Kristina Higgins, a teacher from Gwinnett County School, gave up her Miss Georgia crown just one day after winning the title. The 24 year-old decided to quit because her responsibilities as a middle school would not leave her time she would need to serve as Miss Georgia.

Kristina released the following statement: “Due to my current job responsibilities as a middle school teacher and the responsibilities and time commitment as Miss Georgia, I have decided to not fulfill the duties of Miss Georgia 2009. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been chosen as Miss Georgia and fully support the system and wish Emily Cook the best of luck.”

The new Miss Georgia is runner-up Emily Cook, a recent graduate of the University of Miami who was accepted into University of Georgia’s Law School and will be competing for the Miss America crown in January in Las Vegas.

Kristina Higgins Pictures

Emily Cook Pictures