Schmidt, a Jacksonville senior majoring in psychology, was the first runner-up to the new Miss Florida,聽Laura McKeeman, a St. Petersburg TV sportscaster.

Schmidt won $7,100 for being named runner-up and posting high scores in the preliminary talent, preliminary interview and newcomer-of-the-year categories.

Two other UCF students made it to the top 11 finalists chosen from the 43 contestants: Jerusha Cavazos of Celebration, a junior majoring in musical theatre who holds the title of Miss South Florida, and Meagan Cartaya of Homestead, a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations who holds the title of Miss Homestead. Each earned $750.

If Schmidt had won the title, she would have followed in the footsteps of three other UCF students named Miss Florida: Kristina Janolo in 2011, Jacqueline Raulerson in 2010 and Rachael Todd in 2009.

Nine of the 43 contestants at the pageant in St. Petersburg were UCF students.

The new Miss Florida will advance to compete for the title of Miss America early next year.

Miss California Kristy Cavinder was the first runner-up, winning $25,000. Miss Florida, Oviedo native and UCF graduate Rachael Todd, did not finish in the top 15.

To continue reading visit Orlando Sentinel, No Miss America crown for Miss Florida Rachael Todd; The Associated Press, 9:01 p.m. EST, January 30, 2010

Todd, a 2009 UCF graduate, will compete in the Miss America 2010 Pageant on Saturday, Jan. 30. TLC will air the pageant live from Las Vegas at 8 p.m. EST. The UCF community is invited to attend a watch party at 7:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Pizza, located in Ferrell Commons on the main campus.

To read more about Rachael Todd and聽see a video interview about her experiences at UCF, click here.

While at UCF, Rachael served as vice president of the Kappa Delta sorority. She was a winner and was on the Dean’s List.

Joining her in the competition were six other UCF students and recent UCF alumni: Dasha Gonzalez, Sara York, Danielle Mueller, Mandi Jo John, Tara Szczepanski and Jaclyn Raulerson.