Jessica Shultis of Lincoln has been crowned Miss Nebraska 2018, and the 24-year-old will represent the state at the 2019 Miss America Pageant in September.
Shultis was awarded more than $10,600 in scholarships at the competition that wrapped up Saturday night in North Platte.
Shultis, a Doane University graduate student, will travel the state over the next year promoting Hoops for Hope.
Shultis, a cancer survivor, uses her background as a college basketball player to hold camps advocating confidence and health, while also raising money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Miss Nebraska 2017 Allison Tietjen presented this year’s award to Shultis.
Allison Baird, 20, Miss Star City, was first runner-up and will step in to serve as Miss Nebraska if Shultis is unable to fulfill her duties. Baird is a Doane University student from Gering.
Makinzie Gregory, 18, Miss Old West Balloon Fest, was named second runner-up.
Allie Swanson, 23, Miss Omaha, was named third runner-up.
And Krista Hinrichs, 19, Miss Douglas County, was named fourth runner-up.
