Mallory Ervin of Morganfield was crowned Miss Kentucky Saturday night in Lexington.

Ervin, who entered the scholarship pageant as Miss Bowling Green, won a $10,000 cash scholarship, a Lexus to use during her year of service and an opportunity to compete in the 2010 Miss American pageant in January.

She will also serve as a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which spends up to $25,000 a year to reimburse Miss Kentucky's travel expenses as she promotes healthy lifestyles at schools and events.

Ervin, 23, is the daughter of Gary and Lisa Ervin and holds a theater arts degree from Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee.

Her platform issue during the pageant was autism awareness. She sang "On My Own" during the talent portion of the competition.

The first runner-up was Janelle Blevins, 22, of Webbville. She is Miss Mammoth Cave Area.

The second runner-up was Andrea Walker, 19, of Wilmore. She is Miss Lexington.