Betty Cantrell returns to Georgia for homecoming celebration

Miss America Betty Cantrell returned home this weekend for a celebration recognizing the second Miss Georgia to ever win the prestigious crown.

Cantrell represented Warner Robins in the Miss Georgia pageant that is held every year in Columbus. She was crowned Miss America on Sept. 13.

The Miss America's Homecoming Celebration brought Cantrell back to Georgia for the weekend. She spent Friday morning doing interviews and visited the Children's Hospital at Midtown Medical Center that afternoon. Then more than 300 people attended a reception and dinner at the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center.

Cantrell and 11 other Miss America contestants performed. Cantrell, who won the Miss America talent preliminary for her opera performance of "Tu Tu Piccolo Iddio," earned a standing ovation Friday night for her performance of Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind."

Other states represented at the dinner included Kansas, Wisconsin, Missouri,

New Hampshire, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Miss District of Columbia also performed.

Sam Haskell, chairman and CEO of the Miss America Organization, said Friday night Cantrell has "the voice of an angel."

"That voice is going to take you places," he told her during the program.

Mayor Teresa Tomlinson also presented Cantrell with a proclamation naming Nov. 13 as Miss America Betty Cantrell Day. Miss Wisconsin Rosalie Smith and Miss New Hampshire Holly Blanchard probably traveled the farthest of the guests.

"This is our first time meeting with Betty since she won, since Miss America," Smith said. "We're really excited to see her and she looks gorgeous out there."

This was Blanchard's second trip to the state this year.

"I actually came to Georgia for the first time this summer in August and it was for the Atlanta Mart and that's where I got my Miss America gown," she said.

Miss Alabama Meg McGuffin, who also represented Miss Phenix City and was fourth runner-up at Miss America, said she's been busy with several appearances since Miss America.

"I've been busy speaking for schools about my platform Healthy is the New Skinny," she said.

McGuffin is currently working on some legislation she said she hopes to put into play before her year of service is done. It would implement Healthy is the New Skinny and Love Your Body Week in every primary and secondary school in the state. Cantrell, along with the Miss America finalists, are scheduled to be in Warner Robins today for a motorcade, reception and dinner.

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 11:46 PM with the headline "Betty Cantrell returns to Georgia for homecoming celebration ."