ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY (Written by Fiona Henry) - For the second year in a row, one of the world's most exclusive sororities welcomed a future lawyer as its new queen. Ericka Dunlap, 21, of Orlando, Florida, was crowned Miss America 2004 by Miss America 2003 Erika Harold of Illinois on Saturday, September 20th.

Ms. Dunlap, a senior at the University of Central Florida whose platform was Achieving Cultural Inclusion, mentioned during the pageant that she plans to become a lawyer focusing on Entertainment Law. She becomes the second woman from the Sunshine State to win the title, following Leanza Cornett, Miss America 1993.

Ericka remained a favorite of the judges throughout the evening because she won the finals night competitions for evening gown and talent.

Also, the former Miss Florida cemented her victory with her quick wit and extemporaneous speaking skills. In response to host Tom Bergeron's question of how Ericka would attract a would-be admirerer, Ericka responded by saying, "Well, if I'm Miss America, then he better come to me first!"

An incredibly accomplished group of intelligent, talented, and beautiful women joined Ms. Dunlap in the final five. Miss Hawaii Kanoelani Gibson, 22, of Kapolei, was 1st Runner-Up. Kanoelani, a preliminary talent winner, studies Secondary Education at the University of Hawaii.

Miss Wisconsin Tina Sauerhammer, 22, of Green Bay, was 2nd Runner-Up. Tina, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Medical School who dedicated her performance in the pageant to her late father, was also a preliminary talent winner at the pageant.

Miss Maryland Marina Harrison, 22, of Severn, was 3rd Runner-Up. Marina, a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park, aspires to be White House Press Secretary one day and was also the finals night winner of the casual wear competition.

Miss California Nicole Lamarche, 24, of Berkeley, was 4th Runner-Up. Nicole, a preliminary and finals night swimsuit winner, attends the Pacific School of Religion and is an aspiring minister.

The five other lucky ladies making it to the top ten were Bryn Chapman, 21, an Indiana University music student from Indianapolis; Candace Glickman, 21, a University of New Hampshire student and preliminary swimsuit winner from Manchester; Kelley Scott, 23, a Master's in Accounting student from Owasso; Laurie Beth Gray, 22, a Harvard graduate, aspiring doctor, and preliminary talent winner from Warwick; and Nancy Amanda Redd, 22, a Harvard graduate, champion on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and preliminary swimsuit winner from Martinsville.

This year at the pageant, fifteen quarter-finalists were chosen. The other ladies making it to the top fifteen were Andrea Bailey, 24, of Georgia; Madonna Emond, 22, of Michigan; Catherine Crosby, 23, of Alabama; Amber Etheridge, 23, of Missouri; and Jennifer Farrell, 19, of New Jersey.

Among the star-studded panel of judges was famous journalist Greta Van Susteren and actor Donald Welch, of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame.

In one of the most memorable events of the evening, Clay Aiken, of American Idol fame, sang his inspirational smash hit "This is the Night" to the 51 contestants.