PHILADELPHIA - Rachel Brooks, a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government is the new Miss Pennsylvania and will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant.

The 24-year-old from Broomall, Pa., competed as Miss River City.

As the new Miss Pennsylvania, Brooks will be awarded a $7,000 scholarship.  Her volunteer platform is "Autism Awareness: Unlocking the Mystery."  She plans to pursue a career in public service, academia and private consulting.