Miss America Bound

Kimberly Sawyer, Miss Wisconsin 2010, is headed to Las Vegas to compete for the title of Miss America 2011.  23-year-old Sawyer, and Egg Harbor native, is a self-proclaimed tomboy.

About her role as Miss Wisconsin, Sawyer says "It truly is a job. I had to quit my other job because I couldn't do both.  Miss Wisconsin is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get the best job in the world as Miss America, which is what I've wanted for a long time."

For the past the six months Sawyer has been preparing to compete at Miss America 2011 in Las Vegas.  Sawyer says she spends a lot of her time working out at the gym, going to vocal lessons, and going through mock interviews.

There are five phases of competition at Miss America, which include on-stage question, lifestyle and fitness, evening wear, talent, and a personal interview.  Talent is weighted highest, contributing to 35% of the overall score.

Sawyer will be performing Donde Lieta Usci by Puccini for her talent.  Sawyer says "I like it because she is a strong woman and ready to take on the world which is how I feel right now."

Although Sawyer loves performing, she say her favorite part of competition is interview, which makes up 25% of the score.  She says "For me, its just about being real and showing them [the judges] who I am and letting them know as much about myself within that ten minutes as I can because you only have that amount of time. You really want to show them why you want the job and why you're ready for the job."

Sawyer says "I just cant wait to get my bags packed and get to Vegas! It can all fit into three suitcases and a carry on, which is very impressive I think.  It's going to be a whirlwind. I'm really going to try to soak it in because I think it will be over before I know it."