New Miss RI USA crowned

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- There's a new Miss Rhode Island USA.

Brittany Stenovitch, 19, of Cranston, was crowned this weekend. She succeeds fellow Cranston native, Olivia Culpo, who is currently Miss USA 2012.

"I'm excited, I can't explain it. It's still sinking in," said Stenovitch.

Culpo won the title in September of 2011, in her first pageant appearance. This past June she was crowned Miss USA, and upon returning home to Cranston after the pageant, Mayor Allan Fung presented her with a key to the city in a ceremony outside City Hall.

"I'm the first Miss Rhode Island USA to be crowned by the national title holder, which is an amazing feeling. She is a great person, I love her. But they're pretty big shoes to fill, but I'm excited," explained Stenovitch.

The Miss Rhode Island USA pageant was held Sunday at Cranston's historic Park Theatre at 2 p.m.

Twenty-seven competitors gave it their all at the pageant. Culpo caught up with Eyewitness News about what the new Miss Rhode Island USA can soon expect.

"It's a real learning experience,especially because of the people that you meet. you're always at appearances and events and charities doing good things for others. Also meeting a lot of people around the state who are kind hearted people trying to make a difference," said Culpo.

Meanwhile, Culpo added that she's busy preparing for the Miss Universe Pageant in December.

More information on the pageant is available on the Miss Rhode Island USA website .