Savannah Gankiewicz, a Sherando High School graduate, placed as first runner up in the Miss USA pageant held on Friday in Reno, Nevada.

Savannah, who competed as Miss Hawaii, had a great week leading up to the competition including winning two of the event’s most significant categories.

During the costume competition on Wednesday, she paid tribute to the historic Lahaina Banyan Tree which served as a sign of hope for the Hawaiian community when they stood tall after the devastating fires earlier this year.

She also won best interview during the lead up to Friday’s pageant.

If the winner of Miss USA goes on to win Miss Universe in November, then Savannah would become Miss USA.