McCreary was Alabama 's representative at the Miss America 1997 pageant in Atlantic City , New Jersey , in September 1996 . Her competition talent was singing the gospel hymn " How Great Thou Art " . She was third runner-up for the national title and received a $ 15,000 scholarship prize . She also won the Quality of Life award and an additional $ 10,000 scholarship for her community service work related to hospice care . Her reign as Miss Alabama continued until Beth Stomps was crowned on June 14 , 1997
Miss America 1997
Miss America 1997
Alison McCreary