ANAHEIM – Tracy Broughton, 36, of Ladera Ranch wore a $35,000 crown while walking down the runway as the new Ms. America 2011.

Broughton was selected from a group of 26 participants in the pageant, which took place at the Doubletree Hotel in Anaheim on Sunday evening. The participants came from 14 states.

Broughton walked the runway with a crutch, as she is still recovering from a hit-and-run accident in 1996 that kept her in a wheelchair for several years.

"I was able to overcome my disability through a combination of experimental therapy, faith and perseverance," Broughton said.

Broughton's two children, twin boys, Triston and Tyler, 11, joined her after the pageant.

"Even though they weren't that big, they helped tremendously by pushing my wheelchair," said the single mom.

As the winner of the pageant, Broughton received a $3,500 replica of the crown and will spend the year championing those with disabilities.

According to the pageant's rules, contestants have to be at least 26 years old and a U.S. citizen. They can be single, divorced, married or widowed.

"Wearing the crown is a powerful thing; it empowers women to make a difference," said Susan Jeske, the first Ms. America in 1997, and now the owner of the pageant.

Jeske said the winner is expected to go out and meet with students and organizations about making a difference on an issue that is important to them.

"When people see us with that crown on, they want to come up and talk to us and we should be talking to them," she said.

The contestants were evaluated by a panel of six judges in four categories: evening gown, interview, sportswear and finalist on-stage question.

The judges were Rita Mezrahi, founder and director of Claire's Collections; Deana Molle, Ms. America 2004-05; Deborah Nelson, Ms. America 2007; Gabe Arik, co-owner of Newport Jewelers; Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House; and actress Paula Trickey.

Jeske hopes to expand the pageant within a few years to represent all 50 states.

Kimberly Vodang of Panorama City was named Ms. American International 2011 as the result of an online voting competition at the pageant.