Miss America Betty Cantrell talks to Warner Robins' Perdue Elementary students about exercise

Children at David A. Perdue Elementary School in Warner Robins received a rare treat on Thursday morning when Miss America Betty Cantrell stopped by to talk to them about the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

In one of her first appearances in her hometown since she was crowned the new Miss America, Cantrell spoke at two assemblies at the school, one of the third grade and half of fourth grade and the second of the remaining fourth-graders and the entire fifth grade.

In the first assembly, Cantrell began by explaining to the excited group of youngsters that she competed against 52 other women to become Miss America.

"Who would have 'thunk' I would have won," she expressively told the group, explaining that Georgia had not had a Miss Georgia win the pageant since 1953. "And now I get to do all this community service ... that's what Miss America is all about: community service ... and scholarship money."

Cantrell told the students that she won $50,000 in scholarship money and now she gets to travel around the country talking to people about her platform "Healthy Children Strong America" and about the importance of eating healthy and exercising.

Interacting with the students, she asked them their thoughts about some ways that they could be healthier. Students responded with "sleeping good at night, eating vegetables, and brushing their teeth."

Cantrell explained that even children who are not prone to be athletic can eat healthier by choosing to eat fresh fruit instead of fruit rollups and completing simple exercise by riding a bike or walking a dog. "There's really no excuse for you big, strong third- and fourth-graders not exercising," she said, challenging them to go with their moms or dads to the grocery store and telling them they want to eat fresh fruit. "They will be so surprised."

Cantrell told the group that she loves candy, but that a sweet treat should be reserved for just one meal a day.

During a question-and-answer session with the students, Cantrell revealed that she started singing when she was 3 years old, was 19 when she did her first pageant, has only been in eight pageants and has won four pageants. She told them she has worn at least 20 gowns for competitions, and she is taking the year off from college to be Miss America because she "travels a lot."

Cantrell discussed the stages of the Miss America competition with the students and told them that she had to show poise and confidence in evening gown, answer an on-stage question, had to perform a talent, show she was physically fit by wearing a bikini in the swimsuit competition and answer questions in a 10-minute interview with the judges.

"They ask you questions for 10 minutes ... and it's very intimidating," Cantrell commented about the interview phase of competition.

Cantrell, who often sings during her appearances, was unable to sing due to being sick, much to the dismay of the students. However, she encouraged them to look her up on YouTube singing "Let it Go," for which she received an excited response from the enthusiastic students.

Third-grader, Allie Bowers, 8, who wants to one day become a Miss America, said she was inspired by Cantrell.

"I thought it was very thrilling and exciting. I know a lot of people don't get to see her," she said.

Ethan Trent, 8, also in the third grade, said he usually eats oranges, and he was encouraged by Cantrell talking about the local state and national levels of competition she went through. He said he is interested in becoming president one day.

Cantrell told The Telegraph that she was only home for a few days, making a few appearances, and then she would be off again. She said it was hard being away from her loved ones, but that they were supporting her 100 percent, and it was a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity.

"Just to see her and realize this is Miss America ... the students were) in awe this morning,"

Andy Payne, principal at Perdue Elementary School, said. "She had a goal in mind. She went for it ... and now she is Miss America.

Payne said that it is an inspiring story for students to hear that "whatever you put your mind to ... you have to go after it."

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Miss America Betty Cantrell talks to Warner Robins' Perdue Elementary students about exercise ."