Former Bellevue resident Kelsey Ayano Schmidt took the spotlight on Saturday when she was crowned the new Miss Washington, taking the reins after the former resigned in scandal.

Schmidt was crowned by Miss USA 2014 and First Runner-Up, Miss Universe Nia Sanchez at an event in Redmond on Jan. 30. Despite the circumstances behind her receiving the title, she said was excited to be crowned so close to her hometown.

“It’s really special,” she said. “There are so many members of the community here and I’m glad that we all get to share in this experience together. I have so many family and friends in this community, and I’m excited to share in that moment with them.”

The former Miss Washington, Stormy Keffeler, forfeited her title after it was revealed that she had been convicted of a DUI mere months before being crowned.

Seattle police are also investigating an incident in which Keffeler’s then-boyfriend was stabbed in the stomach in December. The beauty queen was reportedly present at the time of the stabbing and called 911.

Schmidt received a B.A. in biology from Scripps College and is currently a pre-doctoral fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) and the University of Washington, where she is investigating the relationship between lifestyle factors and chronic disease.

Upon completion of her Ph.D. RD., she plans to open a nutritional consulting firm and continue her research in chronic disease prevention.

She also enjoys checking things off of her “bucket list” and most recently rappelled down a 20-story building to raise funds for Shatterproof, a national organization committed to shattering the stigma surrounding addiction.

Schmidt will represent Washington state in the Miss USA competition later this year.

“I’m looking forward to representing the entire state,” she said. “I’m planning some trips to the other side of the mountains… As Miss Washington, I want to make sure I’m embodying the values of all of the young women across the state.”