Mulkey's reign as Miss Georgia coming to an end

GAINESVILLE - Amy Mulkey, the Gainesville native who is the current Miss Georgia, is concluding her one-year reign - and she talked recently about the experience, especially when it came to competing for the Miss America title last fall.

Appearing on the Martha Zoller Show on WDUN NEWS TALK 550, Mulkey was asked what Miss America officials could do better and she quickly replied focus more on a contestant's academic background.

"They reward the winners a scholarship but they don't always look at your grades as a part of the scoring," Mulkey said. "I think that would be something to take into account - how well a young woman has applied herself in high school and college and actually use that in the judging."

Mulkey also said while the Miss America began as a beauty pageant, it has evolved into much more. Mulkey noted that while the swimsuit part of the Miss America competition still is the target of much criticism, it really accounts for only ten percent of a constestant's overall score.

"But it is really so minimal compared to the other aspects - your interview, your talent - they're really looking for a well-rounded young woman," Mulkey said. "I've been honored to be a part of the system and I really believe in the system."

Mulkey will relinquish her reign as Miss Georgia later this month in Columbus when she crowns the new Miss Georgia.