Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski won the swimsuit competition for her group Wednesday night in the preliminary Miss America competition, a local pageant director said. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Kozlowski wore the swimsuit she modeled 10 days ago at City Auditorium, Kathryn Resio said in an e-mail.

Daily workouts and healthy eating to stay in shape were priorities for Kozlowski as she prepared for the Miss America competition, she said in an interview earlier this month.

State contestants are divided into three groups for the Miss America preliminary competitions, which include swimsuit and evening wear, talent and interviews.

Wednesday’s other preliminary winner, in talent, was Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman, who sang “Home” from “The Wiz.” She will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Kozlowski, scheduled first in her group of 17 state finalists, competes in the talent event tonight.

She is performing a jazz dance to a medley from “West Side Story,” including “Maria” and “America.”

The Miss America pageant will be broadcast Saturday on TLC, local cable channel 52, at 7 p.m. from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Kozlowski was crowned Miss Mississippi at the Vicksburg Convention Center last summer.