Nevadans can help bring home Miss America crown

Miss Nevada Diana Sweeney is getting the last of her preparations done before leaving Sunday to compete for the title of Miss America.

A pair of shoes, some last minute touch-ups ... there’s not much else the Mound House woman can do to increase her shot at the crown.

But there is something you can do.

Each Miss America contestant created a video.

The contestant who receives the most votes will be named America’s Choice and be eligible to participate as a finalist in the Miss America Competition, set to air Sept. 15.

“If you get into the top 15 you get more scholarship money for school, and you get to be a finalist for Miss America,” Sweeney said. “It would be pretty amazing.”

Sweeney, 20, said she defies the stereotype of the typical beauty queen.

In her video, she describes herself as a “small-town girl with big dreams” and can be seen riding an off-road vehicle near her home, along with teaching dance classes and at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she is pursuing degrees in math and education.

“I consider myself relatable and real,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people expect to see that.”

Sweeney will fly out Sunday to Atlantic City, N.J., for the competition. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, along with other events and fundraising.

The preliminary competition will begin the following week, leading up to the final round.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “It’s an honor to be there. Becoming Miss America is obviously the ultimate goal, but it’s just going to an amazing experience. There’s nothing to lose; I can only gain.”

The America’s Choice winner will be announced at the Miss America Competition.