Jessica Procter, after being crowned Miss Alabama 2017, takes a moment on Saturday, June 10, at Samford University's Wright Center.

Leeds resident Jessica Procter brought home the title of Miss Alabama 2017 during Saturday’s competition in Birmingham.

Procter, a University of Alabama student and reigning Miss Leeds Area, was crowned at Samford University’s Wright Center.

“Jessica is so deserving. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside,” said Sandra McGuire, executive director of Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and director of Miss Leeds Area. “She worked very hard this year in every aspect of competition. She has been a pure joy to work with.”

Procter was also the winner of several preliminary competitions prior to Miss Alabama, including Miss Lead Area.

Procter’s primary platform, Step Up to the Plate, has been a driving force for her this year while working with the West Alabama Food Bank to help feed the hungry, McGuire said. Procter was awarded the Catherine Crosby Long Award for community service. 

The title of Miss Alabama comes with a $10,000 scholarship. The first through fourth runners-up split $11,000 in scholarship money. 

Miss Alabama Jessica Procter will be representing the state in the Miss America 2018 Miss America competition pageant on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2018 that night on ABC in Atlantic City. According to correspondent Dona Bonnett, a send-off party is planned for late August.

“She will be a wonderful representative for this state,” concluded McGuire. “Her beautiful voice is obvious the moment she begins singing. I am so proud of her!”