Leah Cecil is the newly crowned Miss California 2012. Born and raised in Garden Grove, California, Leah is the first Miss California to be a former Miss Garden Grove. She recently graduated from California State University - Fullerton with a BA in music. Leah's talent is the harp and she will perform "Great Day" when she competes in the Miss America pageant January, 2013.

EA: This morning, we're honored to welcome to the Hour of Power and the Crystal Cathedral, Miss California 2012 Leah Cecil. She received the Miss California crown back on June 30th and will represent California in the Miss America program in Las Vegas in January.

Leah, it's nice to have you with us. How did it feel when you were crowned Miss California?

LC: For me, it was a dream come true. I've been competing in this organization since I was fourteen and I remember looking up to former Miss California's like Kristi Cavinder and thinking how amazing she is. And then here I am, Miss California, so it's just definitely been a dream come true.

EA: Where did you grow up and where did you go to school?

LC: I actually grew up right here in Garden Grove. I'm a home town girl. And it's definitely very exciting for the city of Garden Grove because they haven't had a former Miss Garden Grove become Miss California before, so I'm excited to be here.

But speaking of school, I went to Barker Elementary, Bell Intermediate and Pacifica High School, and just recently I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in music.

EA: For those who did not happen to see the Miss California program when you actually won the crown, what was your talent and what did you perform?

LC: My talent was the harp and the song that I played was called "Great Day." It's a very exciting piece, full of pizzazz and lots of glissandos, and I think it's very entertaining, so it's a piece I'll be playing at Miss America, as well.

EA: Talent seems to run in your family. I understand your mother is playing in the orchestra today. Would you introduce her for us?

LC: Yes, my mother is Robin Cecil, and she's sitting in the front row, the violin section. The fact that I'm here at the Hour of Power as Miss California is just a thrill, and I'm excited to have my grandparents here as well as the whole Garden Grove family. This is amazing.

EA: After the Miss America program, what's in store for you career-wise?

LC: Career-wise, if I win Miss America that will bring a whole new group of opportunities for me. But if I don't win Miss America, I'll continue being Miss California, and then continue with a career as a professional musician, playing the harp at weddings and special events, and eventually getting a teaching credential and continuing to teach music.=

EA: Ladies and gentleman, this is an extremely talented and lovely young woman, who we're going to be watching to see how things go come January 2013. Thank you, Leah, for being here today.

LC: Thank you.

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