South Effingham High School alumna Megan Johnson was crowned Miss Georgia Southern University on Saturday night.

Johnson is a sophomore nursing major. She was awarded a $2,000 scholarship and gifts from sponsors in winning the title. Johnson also is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

“I’ve done a few (pageants),” Johnson said, “but this is probably the biggest one I’ve ever done. I’ve won in the past, but all those wins were just leading up to this one.”

The 18 students vying for the crown competed in several categories including an interview portion, talent, swimsuit, evening wear and a question and answer session. Miss Congeniality and fan favorite winners also were selected.

Amanda Merry was first runner-up and Layne Livingston was second runner-up.

The Miss Georgia Southern University pageant became an official local preliminary pageant to the Miss Georgia and Miss America Pageants in 1948. This year marks the 67th year for the pageant at Georgia Southern.