We are one day away from the 88th crowning of Miss America and the local contestants are preparing for their chance at the title and the $50,000 that goes along with it.
Miss D.C. Kate Marie Grinold, Miss Maryland Louise Schlegel and Miss Virginia Tara Wheeler spent the last week rehearsing for Saturday's crowning, live on TLC, according to the Washington Post.
Meet the Contestants:
Grinold, 23, graduated from George Washington University and was the first person in her family to obtain a college degree. She's an avid animal lover who hopes to serve as a U.S. Ambassador for the United Nations someday.
Schlegel, who attends the University of Maryland, hopes to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and become a performer. Her older Korean brother was adopted at 14 months and provides the inspiration for her platform and has shaped the way she views family.
Wheeler played hockey for the Women's team at Penn State University and received a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She even tried out for the Women's Olympic hockey team. She now attends Regent University and is pursuing her Master's degree in Journalism. She hopes to be an anchor at a news station.
For more bio information, visit the TLC website by clicking here.
View an interview with Miss Virginia, moments before she boarded her plane to Las Vegas, click here.
