Sept. 7, 1963 - Miss Arkansas, 21-year-old Donna Axum, was named Miss America of 1964 tonight at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall. The new Miss America was crowned by Jacqueline Mayer of Sandusky, Ohio, last year’s winner. Miss Axum was obviously overcome with emotion, but she did not cry. She was joined on stage by her mother, father, and sister Mona. “I just can’t tell you how I feel,” she said. “We’re deeply grateful,” said her father. “It’s just a wonderful thing for the Axum family.” In her talent part of the contest, she sang “Quando me'n vo,’” also known as “Musetta's Waltz,” from Puccini’s “La Boheme.” She started singing — then stopped and asked the audience: “Why should I be singing about Paris at Christmastime when a fun-loving girl like me likes Paris in the springtime?” Then she donned a fur stole and sunglasses and began a pop version of “I Love Paris.” Miss Axum is a senior at the University of Arkansas. In winning the Miss America title, she received a $10,000 scholarship and will earn about $75,000 in personal appearances during the year. Miss Axum was chosen from among 52 girls representing every state, the District of Columbia, and New York City.
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