By Elle Wood

MILFORD — Professional ballerina Nova Gaffney danced her way to the top of the Miss Delaware pageant, taking the crown June 22.

She will go on to represent the First State at the Miss America competition in December.

Along with the crown, Ms. Gaffney, of Milford, won Overall Talent at the contest, using her ballet skills.

“My career as a professional ballet dancer helped me excel in the area of the performing arts talent section,” she said. “I began professionally dancing with First State Ballet Theatre in the state of Delaware about six years ago. I have danced professionally in New York, Illinois and Georgia, as well.”

There were 11 other women competing for the crown, with Ms. Gaffney, Adria Windish, Natalie Scott and Carly Favoroso being named finalists.

The new Miss Delaware is happy for the chance to serve the state and earn college scholarships.

“Miss Delaware has a wonderful opportunity for scholarships and community service,” she said. “I’m really interested in the aspect of community service, as well as gaining scholarships for college, so that is one of the first reasons I decided to join the organization.”

The win earned her about $12,000 in scholarships so far. Overall, the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization donated $29,950 in funding throughout the weekend of competition.

In her new role, Ms. Gaffney — who competed as Miss Southern Delaware — hopes to continue her passion for serving others.

“I am most looking forward to my plan to engage with the community,” she said. “I am trying to engage with a lot of young women in the community and (to) help grow the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization.”

Getting to this point, however, was quite a bit of work for the contestants, she added. In addition to the talent portion, the competition included a fitness showcase, an onstage question about service initiatives and an evening gown presentation.

“We had a couple wonderful sponsors that helped us out with our walking practice,” Ms. Gaffney said. “We do walking practice for both our evening gown and fitness wear, as well as the talent rehearsal — which I put a lot into — and mock interviews.”

She went on to say that she is already receiving lots of praise from others, especially many young girls who may aspire to become Miss Delaware.

“I have already seen a lot of young girls that have wanted to take pictures and ask questions,” Ms. Gaffney said. “And that is something that I find incredibly encouraging because I know that a lot of them have big things in their future that they are unaware of yet.

“It is wonderful to be that role model in their life.”

Her year as Miss Delaware is only beginning, but she said she is proud to be a representative for the state she calls home.

“Delaware is home. I think Delaware is really special because it is a small state, and it gives us more opportunities to be connected,” Ms. Gaffney said. “I am excited to represent who we are at Miss America.”

For information about the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization, visit missde.org.