Among the red carpet notables was the recently crowned Miss USA 2009, 22-year old Kristen Dalton of Wilmington, North Carolina. We got a chance to speak to her about her victory, her plans for the future, what initiatives she will take part in, and the controversy surrounding the pageant’s first runner-up, Miss California Carrie Prejean, and her answer to a question about same-sex marriage during the final round of competition.
VM: It’s been a week since you were crowned Miss USA. How has the experience been so far?
Miss USA: It’s been a complete dream world. I’ve always wanted to be Miss USA. I’ve always wanted to move to NYC, and this has really been the best way to do it. I have two amazing roommates, Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA. We live in midtown Manhattan, in an absolutely fabulous location and in a great apartment. All the events I’ve already gotten to do are great. I’ve had a week of media appearances and red carpet events, and I’ve gotten to meet some really neat celebrities. It’s been really awesome.
VM: Are people recognizing you on the street yet?
Miss USA: [laughs] Oh no, not at all! Only when I put the sash on!
VM: That’s how we knew it was you when you came in ...
Miss USA: If I didn’t have a sash on, you’d be like, “Who is she?”
VM: What major projects or initiatives are you going to be a part of? In light of the current economic climate, how do you plan to use your station to improve or influence the lives of others?
Miss USA: I mainly work with breast and ovarian cancer research and advocation, so I’ll definitely be doing a lot of work with our cause alliances like Susan G. Komen, Gilda’s Club, the American Cancer Society, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. I’ll also be working with the USO, Project Sunshine, and different charitable organizations throughout New York.
VM: Regarding the controversy surrounding Miss California and her answer in the final round of competition, I’m sure you would like everyone to move along with it, but since people are still talking about it, what is it that you hope people learn from the experience?
Miss USA: Honestly, what I think people are going to learn from it is that it’s really important to speak out on what you believe in, especially in such a politically correct society as ours. Miss California spoke from her heart, and look where it’s gotten her. She’s been on The Today Show twice, she’s met with Donald Trump, she has some great appearances set up, and I think she’s really going to make a great career stepping stone out of it.
VM: Why is it important for you to be here today supporting A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation and the Bereavement Center?
Miss USA: It’s important for me because children all around the world are affected by their parents and family members dying, and they need our support in getting through such difficult times. The Bereavement Center is a place where they can all go, where all the children understand each other and what’s going on in their lives. It’s a place where they can relate, and that’s really what makes a center like this so important for their healing process.
VM: One last question. My cousin really wants to know if contestants get to pick their own dresses during the evening gown portion of the pageant.
Miss USA: Yes! We get to choose our own gowns.
VM: Thanks so much. It was a pleasure meeting you!
Miss USA: You’re welcome! It was very nice meeting you, too.
For more information about Miss USA or A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation, please visit the links below:
Miss USA – Official Page
ACH, The Billy Esposito Foundation
Originally posted on the VM Blog.
Melissa C. Navia is the editor-in-chief of The Vigilant Monkey and can be reached at melissa@vigilantmonkey.com.