ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Miss Kentucky Heather Renee French was crowned Miss America 2000 on Saturday night, becoming the first woman from that state ever to wear the crown.
French, 24, of Maysville, Ky., covered her face with her hands when co-host Marie Osmond announced her as the winner. She hugged the first runner-up and outgoing Miss America Nicole Johnson before lowering her head to receive the crown.She then took the traditional walk down the runway, smiling and waving.
The first runner-up was Miss Illinois Jade Smalls. The second runner-up was Miss Pennsylvania Susan Spafford. Miss Maryland Keri Schrader and Miss Texas Yanci Yarbrough rounded out the top five.
French, a fashion design student at the University of Cincinnati, sang "As If We Never Said Goodbye" for her talent offering.
She plans to spend her year as Miss America campaigning for outreach for homeless military veterans. Her father, Ronnie French, 52, is a veteran who was wounded in Vietnam and she volunteers at a Veterans Administration hospital.
He joined her onstage after the crowning and they embraced for about 30 seconds. He gave her a big kiss.