Whittney Dawn Allen of Salyersville was crowned Miss Kentucky United States 2013 on Feb. 17 following two days of competition at the Thoroughbred Center in Lexington.

The Miss Kentucky United States pageant is a preliminary to Miss United States pageant.

Contestants are judged in four categories, including personal interview, evening gown, swimsuit and on-stage question. Contestants must also support a personal platform of choice.

Allen promoted her nonprofit organization, SpeakOUTLoveU, which deals with bullying awareness and prevention.

She is a senior at Eastern Kentucky University and qualified to compete at the state level after taking on the title of Miss Eastern Kentucky United States.

Miss United States 2013 will be held July 2-7 in Washington, D.C.