UH's Crystle Stewart wins Miss USA

University of Houston graduate and Miss Texas winner, Crystle Stewart, won the Miss USA pageant this past Friday which was held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino located in Las Vegas.

Stewart, who finished as a first runner up in '06 and '07, finally won the judges over after her fifth attempt as a Miss USA candidate. She beat out 50 other women to win the coveted crown and becoming the ninth Texan to win it.

Stewart earned a degree in Consumer Science and Merchandising at UH and runs her own business, "Inside/Out", which dedicates its time for building self-esteem for young women.

As Miss USA, Stewart will compete for Miss Universe on July 14 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Houstonist is working to do an interview with this local star. Stay tuned for details.

Photo courtsey of missusa.com