This weekend, Miss Vermont decided to forgo dance shoes and sheet music during the talent portion of Miss America 2016 for more unconventional props: beakers, protective goggles and a lab coat.
Alayna Westcom, who holds a degree in forensic science and who interned with the Vermont state medical examiner’s office, showcased her talent as a scientist by demonstrating a chemistry experiment on the third night of preliminaries in Atlantic City. Westcom combined hydrogen peroxide, potassium iodide and soap in beakers to create what is known as "elephant's toothpaste."
Although Miss Georgia went home with the Miss America crown, Westcom left her mark on the judges and the crowd with her platform for the pageant, "Success Through STEM." Vermont Edition spoke to Westcom about her experience with the competition this past weekend, and about her fondness for science.
