Hofstra Grad Crowned Miss America

Photo: Kira Kazantsev is crowned Miss America. Credit: @MissAmerica Twitter

Hofstra Pride rang Sunday night as one of their own took home the Miss America title.

Kira Kazantsev, 23, of Murray Hill, is the third consecutive Miss America to represent New York.

Kazantsev’s performance of the hit Pharrell song “Happy” had a hint of “Pitch Perfect” in it.

“The reason why I chose to do that talent is I wanted every single little girl in America to be able to see that you can do that talent — you can do whatever talent you want on national television — even with a red cup — and still be Miss America and have the time of your life,” Kazantsev told Associated Press.

The new Miss America will embark on a year of work, including collaborating with the Department of Education to serve as a spokesperson, serving as a National Goodwill Ambassador, and working with Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence.

“We need to talk about the issue,” she said, addressing domestic violence, according to New York Post. “We need to make it something people aren’t scared of. We need to stop asking, ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’ but instead have the courage and empathy to help women on their way.”

Kazantsev, who graduated from Hofstra University in 2013 with a triple major in Political Science, Global Studies, and Geography, plans on attending Fordham Law School, according to Hofstra.

Hofstra sent their congratulations to Kazantsev Monday morning.