year-old nephew notices how single you are.

What do you love about Atlanta?

I am a huge sports fan and love that we've got it all — baseball, hockey, basketball, football. I am a big Karaoke fan and I love to completely embarrass myself. I love running in Piedmont Park. I love hot yoga at Urban Body Fitness. And I love Tavern at Phipps — perfect for me and my girlfriends for a girls' night out.

How was your experience with Miss Black USA different from the Miss USA pageant?

They are both great. ... But being an African-American woman, there was an appreciation and a celebration of my roots and where I come from. There's nothing like being celebrated by people who can also identify with you. It's very cool.