MISS AMERICA COMPETITION MAGAZINE - 100 YEARS by SourceOne Graphics, Inc.

competition magazine

1921 • 2021

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After the crown, are you ready to

change the world? Make a difference. Promote health. Help people. This is how you change the world as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Choose a career that allows you to make a difference in your community and help people with a natural approach to health. Find out how to start your journey into this exciting and inspiring profession at www.sherman.edu/visit.

Sherman of ofChiropractic offersoffers FULL SCHOLARSHIPS ShermanCollege College Chiropractic FULL SCHOLARSHIPStoto all who compete in thein100th Anniversary Miss America all state statewinners winners who compete the 2021 Miss America and the and 2021 Miss America’s Outstanding Competitions. 2021theMiss America’s Outstanding Teen Teen Competitions.

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dsu.edu #DSURising

DIFFERENT BECAUSE WE’RE DRIVEN The Beacom College With innovative education, research, partnerships, and outreach programs, Dakota State University is different because we’re driven. A small Midwest school with global connections, we’re redefining cyber and preparing students for what’s next. DSU supports women as they rise to meet their goals in education and their future. A special congratulations to all the candidates of Miss America 2022. 4

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T HE BE ACOM COLLEGE of COMPUT ER & C Y BER SCIENCES

12 14 19 21 26 31 34 38 48 50

EVENT SCHEDULE ORDER OF COMPETITIONS Preliminary Mu & Alpha Groupings

PRELIMINARY HOSTS 100 YEAR GALA SCHOLARSHIPS 2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ANNIVERSARIES

25th Anniversaries, Shawntel Smith & Tara Dawn Holland 50th Anniversary, Phyllis George & Laurel Lea Schaefer

FOREVER MISS AMERICA

CONTENTS

WHO WILL BE OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY MISS AMERICA?

Former Miss Americas Continue Impacting Change After the Crown

IN MEMORIAM 100 YEARS OF MISS AMERICA

MISS AMERICA’s OUTSTANDING TEEN

FOREVER YOURS

JOB DESCRIPTION

7 554 217

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAOTeen 2022 Marcelle LeBlanc

Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier

MEET THE CANDIDATES

51 Candidates Competing for the Job of Miss America 2022

MY HOMETOWN

Special Advertising Section

233

MY JOURNEY

250

LEADERSHIP

254

MISS AMERICA RECOGNIZES

Special Advertising Section

Miss America Staff, Board of Directors, & State

Local & State Volunteers of 10 or More & Special Thank Yous

MISSMISSAME AME RI CA RI CA 100 .ORG YE ARS

Miss America Competition Magazine Production Credits Published by: SOURCEONE GRAPHICS, INC.

President & Publisher CHRIS CRONIN

VP of Sales KELLY BALES

Creative Director/Graphic Design MARISA RODGERS

Contributing Writers BRENDA KEITH SourceOne, Graphics, Inc. 711 Bond Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 (501) 374-7676, info@s1output.com facebook.com/S1Output

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100th Anniversary Miss America Merchandise Shop all the 100th Anniversary Miss America merchandise by visiting us at the merchandise table or shop online today at Shop.MissAmerica.Org! 8

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There she is... Miss Neurosurgeon, Miss Social Activist, Miss Jet Pilot, Miss Investigative Journalist, Miss Expert Coder, Miss CEO . . . Miss Whatever-She-Wants-to-Be. And yes, she is beautiful. Beautiful in the way she is smart, principled and passionate. Stunning in how she leads, commands a room and makes an impact. Striking in her genuineness, fearlessness and general awesomeness. Never guided by what she ‘should do’ but forever driven by what she ‘could do’. She has the confidence, the skills and is empowered to make it happen. There she is. Miss America. No wonder she has a crown — she rules.

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HAWAII

GEORGIA

KENTUCKY HALEY B. WHEELER

MINNESOTA

MICHIGAN ELIZABETH PIERRE

COURTNEY CHOY

TAYLOR CLARK

GRACE LYNN KELLER

MASSACHUSETTS LYDIA SOHN

MAURA SPENCE-CARROLL

KARSON ANNSLEE PENNINGTON

KANSAS

IOWA

INDIANA MARYLAND MARIAH LAROCQUE

JAZMIN AVALOS

LEAH RODDENBERRY

BRAXTON KENNEDY HISER

COLORADO

CALIFORNIA

ARKANSAS FLORIDA

WHITNEY WILLIAMS

ANDOLYN TOMASA MEDINA

ISABELLE HANSON

MAINE

LOUISIANA

AYRISS TORRES

JULIA CLAIRE WILLIAMS

AMBER BARTO

SOPHIE PHILLIPS

ILLINOIS

IDAHO

SAPNA RAGHAVAN

ARIZONA EMMA BROYLES

DELAWARE

CONNECTICUT

LAUREN BRADFORD

DISTRICT of COLUMBIA

ALABAMA

ALASKA

Who will it be?

VIVIAN ZHONG

ELLE MARK

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEVADA

OHIO

NORTH DAKOTA

NORTH CAROLINA

WYOMING MIKKAYLA DEBOLT

SOUTH DAKOTA

SOUTH CAROLINA

LORA CURRENT

JULIA HERRIN

VIRGINIA DANIELLE MORSE

KAITLIN O’NEILL

WASHINGTON

LEIGH PAYNE

VERMONT

UTAH

TEXAS WISCONSIN JENNIFER SCHMIDT

ASHLEY MARSH

REYNA BERGSTROM

RHODE ISLAND

PENNSYLVANIA

OREGON

OKLAHOMA TENNESSEE WEST VIRGINIA

SASHA SLOAN

MALLORY FULLER

MACIE RENEE TUELL

CARLI BATSON

MEGHAN SINISI

ABIGAIL HAYES

TALLY BEVIS

MORGAN HOLEN

SYDNEY PARK

SIENNA MASCAREÑAS

ASHLEIGH ROBINSON

JAELYN WRATCHFORD

JESSICA CRISS

NEW YORK

NEW MEXICO

CALLIE COX

ALYSSA SULLIVAN

NEBRASKA

MONTANA

MISSOURI

MISSISSIPPI NEW JERSEY

HOLLY BRAND

TATUM SHEPPARD

MADDIE LOUDER

of our Nation’s most intelligent, confident, talented and community-minded young women MISS AME RI CA

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ORDER OF EVENTS

100th Anniversary

Miss America

COMPETITION SCHEDULE First Night of Preliminary Competition Sunday, December 12th; 7pm Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Expo Hall

Post Preliminary Family & Friends Visitation Sunday, December 12th; Post-Preliminaries Credentialed Event

Second Night of Preliminary Competition Monday, December 13th; 7pm Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Expo Hall

Post Preliminary Family & Friends Visitation Monday, December 13th; Post-Preliminaries Credentialed Event

Candidate Scholarship Judging

Tuesday, December 14th; 8 - 10am Open to the public / Mohegan Sun Expo Hall

Miss America 100th Anniversary Party Tuesday, December 14th; 8pm Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Game On

Miss America Empower Academy Wednesday, December 15th; All Day Camp registration required

Miss America Fans Talent Show

Wednesday, December 15th; 1:30 – 3:30pm Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Expo Hall

Miss America Sorority Event – Former State Titleholders Gathering (Open to State EDs and Former State Titleholders only) Wednesday, December 15th; 4:00pm – 5:00pm Badge Credential / Location TBA

Celebrate Miss America Show

Wednesday, December 15th; 7:30 – 9:30pm Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Expo Hall

100th Anniversary Miss America Breakfast Thursday, December 16th; 9:30 – 11:00am Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Earth Ballroom

Forever Miss America Autograph Signing

Thursday, December 16th; 11:30am – 12:30pm Free to the Public / Mohegan Sun Earth Arena Entrance

Pre-broadcast Red Carpet

Thursday, December 16th; Pre-Show Open to the public / Mohegan Sun Earth Arena Entrance

Final Night Competition of Miss America!

Thursday, December 16th; 7pm Pre-Show; 8pm Competition Ticketed Event / Mohegan Sun Arena

Miss America After Party

Thursday, December 16th; post-show Ticketed Event / Location TBA

For more event information or to purchase tickets, visit missamerica.org/100th-anniversary-competition *Event Times are subject to change. The events listed above are the only Miss America Organization’s Official 100th Anniversary Competition Events. Any other event is not authorized, supported, nor sanctioned by MAO. All Official MAO event communications will come from the Miss America Organization.

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L E A D | E M P OW E R | A DVO C AT E | D E M O N S T R AT E Learn how to develop your ideas, communicate your concepts and share your vision to positively impact your community. Create your personal branding, discover how to utilize social media and effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas. Improve public speaking techniques and create your pitch to promote your passion. Attend workshops with nationally known experts and explore scholarships and grants to help fund your education and cause.

YOU have the voice to lead. YOU have the passion to inspire others. YOU are a Changemaker!

Provided by:

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GROUPINGS

100 th Anniversary Miss America

ORDER OF COMPETITION BY STAT E

The Miss America Candidates took part in a random lottery which allowed them to self-select their private interview and preliminary competition placement!

Here is the order of competition for the title and job of Miss America 2022!

Fri, Dec. 10th: Personal Interview Sun, Dec. 12th: On Stage Question & Red Carpet & Social Impact Pitch Mon, Dec 13th: Talent

Sat, Dec 11th: Personal Interview Sun, Dec. 12th: Talent Mon, Dec 13th: On Stage Question & Red Carpet & Social Impact Pitch

State Talent

DELAWARE

P ia n o

VIRGINIA

RHODE ISL AND

P ia n o

INDIANA

GEORGIA NEVADA NEW JERSEY SOUTH CAROLINA LOUISIANA VERMONT MAINE OHIO

Ta p D a n ce Vo ca l

MINNESOTA MASSACHUSETTS UTAH SOUTH DAKOTA OKLAHOMA ARIZONA

O pe ratic Vocal Piano

WYOMING

M onolog ue

Ja zz D a n ce S p e e d Pa in t in g Vo ca l Ja zz D a n ce B a to n Tw ir lin g

FLORIDA

Indian Classica l Da nce

MICHIGAN

C la ssica l Ce llo

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Vocal

C la ssica l P ia n o

ARKANSAS TENNESSEE

CONNECTICUT NORTH DAKOTA

The atrical Voca l

M u sica l T h e a t re Vocal

MARYLAND NEW MEXICO

ALPHA

Ja zz D a n ce Vo ca l a n d P ia n o O p e ra t ic Vo ca l Ja zz D a n ce M u sica l T h e a t re Vocal Ly r ica l D a n ce Vo ca l Co n te m p o ra r y Pointe Vo ca l Co n te m p o ra r y D ance

CALIFORNIA NEW HAMPSHIRE

B roadway Voca l Tap Dance

KENTUCKY

Vocal

AL ABAMA

Violin

PENNSYLVANIA WASHINGTON NORTH CAROLINA

B aton Twirling Jazz Dance Ly rical e n Pointe

NEBRASKA

Ly rical Dance

OREGON

Piano & Vocal

IOWA MONTANA IDAHO WISCONSIN NEW YORK MISSISSIPPI HAWAII

B allet e n Pointe O pe ratic Vocal Clog g ing Jazz Dance O rig inal Poetic Prose Vocal H ula `Auana

COLORADO

Vo ca l

WEST VIRGINIA

ILLINOIS

Vio lin

MISSOURI

AL ASK A

Vo ca l

KANSAS

Drums

TEXAS

F iddle

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O rig inal Powe r Poem Vocal

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1921 CLUB

THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE MEMBERS OF THE 1921 CLUB!

Thank you

all for your support of women who want to have a positive impact on their communities, their states and our nation. Your support of their goals is making a difference! Frontline Insurance Lanier and LaVoyce Porter Vernon DeSear and Jay Pitts Tampa Steel Erecting Bob Clark Patty Clark Betsey Hapner Monica Lee Miranda Nancy Hutson Miss Tampa Board Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization Jess and Suzanne King Rebel Athletic Karen Noseff Aldridge & Julian Aldridge Ryan Rash Craig Allen Hurst

Beth Ann Jones, Esq.

Miss Delaware 1991 Carolyn Ladd, Esq. Miss Oregon 1991

Linda O’Boyle Zaneski, DNP Miss Pennsylvania 1991

SoYoung Kwon, Esq. Miss Washington 1991

*all celebrating their 30-year Anniversary with the Miss America Organization

John and Laverne Schmitt Dr. Carol Ann Schmitt Dickert and Michael R. Dickert M. William Dickert and Andrea Scheffler Scott John Robert Dickert and Juliana Mesquita Michael and Brenda Baudo Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization Dawinder Sidhu The Family of Miss Louisiana 2021

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HOSTS

100 th Anniversary Miss America

PRELIMINARY COMPETITION S U N DAY N I G H T December 12, 2021

HOSTS MO N DAY NIG HT December 13, 2021

Shawntel Smith Miss America 1996

Caressa Cameron Jackson Miss America 2010

From growing up in Muldrow, Oklahoma a small town with a population of 1800 to receiving the crown of Miss America in 1996, Shawntel is a woman who understands the words dedication, persistence, adversity, faith, and triumph. She has been an internationally recognized spokesperson for corporations including Siemens, Ciba, Novartis, General Motors, Ford and CTIA. Shawntel was appointed by President Clinton and Vice President Gore to serve as Ambassador for the National School to Work initiative for the Departments of Education and Labor. While serving as Ambassador she expanded the national program to every state in the nation. Due to the success in her role and her personal commitment to the United States, she was honored in Washington, DC by the United States Congress as one of the Ten Outstanding Americans. For the past 20 years, Shawntel along with her husband Ryan have had a passion for founding and scaling technology companies that make a positive impact to millions of people’s lives. With all the accomplishments realized thus far, the greatest of those is being the wife to Ryan and mother to Braden and his beautiful wife Ruth, Barrett, Brennan and Bryson.

Caressa Cameron-Jackson was crowned Miss America in January 2010. Since her reign she has been the recipient of numerous Congressional Honors and the Presidents Volunteer Service Award in recognition of her advocacy & policy work for people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. An accomplished vocalist, she had the honor of performing during the 2008 Presidential Inauguration. A worship leader at one of the largest churches in the state of Virginia, she recently recorded a single called “The Fire” which can be heard on Lifepoint Worship’s newest album, Mountain Valley. Born at the intersection of creativity, love, and logistics Caressa launched Caressed By Design-A luxury wedding & event planning company. Caressa resides near Richmond, Virginia with her husband Nathaniel, 5-year-old son Tres and soon to be 2 year old miracle daughter Cammie.

MISS AME RI CA

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100 YE AR CELEBRATION

Miss America 100

YEAR GALA

C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S I N M Y S T I C C O U N T Y, C T & M O H EGA N S U N O N SE PT E M B E R 8T H, 2021 Happy Birthday, Miss America! For the past 100 years, Miss America has been one of the country’s most recognizable household names and has been at the center of everything from national trends to social movements to the birth of television. The young women involved have made a significant difference in people’s lives through their charitable and community service endeavors, using the national platform to educate millions of Americans on issues facing the nation. This past September, the Miss America Organization and Mohegan Sun teamed together to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Miss America! Here they hosted some iconic celebrations and community events, as well as, the return of the beloved “Show Us Your Shoes” parade in its new home state of Connecticut. The official date of the 100th anniversary when Margaret Gorman was crowned on the Atlantic City beach was September 8th, 1921. What began as a “popularity” contest held by newspapers where readers would submit their photos and winners would be awarded a trip

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to Atlantic City. On September 7th and 8th, a number of events were held including an “Inter-City Beauty” contest in which the judging was largely based on their general appeal in appearance, personality, conversations with the judges, and interactions with the crowds. Then, followed a “Bather’s Revue” and a competition for the elusive “Golden Mermaid” grand prize and to be called “the most beautiful bathing girl in America” where Margaret Gorman won by popularity each event. By the following year, many newspapers embraced this readership boosting event and sometime during the year “the most beautiful bathing girl in America” became known as “Miss America,” and the tradition began. On September 8th, 2021, the fiftyone Miss America hopefuls joined some Forever Miss Americas, and many supporters in Mystic County, Connecticut for the tradition of Miss America’s iconic “Show Us Your Shoes” parade and an incredible celebration concluding with an official proclamation making that day forever, Miss America Day!

100 YE AR CELEBRATION

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CENTURY CLUB

Century Club donors have contributed $250 or more to be awarded to the 2022 Miss America. Dr. Kimberlee Mckay Miss SD 1995 Robert H. Neeson Steve Phan Rachael Scott Tom Piechura Maria Maldonado Smith Peggy Miller Sophia Fifner Bonnie Faulk Barbara Longo Ferreira David Appleby Deborah Binn Gina-lynne Smith Kossover Jennifer Stockett Dennis Momyer

Keith Williams

Kathy McCracken

Stacy Sempier In memory of her mother, Evelyn Ay Sempier, Miss America 1954

Joe and Janie Albright

Sher-leann Louder Sarah Thomas Teresa Scanlan Miss America 2011 Shawntel Wuerch Miss America 1996 Daphne Cochran Kessler Miss Kentucky 1980 Beatrice B Waring Miss America 1948

Hannah Bohn

Mary Meister

Terry Meeuwsen Miss America 1973

Erika Wright

Danny Tucker

Raymond Peterson 55 year volunteer and producer for Miss SD Org.

Jan Mitchell

Vicki Maple

Beth Ann Jones

Kay Alexander In memory of my father Charles Welch, Oklahoma Director

Jacob Dixon Coryann St. Marie-Carls & Family

Ashley Hatfield Ed Johnson Local Director Angela P Labuff Muriel Anderson

PA Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors

Regalia Magnificent Apparel

Jack P Cooper

Frances Desalvio

Carolyn Ladd Miss Oregon 1991

Miss Louisiana Organization Dewana Little-Darris WarenDebbie Wyatt

Rebecca Ann King and George Dreman Miss America 1974

Pam Eldred Robbins Miss America 1970

Miss Virginia Organization

Victoria Bailey

Joni B Redick-Yundt Local Director in Hawaii

Jane Gamble Miss America 1967, In honor of Toni Spencer, Charlie Welch, Oklahoma volunteers

Laura Moylan

W Dan Arrighi

Dale Hathorn

Isaac Thweatt

Michele Gordon In honor of father, Gary Young, 30 year volunteer

Brenda Haines

C. Jeff Bunn

Susan P Botsford Miss America 1978, In honor of her mother, Gladys Perkins

Mimi Stricker Miss Connecticut 1997

Joyce R. Hall In honor of daughter Kaycey Hall Vrettos

Susan Meyerle

Robert Yocham

Janetta Freeman Susan R Shea

Markham Miller Marjorie Vincent-Tripp Miss America 1991

Jacqueline B. Reynolds MAO Board Member Karie Ross MAO Board Member Krystle Ramos Ryan Brown MAO Board Member Christopher & Theresa Hanson Nancy O’kane Schrag 30 year Volunteer Lois Wims Tammy Roberts Jeffery Tobias Halter MAO Board Member Katherine Majkrzak Buddy Dees Mark Hinson Judy Kerlin

Laurel Schaefer-Bozoukoff MIss America 1972

Murray and Nancy Benton In honor of daughter Maggie, Miss AR 2018

Madison Wilson

Mignon Merchant Ball

Georgia Scholarship Executive Board

Kathleen Bousquet

Lori and MC GRAVELY

Ruth K Bergstrom

Teresa J Bray MAO Staff Volunteer

Brand New You Boutique

Gene Dean

Nancy Sanderford

Debbye Turner Bell Miss America 1990

Gary Briggs

Dolores Rabuffo

Angelique Barnum The Sash Company

Nicholas Gilham

Talia Hastie

The Confident CrownMarnie L Ward

Rhonda Morrison Formby Miss Texas 1991

Chuck Steelman

Patricia Mcgarrity In honor of 6 Miss Americas from Oklahoma Marc Angeli Karla Kaye Heather McCallum Miss America 1995

Alexandra Waterman Local Maryland ED Tina Murphy Don Bowen and Frank Homets Shantel Krebs RC Howes

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SCHOL ARSHIPS

Miss America SCHOLARSHIPS

T H E I M P O R T A N C E O F W H I C H C A N N O T B E O V E R S TAT E D !

by Brenda Keith President Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, Inc.

The statistics are in. As of September 2021 student loan debt in our country reached $1.73 trillion and 58% of that debt is held by women. Facing these statistics, the importance of the Miss America Organization’s scholarship grants cannot be overstated. The many success stories of the Miss Americas are well-known; however, many are unaware of the significant scholarship grants at the local and state levels. Those grants make all the difference for young women competing in the Miss America program. Each time a woman enters a Miss America local program, she has a chance at a scholarship. When she wins her local title she has the opportunity to add to her grants at the state level, and if she is lucky enough to beat the odds and make it to Miss America, even more scholarship dollars will come her way. The stories are compelling. Kelli Masters, Miss Oklahoma 1997, had never considered entering a Miss America local competition until she saw a poster about the competition during her first year at Oklahoma City University offering a full semester tuition wavier. Responsible for paying her own way through law school,

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and having a ready-made talent as a champion baton twirler she said, “why not.” Having never competed before she decided to try a nearby local competition to get some experience. She did not even tell her family that she would compete. Unexpectedly, she won her first local and immediately called her family to say, “guess what I will be competing in Miss Oklahoma in June!” Kelli went on to win 1st runner up. The following year she won the OCU title and a significant in-kind tuition waiver. That June she won the Miss Oklahoma title and was off to Miss America. “I won a total of $70,000 in cash scholarships at the local, state and national level. This and the OCU tuition waiver allowed her to pay for her entire Juris Doctorate degree. Attorney Masters is an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Oklahoma City. She has represented more professional athletes than any woman in the industry, having served as agent/contract advisor to players in every NFL draft since 2006 as well as numerous athletes in the MLB

SCHOL ARSHIPS

The Student Loan Debt Statistics

(Source: Educationdate.org)

Last Updated: September 27, 2021

• • • • • • •

Report Highlights. Student loan debt in the United States totals $1.73 trillion and grows 6 times faster than the nation’s economy.* 58% of that debt is held by women 43.2 million student borrowers are in debt by an average of $39,351 each. The outstanding Federal Loan Portfolio is over $1.59 trillion. Approximately 42.9 million Americans with federal student loan debt each owe an average $37,105 for their federal loans. More than 35 million of these borrowers qualified for general student debt relief under the CARES Act of 2020.* The average public university student borrows $30,030 to attain a bachelor’s degree.

*Several million federal loans are commercially/privately held and are ineligible for the protections and benefits extended to other federal borrowers under the CARES Act.

draft and the Olympics. Kelli also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Christian University, teaching Sports Law. Alysa Bainbridge has earned over $20,000 in scholarships during her 8 years competing as both a Teen and Miss candidate in the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Competition. She was awarded a $6,000 scholarship when she was named Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen 2016 and went on to win $6,000 more at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen that year. Alysa graduated from Saint Joseph’s University this past May and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership tuition-free! Thanks to her time serving as Miss Philadelphia 2019/2020, she earned a full-tuition, in-kind scholarship from Cabrini University to attend graduate school. Alysa credits the Miss America Organization for inspiring and empowering her to pursue her education further than she ever dreamed, as well as providing her with the resources to do so. JudyLee Oliva, as one of five children in her family, needed scholarship dollars and that is what drew her to the Miss Oklahoma

program. She had one older sister already at the University of Oklahoma and there simply was no money for her. She entered the Miss Midwest City competition and won. This and her first trip to the state competition paid her tuition for the year at East Central University in Ada. She won Miss Ada the following year and again earned significant scholarship grants to pay for her next year. Her final year she won Miss Tulsa State Fair and as 1st runner up at Miss Oklahoma was able to earn her BA in Education graduating debt free. Now a successful playwright with an MFA from the University of Oklahoma and a PhD in Theater and Drama from Northwestern, JudyLee credits the Miss America program for allowing her to excel with her education and life. “It changed my life building confidence that I didn’t have and it helped me realize goals.” She has taught at Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Tennessee, teaching theatre and playwriting before she left to write full time. “I could have never realized my dream of being a college professor and finally a professional playwright without the Miss America scholarships.”

Miss America FOUNDATION

strives to change lives and influence young women across the country and the world, offering academic and community-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as endowed scholarships for young women attending medical school, working in special areas of military service and in other specialized areas. The Miss America Foundation, Inc. is a completely separate Board of Directors from the Miss America Organization and duly recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization., and donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Foundation also annually administers certain scholarships that are awarded by the Miss America Organization, as well as over 1,000 state and local competitions. In 2018, the Foundation awarded its first scholarships to women not otherwise part of the Miss America program. The Foundation continuously strives to maintain and expand its scholarship programs and the universe of accomplished young women who can benefit from them.

$ Women in Business & STEM Scholarship Awards These scholarships are available to candidates who study and want to work in business and the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). The scholarship finalists for Women in Business and STEM Scholarship Awards are selected from each candidate’s resume, scholastic pursuit and academic achievement. The Women in Business and STEM Scholarships each award $10,000 for the winner, 2nd place $4,000, and 3rd place $2,000. MISS AME RI CA

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SCHOL ARSHIPS

Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Scholarship The Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Scholarship, formerly Quality of Life Award, is available to the 51 candidates competing for the job of Miss America. The scholarship awards are $10,000 first place, $4,000 second place, and $2,000 third place. Applicants must excel in their commitment to enhancing their social impact for others through volunteerism and community service. Consideration is given to depth of service, project creativity and the significant effects upon the lives of others. The applicants must demonstrate that they have fulfilled a legitimate need in their communities through the creation, development and/or participation in a community service project.

Forever Miss America Scholarship The Miss America Foundation has established the Forever Miss America Scholarship in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Miss America. The inaugural winner will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

Equity & Justice Scholarship The Equity and Justice Scholarship will be a $3,000 scholarship awarded to the candidate who best exemplifies inclusion and acceptance of these principles into her social impact initiative and 2nd place receives $2,000. Applicants applying for the scholarship must submit a one page essay that shows specific examples of how equity and justice are integrated into the candidate’s social impact initiative to date; what ideas the candidate puts forward that, if selected for the job of Miss America, will build on her work; and how the candidate will use the scholarship to advance her education by building on her social impact initiative work.

Dakota State University Beacom College STEM Scholarship The Miss America Organization is proud to once again bring the Dakota State University Beacom College STEM Scholarship awarded to the STEM writing competition winner. The winner of the Dakota State University STEM Scholarship will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.

An Untapped Source of In-Kind Tuition? One area, perhaps overlooked, are tuition waivers from trade-schools. With the aging population of skilled workers, the nation is facing a shortage of workers in the skilled trades. Several State organizations are now seeking in-kind scholarships from trade schools. One New Hampshire candidate has taken a non-traditional path. Phyllis Mazzaglia obtained her A.S. degree in fire science and certified as an EMT, Firefighter I & II and Pump Operations through Southern Maine Community College. While being an EMT and firefighter are professions, they are also considered part of the skilled trades. Fire science is a STEM program. She explained, “many colleges that have a Fire Science Program have what is known as “Live-In Programs” meaning students have the opportunity to be chosen for an internship to live and work at a fire station for free. In return, the city or town sponsors the student to become trained personnel to cover the jurisdiction. SMCC’s program runs a Fire Academy specifically for livein students in which the departments pay

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for their students. If you are not a part of the live-in program, any student can pay tuition through the school to participate in a Fire I & II Program; they earn 6 Credits in a college curriculum. Phyllis’ EMT course was an elective course taken through the college. A 5-credit course, Phyliss’ Miss America scholarships helped her to pay for the tuition.

The Numbers Are In! The states have reported their total cash scholarship grants offered at this year’s state competitions and they are impressive. The candidates who won their state competition were granted over $893,000, and the grants to all state candidates at state competitions totaled over $3 million. This does not include in-kind tuition grants offered to state candidates and/or winners if they matriculated to the specific educational institution, and does not include the scholarships granted by the local programs within the states. In the table to the right, you will find the top 20 states in terms of cash scholarships granted in 2021. Congratulations!

SCHOL ARSHIPS

TOP 20

Miss & MAOTeen State Titleholders

#1 South

#11 Florida

Carolina #2 Arkansas #3 Texas #4 Oklahoma #5 North Carolina #6 California #7 Washington #8 New Jersey #9 Virginia #10 New Hampshire

$79,500 $52,850 $32,000 $28,475 $27,450 $27,200 $26,650 $25,750 $25,500 $23,650

TOP 20 #1 South

Carolina #2 Arkansas #3 Oklahoma #4 Texas #5 Alabama #6 Mississippi #7 New Hampshire #8 Tennessee #9 California #10 Florida

for Cash Scholarships Grants at the State Level

$23,500 $23,500 #13 Georgia $23,400 #14 Missouri $23,300 #15 Tennessee $20,600 #16 Alabama $20,250 #17 Mississippi $17,600 #18 Pennsylvania $17,500 #19 Illinois $16,500 #20 Indiana $16,255 #12 Kentucky

States - Total Cash

Scholarships Made Available at State Competitions

(Miss & MAOTeen)

$251,575

#11 New

$84,069

$215,850 $172,400 $167,500 $131,790 $129,550 $107,450

#12

$81,800 $73,050 $71,960 $69,350 $69,300 $69,200 $68,750 $67,450

$90,950 $86,500 $85,750

#13 #14 #15 #16 #17

Jersey Missouri Virginia Kentucky Washington Hawaii Louisiana

#18 Kansas #19 North

Carolina #20 Indiana

$62,150

Jean Bartel Military Awareness Scholarship The Jean Bartel Scholarship for Military Awareness is a $3,000 scholarship awarded to a qualified applicant who has demonstrated exemplary service to the men and women of our nation’s military. The scholarship is available to women who have competed on the local, state, or national level(s) of the Miss America Organization from 2011 to present, regardless of whether a title was won.

Dr. & Mrs. Allman Medical Scholarship Dr. David B. Allman was a past president of the Miss America Organization and the American Medical Association. This $10,000 scholarship was endowed by the Allman family to award Miss America candidates who desire to enter the field of medicine and become medical doctors. This scholarship is available to any who have competed at the local, state, or national level(s) of the Miss America Organization from 2011 to present, regardless of whether a title was won. MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

The Karen Smith

Miss America Scholarship

The Miss America Organization and the Wuerch Family Foundation have established the The Karen Smith Miss America Scholarship in the amount of $50,000 to honor the life and memory of Karen Smith.

There is nothing in the world that is as strong and enduring as a mother’s love. This scholarship is in honor of Karen Smith, a mother that loved and cared for her husband, Gailen Smith and children, Shawntel, Michael and Carisa with unconditional love. Gailen and Karen Smith are the parents to Shawntel Smith Wuerch, Miss America 1996. Karen’s unfailing love and support of Shawntel’s journey to achieving the title of Miss America 1996 was full of many road trips, voice lessons, mock interviews, fittings, local and state pageants and the list goes on, as she was not only a mother but her manager, mentor and best friend. Karen was strong, compassionate,

always composed and full of kindness. Her wisdom empowered those around her and her unwavering faith in God always provided a strong foundation to believe that all things are possible through God. Karen truly believed in the Miss America Organization’s strength of providing scholarships to young women and the opportunity to have a platform that makes a positive impact. Karen loved how the Miss America Organization always helped young women become the best version of themselves and she encouraged Shawntel and other young women to never lose sight of who they are and what they are called to do.

Karen modeled daily that: “A mother’s love fuels and enables her children to do the impossible!” 30

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SCHOL ARSHIPS

Miss America

COMPETITION

SCHOL ARSHIPS Scholarship

Award

Miss America $1 00, 000

$50,000 donation in Honor of Karen Smith by Ryan & Shawntel Smith Wuerch, Miss America 1996 $50,000 in donations from The Century Club donors

1st Runner-up $2 5 , 000 2nd Runner-up $2 0, 000 3rd Runner-up $1 5 , 000 4th Runner-up $1 0, 000 Finalists $8 , 5 00 each Semi Finalists $6, 000 each

$3, 000 $2 , 5 00

each

Miss Congeniality

$1,000 $1,000 $2 , 000

Dakota State University Beacom College STEM Scholarship (1)

$5 , 000

Miss America Organization Top Fundraisers - National Candidates

$5 , 000

All remaining Candidates Preliminary Talent Winners (2)

Sponsored by Kawai Pianos

Preliminary Social Impact Pitch Winners (2) Non- Finalist Talent Winners (4)

Miss America Organization Top Fundraisers - State Organizations STEM Scholarship Winners (3) Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Scholarship Winners (3) Women in Business Scholarship Winners (3) Equity and Justice Scholarship Winners (2) Jean Bartel Military Awareness Scholarship (1) Allman Medical Scholarship (1) Forever Miss America Scholarship (1) Sherman College of Chiropractic (51)

each

(1st) /

$2 , 5 00

(2nd) /

$1 , 000

(3,4 & 5)

$5 , 000 (1st) / $2 , 5 00 (2nd) / $1 , 000 (3,4 & 5) $1 0, 000 (1st) / $4 , 000 (2nd) / $ 2 , 0 0 0 (3rd)

$1 0, 000 (1st) / $4 , 000 (2nd) / $2 , 000 (3rd) $1 0, 000 (1st) / $4 , 000 (2nd) / $ 2 , 0 0 0 (3rd) $3, 000 (1st) / $2 , 000 (2nd) $3, 000 $1 0, 000 $5 , 000 $1 2 3, 5 5 0 each (in-kind tuition scholarship) MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

Proud scholarship sponsor of the two preliminary competition talent winners at $2,500 each!

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Congratulations to the Miss America Organization th on their 100 anniversary of the competition!

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

Shawntel

SMITH

Miss America 1996

From growing up in Muldrow, Oklahoma, a small town with a population of 1,800, to being crowned Miss America in 1996, Shawntel Smith is a woman who understands the words: dedication, persistence, adversity, faith, and triumph. Since being honored with the title of Miss America 1996, Shawntel has been seen as a leader in small to large venues across the nation sharing with audiences of all ages that you can have what you desire if you don’t give up. She has been an internationally recognized spokesperson for corporations including Siemens, Ciba, Novartis, General Motors, Ford and CTIA. Shawntel was appointed by President Clinton and Vice President Gore to serve as Ambassador for the National School to Work initiative for the Departments of Education and Labor. While serving as Ambassador she expanded the national program to every state in the nation. Due to the success in her role and her personal commitment to the United States, she was honored in Washington, DC by the United States Congress as one of the Ten Outstanding Americans.

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For the past 20 years, Shawntel along with her husband Ryan have had a passion for founding and scaling technology companies that make a positive impact to millions of people’s lives, with a history of growing those companies from inception to successful M&A transactions and the public market with values in excess of $1 billion. Shawntel’s commitment to philanthropic efforts in education, benevolence, and global missions are shown through her commitment as Executive Director of the Wuerch Family Foundation, where she strives to see the blessings that her family has experienced be passed on to organizations and the people they serve so they can have every possible opportunity for a better life. With all the accomplishments realized thus far, the greatest of those is being the wife to Ryan and mother to Braden and his beautiful wife Ruth, Barrett, Brennan and Bryson. Shawntel and her family live in Austin Texas where they are active in their community and City Reach Church.

HOLLAND A childhood dream became reality when Tara Dawn (Holland) Christensen was crowned Miss Kansas 1996 and Miss America 1997. Her title opened many doors to advocate for the issue of literacy in America on local, state, and national levels as she spoke to adult and children’s literacy organizations. She also served as the keynote speaker at countless literacy fundraisers and passionately lobbied state legislatures, Congressmen, Senators, President Bill Clinton and his Cabinet about this important issue. Tara has been interviewed on a number of television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, the Today show, Fox News Sunday, and many others. She also played a cameo role on The Nanny. Tara has been seen in magazines such as People, Reader’s Digest, TV Guide, and as the Parade cover story, to name a few. One of her highlights as Miss America was singing with the Boston

Miss America 1997

Pops Orchestra for their nationally televised July 4th celebration at Boston Harbor. After serving as Miss America, she released two CDs and performed as a vocal soloist for President George W. Bush’s inaugural ball. Tara graduated from Florida State University and the University of Missouri – Kansas City with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in choral music education. She has been honored to serve as spokesperson for several public service campaigns and charitable organizations during and after her year of service, including the Children’s Miracle Network, National Institute for Literacy, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Library of Congress, First Priority of America, and the National Abstinence Clearinghouse. After relinquishing her crown, Tara’s career turned more toward speaking opportunities on the issue of sexual abstinence, which took her to hundreds of schools and various faith-based settings. Her speaking and singing engagements have taken her literally

around the globe and throughout every corner of the United States. After meeting on an airplane on Valentine’s Day 1997, Tara married former United States Congressman Jon Christensen in 1998. These days, Tara stays much closer to home, where she homeschools their younger daughter and helps in their family business. She enjoys volunteering weekly with various organizations, including a local pregnancy resource center and a food pantry, in addition to teaching English to a recent Venezuelan immigrant. A favorite memory as Miss America was her time spent encouraging female prisoners; Tara is excited to be launching a new choir for the inmates at the Tennessee Prison for Women this year as a combination of her passions for choral music and literacy. Jon and Tara have been blessed with two daughters, Petra Dawn (age 16) and Sela Grace (age 12). They embrace an adventuresome city/farm life with their horse, chickens, and mini golden doodle in Nashville, Tennessee. MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

GEORGE Phyllis George has become one of America’s most accomplished women. Through her pioneering efforts, outstanding communication skills, her vision, her charitable efforts and entrepreneurial spirit, Phyllis was truly a role model to millions. Ms. George came into the spotlight when she was crowned the 50th Miss America in 1971. Since winning the title of Miss America she went on to unprecedented success in many different fields and had many firsts in her career. The first Miss America with a gold crown, the first co-host of Candid Camera, the first network female sportscaster on the NFL Today show, the First Lady of Kentucky, the First Lady of Chicken (founder and owner of Chicken by George). In addition to these various accomplishments, Phyllis was a wellknown author, who wrote over six books, her latest being Never Say Never: 10 Lessons to Turn You Can’t Into Yes I Can and Southern Secrets by Phyllis George.

Miss America 1971

Phyllis was a board member of the Miss America Organization and was a featured panelist in a two-hour Miss America special show that aired on January 25, 2007 on CMT and all other Viacom networks, VH1, MTV and more. George was named one of the “50 Greatest Women in Radio & Television” by American Women in Radio & TV. She is also featured in their new book Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio & TV. In December 2005, George was an honoree at the Museum of Television & Radio’s unveiling of the “She Made It” initiative to salute the women who have made significant contributions to the media. Her humanitarian efforts stretched far and wide. She worked with Save the Children for over 25 years. She was a former member of the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress and the founder of the Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft. Phyllis was presented with the prestigious Rita Hayworth Alzheimer’s Award at a gala in New

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York where the event raised a recordbreaking 3.1 million dollars to support Alzheimer’s research. Since her mother died of this insidious disease, Phyllis worked tirelessly and spoke around the country to help prevent and find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Although she is a Texas native (Denton, Texas), she had returned to Lexington, Kentucky, where she was married and raised her children. Her proudest accomplishment was being the mother of Pamela, 22 (a UNC Chapel Hill graduate) who is now a reporter for the ABC affiliate in Washington DC, Channel 7 and 8, and Lincoln, 26 (a Wharton graduate) who is an entrepreneur and is President and CEO of two companies. Phyllis embraced challenge. “When someone tells me, ‘it’s never been done before,’ I think, maybe we need to do it,” she said. “Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. If it doesn’t, you just move on. Moving forward and thinking positive. That’s what I plan to do next.”

SCHAEFER Bexley, Ohio’s All-American - Girl Next Door, Laurel Lea Schaefer won the auspicious title of Miss America 1972 just months after graduating from Ohio University with a BFA in Theatre Arts and Music. A few days after winning, Laurel introduced the idea for Miss America to have a “mission” to provide more significant relativity for her year. As an outspoken advocate for the military and the daughter of a WW11 Navy Veteran, Laurel chose to support our US military service members by wearing a pewter wristband inscribed with the name of a POW/MIA and using this as talking points for TV appearances, press conferences, and interviews. From the beginning, Laurel showed herself as someone who could confidently and efficiently handle the press, who had fresh ideas to benefit the branding of MAO, and whose leadership style empowered the potential of those she met along her journey. Laurel logged more than 100,000 miles traveling the length and breadth of our country. The highlights included meeting

Miss America 1972

with President Nixon, throwing out the first ball at the World Series, cutting the ribbon for the opening day at Walt Disney World, serving as a Presenter at the Emmy Awards, and headlining the last Miss America USO Tour to Vietnam & Thailand. She’s the recipient of The American Academy of Achievement Gold Plate Award, Outstanding Alumni Award (Ohio University), Tom Dooley Humanitarian Award, New Jersey’s “Woman of the Year” Award, Ohio Governor’s Award, Zonta International’s Leadership of Excellence, and listed in Who’s Who of Outstanding Women of America. Laurel has enjoyed an entertainment career spanning 50-years. Her extensive credits range from theatre to film to commercials to episodic TV including, Three’s Company, LA Law, Quantum Leap, Rockford Files, Matlock, Love Boat, and a recurring role on Falcon Crest. Her most notable theatre credits are; Music Man (with John Davidson), Camelot (with Howard Keel), South Pacific (with Ed Ames), Guys and Dolls (with Joe Namath), Carousel (with Gordon MacRae), Oklahoma (with

Dirk Benedict), Sound of Music (with Giorgio Tozzi), Hello Dolly (with Joanne Worley). Laurel was the Founder of “The Women’s Leadership Foundation” and is currently the owner and casting director for Creative Casting Services, specializing in children’s commercials and animated feature films. Additionally, she is a certified brain injury specialist, having served as a Regional Education Coordinator for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DOD) at Camp Lejeune (NC). She provided to service members and their families strategies for overcoming the effects of traumatic brain injury. In 2015, Laurel married fellow Ohio University alum and Air Force Major (Ret.), Michael Bozoukoff. Known as the Major and Miss America, their Hallmark-type love story continues to write new chapters as they reside in the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, WA. Considering Laurel’s achievements and accolades, she gives all glory to God and embraces the biblical responsibility, “To whom much is given much is required.” MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

1942 Jo-Carroll Dennison NOTE: Jo-Carroll Dennison passed away on October 18, 2021 while this magazine was in production. We are so grateful she took the time to share anecdotes of her year as Miss America and her life afterwards for Miss America’s 100th Anniversary.

I’m Jo-Carroll Dennison, Miss America 1942. Now in my 98th year, the eight decades that have passed since I won the Pageant have been filled with wondrously fascinating experiences. I was in the movies in Hollywood, …on the stage in New York, and on television in both places. I worked behind the camera in production all over Europe and Israel, and back at home on the first live television drama Lux Video Theater in Los Angeles. But, whenever I’m introduced to a stranger, whoever they may be, nobody talks about the many adventures I have had. Invariably, they say, “She is a former Miss America, you know.” And to this day, people are fascinated and eagerly say, “Oh, really? What year?” Then they ask “what state?” and I proudly answer, Hale Center, Texas!” And they cluster around, asking more questions and saying “wait ‘til I tell my wife I met Miss America.” I pull in my stomach and try to look tall …but they are not interested in me, really. They are interested in seeing a live, former Miss America. Back in 1942, the Pageant was mostly about looks. Yet, I never thought I had won because of the way I looked, but rather because of the way I felt about myself. With this in mind, I flat-out refused to wear my bathing suit on the stage after the Pageant, beginning with my very first tour stop at the Faye Theater in Philadelphia. I’m so delighted that the Miss America Organization has embraced this principle, and now focuses on the totality of each candidate. I was fortunate to win the Pageant, particularly in the first year of World War II. As Miss America, I toured the country visiting military bases, defense plants, and boatyards. The military men who came to

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see me as I performed on various stages, or danced with them, or just met, beamed and applauded and cheered. But, I could tell they were not responding so enthusiastically simply to a pretty girl, or for that matter to an individual person. Miss America was a tangible symbol of the country they had enlisted to defend. THEIR country. It was their vision of democracy that made their hearts pound and their bodies tingle. The women, who by the thousands had left their homes to work in the war effort, greeted me with the same enthusiasm they had towards the American flag or the Statue of Liberty. And in their differing ways, I found that “Miss America” stirred something special in all their hearts. Something inspiring and humbling. I recently finished my autobiography, Finding My Little Red Hat, and in looking back over my life I saw that my many marvelous adventures and experiences would not have happened to me had I not won the Miss America Pageant. It was being Miss America that made the crucial change in the path of my life. I am glad to have lived long enough to see how women’s fight against inequality, sexual harassment, and abuse has finally come to the fore. And I hope that future Miss Americas can help further the progress of healing the divisions in our country along racial lines, fight voter suppression, and motivate us all to respond to the specter of climate change. As in the 1940s, Miss America has an opportunity to represent values that unite and heal. So, I lift my glass to the future Miss Americas. May they continue to be a force for good!

FOREVER MISS AMERICA

During my year, my speech was always about the Pageant, how it was held and the benefits of the program. This amazed people. It was a year of highlights, growth and maturity. I am thankful for all that and the scholarship that enabled me to get my degree in music. – Beebe Shopp Waring

1948 Bebe Shopp Waring For 73 years, I have been proud of my title, which represented my class of 1948. And proud to have always represented the Miss America program, which is designed for the betterment of education for young women. Now, my life revolves around my four beautiful daughters and their husbands, ten grand children and eight precious greats. I have to say that my life has been full with all sorts of opportunities because of the Miss America Organization and it has taken me to many places. In all these years the places and people I have been to and known have given me such lasting, beautiful memories. I have been blessed and I give thanks to God for all of his blessings.

1963 Jackie Mayer Jackie Mayer was Miss America 1963. She sang with Fred Waring, attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Humanities. She testified before Congress advocating for funds for stroke research after having a devastating stroke herself. Jackie is a spokesperson for The American Heart Association and also speaks on “Trauma to Triumph.” Route 2 in Ohio is named after her. She has five grandchildren. Stay in touch with her at jackiemayer@aol.com.

1958 Marilyn Van Derbur

1955 Lee Meriwether Lee has had an amazing career in film, television and on the stage for literally decades. She has always said, “How incredibly lucky I have been.” Lee has received a few awards along the way including a Lifetime Achievement Award, an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations. Her film and television career includes The Undefeated, Mission Impossible, Barnaby Jones, The Munsters Today, Star Trek, Time Tunnel, and The Ultimate Gift to name a few. And we can’t forget the soap opera All My Children and the iconic Catwoman character in the Batman movie. Miss America was and still is an important part of her life, which catapulted her moving forward into the entertainment business. That of course led her to meet her husband, actor Frank Aletter. Frank and Lee had two daughters, Kyle Oldham and Lesley Aletter. Lee’s family will always be her proudest achievement, including her granddaughter Ryan Oldham White and now her first great-grandchild Everly Jane White. Lee now is enjoying the retirement life.

After her year, Marilyn returned to the University of Colorado and graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors. She became the tv spokeswoman for AT&T and Timex, the tv hostess of the Miss America Pageant, a guest on 8 Candid Camera and other shows. Seeking a more fulfilling career, she became a motivational speaker. She was the only woman speaker (for 16 years) sponsored by GM, United Airlines and Best Foods. She was named “Outstanding Woman Speaker in America.” When a newspaper reporter learned she was an incest survivor, her story was on the cover of People Magazine with the headline. “Miss America Triumphs Over Shame.” She has been in personal contact with more survivors than anyone in America ... speaking in over 500 cities (she never leaves the room until everyone has said what they need or want to disclose to her). At her computer for 4 to 6 hours a day, she has responded to tens of thousands of letters and emails. Her book Miss America By Day won a prestigious first place Writers Digest award. It has a 5-star review on Amazon. All of her presentations are available on her website, MissAmericaByDay. com. A film of Marilyn’s life won a first place in the Los Angeles Film Festival and an regional Emmy for outstanding content. She was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from National Philanthropy. “Having been a Miss America, I was given an international platform to reach out to tens of thousands of men and women who were sexually traumatized as children. What a privilege it has been.”

1965 Vonda Kay Van Dyke I used my “Miss A” scholarship to finish at UCLA. As a writer, my first two books were published prior to graduation. Then, three more books were completed later. As a singer and ventriloquist, I appeared on popular TV shows and made 100’s of live appearances across the country, and recorded four albums. I had a wonderful husband that gave me three great step-children and a wonderfully talented daughter. And, I can now claim the newest title of greatgrandmother. Mine has been a very happy and a tremendously blessed life! It was an honor to wear the crown. It empowered me and led me to two rewarding careers as a writer and entertainer and rewarded me with great experiences and wonderful memories. I am so grateful to be a Forever Miss America. MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

FOREVER MISS AMERICA

1966 Deborah Bryant Berge

Deborah was the first Miss America from Kansas and used her scholarship to attend the University of Kansas and graduate Cum Laude with an English degree. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and served as the television hostess for 2 years following Bess Meyerson. Deborah has lived in Arizona for 46 years. She is married to Brent Berge and shares 5 children and 11 grandchildren from 6 months to 29 years of age. She continues to do interior design in AZ and CA and works with her daughter and son-in-law in their home furnishings business, FOUND by Domestic Bliss. Her favorite pasttime is still snow skiing in Deer Valley!

1968 Debra Barnes

1970 Pamela Eldred

Debra is retired from her position of Assistant Professor at Missouri Southern State University. Her career teaching music spans over 58 years, and her students ranged in age from 5 to 87. Debbie is currently the worship leader at Faith Life Worship Center in Carthage, MO, where she lives with her husband, Bill Snodgrass, Professor Emeritus from the University of Texas at Arlington. Their extended family includes one daughter, four grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Debbie says that her experience as Miss America was wonderful, but the most important thing in her life is serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pam Eldred was the first ballerina to win the Miss America crown. After her year of service, she completed her degree in Speech & Drama at Mercy College in Michigan, where she raised her daughter, Hilary, and was active in the beauty and dance industry for many years. Pam became a licensed cosmetologist, electrologist and image consultant, and wrote fashion & beauty newspaper columns. Her final question during Miss America was about her younger sister, Melanie, who was born with severe mental delays. Later, Pam became a spokeswoman for the March of Dimes and now sponsors a scholarship for Miss Michigan contestants in honor of her sister. Pam’s year and journey is featured in her daughter’s book, Here She Is: The Complicated Reign of the Beauty Pageant in America. Pam’s two grandchildren, Carston (9) and Quenton (7), love that their grandmother was Miss America!

1967 Jane Jayroe Gamble

1969 Judi Ford Nash

Raised in rural Oklahoma towns, by school teacher parents, Jane Anne won Miss America when she was 19 years old and had never flown in an airplane. She soon traveled extensively visiting almost every state in America, plus Canada, Europe and Vietnam. The highlight of her year was the trip to Vietnam as the first Miss America to perform in a combat zone. Jane graduated from Oklahoma City University with a master’s from Tulsa University. She had a 17-year career as a television news anchor in OKC and Dallas/Ft Worth. Jane served as Oklahoma Cabinet Secretary of Tourism and Director of the Department. After retiring, she founded a Christian Luncheon Series called, “Esther Women,” still active after 18 years. She has authored four books, currently writes a weekly inspirational column for the largest Oklahoma newspaper, is President-Elect of the OKC Philharmonic, and on the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma City University. She is married to Gerald Gamble and is crazy about her son, Tyler, his wife, Elaine and two grands, Luke and Maya.

Judi was a world-class trampolinist, having competed on both the national and international levels when she entered the Miss America Pageant as Miss Illinois. She used her Miss America scholarship to obtain her B.S. degree in physical education from the University of Illinois and served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for eight years–having been appointed by Presidents Nixon and Ford. After working as a national spokesperson, she taught elementary school physical education and coached the high school girls’ golf team for 18 years. She also coached middle school basketball and track during her teaching tenure. Now retired, she enjoys playing golf and pickleball, rooting for the Fighting Illini, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband, attorney Jim Nash, raised a blended family of five children, who are now grown and married, with families of their own. She has thirteen wonderful grandchildren and three step-greats!

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1973 Terry Anne Meeuwsen The scholarship Terry won allowed her to study voice, speech, acting and dance in New York and Los Angeles, going on to enter broadcasting with a NBC affiliate in Milwaukee and then Virginia Beach. Here she has co-hosted The 700 Club for almost 30 years. Terry is married to Andy Friedrich and they are the parents of seven children, two biological and five adopted. The last three adoptions were the catalyst to her founding of the organization, ‘Orphan’s Promise,’ whose purpose is to take children from “at risk” to thriving. With more than 300 projects in 66 countries, they provide nutrition, education, discipleship, family, community transformation, and anti-trafficking programs. Terry continues to co-host The 700 Club and 700 Club Interactive. She now has six grandchildren and is grateful for the balance that family brings to life.

FOREVER MISS AMERICA

1974 Rebecca Ann King Dreman

1975 Dr. Shirley Cothran Barret

1977 Dorothy Benham

Rebecca Ann King Dreman graduated from Colorado Women’s College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music Education. While working at a well known public relations firm in Denver, she entered the Miss Colorado competition seeking scholarship funds to continue her education at law school. She won Miss Colorado 1973 and went on to become Miss America 1974. As Miss America, she traveled daily for the national sponsors Gillette, Campbell Soup and Kellogg. She hosted the Rose Bowl parade, performed on The Tonight Show and was the first woman to make an American Express Card tv commercial campaign, “Do You Know Me.” Rebecca is the only Miss America to be photographed for a centerfold in Vogue magazine, December 1973. Rebecca graduated from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law becoming the first Miss America to use her scholarship to complete her Doctor of Jurisprudence. She joined as partner in a Denver law firm specializing in family law and civil litigation. Rebecca was asked to judge the Miss America Pageant once in each of the next three decades, the 80’s, the 90’s and the early 20’s. She was then elected to the Board of Directors serving as chair on several committees and co-chairing the Judges Committee. In 2018, she was elected as Emeritus Board Member for Life to the Miss America Organization. Rebecca is a Stage IV melanoma survivor and received the Courage Award at the Melanoma Research Foundation Gala in 2012. Subsequently, she was elected to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Winning Miss America has given Shirley the opportunity to speak in every U.S. state and many countries around the world. Her MAO scholarships helped fund her undergraduate, Master’s and PhD. in Education & Family Counseling. Shirley’s educational background offers keynote opportunities at seminars, forums, and roundtables. As well as being named Texan of the Year, she continues to appear on various televised talk, news and entertainment shows. Recently, Shirley, her husband, and sons competed on Family Feud! Involvement in her community is also important by having served on her local school board, serving on benevolent boards concerning children’s welfare, and being very active in her home church and its many ministries. Shirley and her husband, Richard, have four grown children, five grandchildren, and just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They reside in their country home near the Fort Worth, Texas area.

After being crowned Miss America, Dorothy had a varied and long career as a spokeswoman for numerous companies, in television & radio commercials, opera, and as an original cast member of the Tony and Grammy award winning Broadway show Jerome Robbins’ Broadway featuring her solo of the beautiful song ‘Somewhere’! Recently, Dorothy can add ‘Author’ to her list of accomplishments in the published writing of her life revealing a secret kept from her, entitled Bastard Queen. She is currently working on her second book called The Legit, the story of her great-great grandfather John T. Kelly, a famous vaudeville performer. She has served in many aspects of Miss America, as candidate, performer, co-host of the national telecast, a judge on all three levels, and as an executive director in Minnesota. Dorothy is the mother of six children and seven grandchildren.

The Bicentennial year, what a thrill! Meeting extraordinary Americans from coast to coast was inspiring. But capping the year with our USO tour, having the privilege of interacting with so many TRUE American heroes, was incredible and humbling. I will always cherish those memories. – Tawny Godwin

1976 Tawny Godwin Like my Miss America sisters, I took off the crown and went on to a fulfilling, fairly normal, life! For 25 years, I enjoyed anchoring the news in Los Angeles (well, most of the time) and hosting various television shows. Being in the public eye gave me the opportunity to engage in many philanthropic and community-based projects. Championing American history education continues to be a priority. Without a doubt, my greatest accomplishment and joy is my family. My three incredible sons: JJ, a music industry executive (and my wonderful daughterin-law Elizabeth); Christian, an LA County firefighter; and Cole, a USC Trojan! ‘MOM’ is truly the greatest title of all. I am Blessed.

1978 Susan Perkins Botsford After her year as Miss America, Susan remained active with the pageant as an emcee, performer and judge with many state pageants, as well as, the national pageant. She worked as a spokesperson for Gillette, M&M Mars, DuPont and several other iconic American companies. Her last professional role was as a television reporter in San Francisco. She has been married to Alan Botsford since 1979. Her son Trip, and daughter Brooke, have given her three wonderful grandchildren; Pippa, Caroline and Alan IV! Through the years she has been an active school volunteer and volunteer for military organizations. In 2009, she visited Iraq with Susan Powell and Sharlene Hawks with Operation Iraqi Freedom. She now resides on Cape Cod and in New York City. MISS AME RI CA

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FOREVER MISS AMERICA

1979 Kylene Barker McNeill

1982 Elizabeth Gracen

1987 Kellye Cash Sheppard

Kylene became the first Miss America from Virginia after graduating from Virginia Tech with an Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising degree. During an interview on the Today show right after her crowning, she was asked about her future plans and responded she might just go into business on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. That day she received an invitation to open a Palm Beach parking lot and drove the Gucci store’s Gucci Cadillac Seville to break the ribbon. “My future started to immediately unfold and I signed a 10-year lease at the age of 23. I opened the d. Kylene boutique just two months after I crowned my successor. Going into business for myself was like getting a PhD. in Business Administration.” Kylene traveled as spokesperson for fashion and beauty-related corporations, including Clairol and reported fashion segments for major networks doing her first 3-day live remote about Miss America on the Today show. She published her book Southern Beauty, A Fitness and Beauty Book for the Winning All-American Look and in the 90’s, traded the business world for the golf world. Kylene resides in Ontario, Canada and spends winters in Naples, Florida with her husband, Ian McNeill.

Elizabeth Gracen is a filmmaker, writer and actress who used her scholarship money from Miss America in 1982 to move to NYC and begin her studies in acting and photography. She is grateful for the opportunities and life lessons learned during her years participating in the Miss America system and wishes MAO and MAF a happy 100 years!

Following her year, which included performances with her great-uncle Johnny Cash, Bob Hope and Lee Greenwood. Kellye returned to college (University of Memphis) and launched her career as a performer and speaker. Kellye continued her substance-abuse awareness platform, by becoming the first spokesperson for the Governor’s Alliance for a Drug-free Tennessee, which became the official Miss Tennessee platform. Kellye resides in Milan, TN with her husband of 32+ years, Todd Sheppard, a HS teacher and coach. They have 3 adult children; a son Brady and daughters Cassidy and Tatum. Kellye stays busy working in the Bethel University Music Dept., as her church Music Directer, a piano/ voice teacher, musical director for community/ school theater productions and concert artist. Kellye has performed in professional musical theater for the past 20 years, but Kellye’s favorite “role” is grandmother “Cookie” to Brady & Lauren‘s one year old daughter Sutton Sheppard.

1981 Susan Powell Since her year as Miss America, Susan has sung with orchestras, opera companies and theatres all over the world, including 49 of 50 United States, and hosted her own television show on the Discovery Channel, Home Matters, for 12 seasons. Currently, she lives in New York City with her husband,Richard White, where she continues to pursue her passion of performing. “Thank you, Miss America, for all you have given me. I am eternally grateful!”

1985 Sharlene Wells Following Sharlene’s year as the only foreignborn Miss America, she graduated magna cum laude from BYU and immediately went to work for ESPN. She was an award-winning sportscaster there for 16 years covering world class events such as World Cup Soccer, French Open, Kentucky Derby, America’s Cup and more. She left TV to raise her four children, earn a master’s degree in Organizational Communciations, and begin a new career in business. Sharlene ran RMS Productions for 15 years, partnering with the Department of Defense to produce major commemorative publications and feature-length documentaries. Later, she worked at the Pentagon as Director of Communications for Defense Personnel. Today, she is SVP of Public Relations and Organizational Communications for one of the largest credit unions in the country, Mountain America Credit Union, and spends as much time as possible with her four children and five grandchildren. “This was a phenomenal opportunity I did not fully appreciate until much later in my life. Today, I value the year as an unparalleled growth experience—mentally, emotionally, and socially—that prepared me to take on anything at any level, at any time. Almost everything seemed easy in comparison!”

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1988 Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Kaye Lani and her husband, Chuck, celebrated 32 years of marriage this past summer and are enjoying every moment of watching their family grow! They are grandparents! Nick and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their first child a year ago. Ivy Elizabeth shares a birthday with her Grams, too! Their beautiful daughter, Alana, is getting married June 2022 to a wonderful man, Anthony. Their youngest son, Joseph, started his 3rd year at Grand Valley State University studying Business. They feel SO blessed! Kaye Lani and Chuck reside in Monroe, Michigan along with her mom and remain very active in their community! Kaye Lani enjoys gramma-sitting Ivy and has also been the Executive Director of Gabby’s Grief Center in Monroe since 2010. She treasures her year as Miss America and will always be grateful for MAO and the opportunities provided! She sends her love to all of her Miss America sisters and to her amazing 1987 State sisters! Happy 100th Anniversary, Miss America!

FOREVER MISS AMERICA

1989 Gretchen Carlson

1991 Marjorie Vincent-Tripp

Gretchen Carlson is an internationally recognized advocate for women’s rights whose bold actions against Fox News Chairman, Roger Ailes, helped pave the way for the global #MeToo movement. Named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” she is the author of the bestselling books Be Fierce and Getting Real. One of America’s most successful television journalists, Gretchen has reported our nation’s biggest stories for nearly two decades at CBS News and FOX News. Her many honors include the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement award, NOW’s Women of Power and Influence Award and the Radio & Television Digital News Association’s First Amendment Leadership Award. Gretchen lives in CT with her husband and two children.

Marjorie graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in music. While attending Duke University law school, she represented her home state, Illinois, winning a prelim talent award performing Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu, and capturing the 70th anniversary crown. Marjorie was honored to be the last Miss America to be serenaded by Bert Parks and has traveled to more than 40 states representing corporate sponsors and speaking. She raised thousands of dollars for domestic violence programs bringing a message of hope to victims and volunteers. Following her year of service, Marjorie had a successful career as a television news anchor and reporter and then returned to the legal profession as an Assistant Attorney General at the Florida Office of the Attorney General. She is currently an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Department of Justice and has been married to Wesley for 15 years and is the mother of Cameron.

1994 Kimberly Aiken Cockerham After being crowned at 18, Kim used her year to raise awarness about homelessness. It’s a cause that she’s still involved with today. Kim has made several television appearances to promote homelessness awareness, diabetes awareness, and breast cancer awareness. She was recoginized in People Magazine as one of the “Fifty Most Beautiful People in the World”. She was also honored as an outstanding 40 under 40 receipent for Entrepreneurship. After graduating from New York University with a B.S. in Accounting, she worked in public accounting at Ernst & Young for several years and even served on the audit committee for Miss America one year! Today, Kim is serving as Vice President of Operations for a health care company where she manages a staff of over 100 Care Managers across 23 states. Kim developed a passion for fitness and health after battling breast cancer in 2018. She lives in New Jersey and has been married to her college sweetheart for 23 years. They have two amazing children.

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1990 Debbye Turner Bell Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a veterinarian, author, corporate trainer, ordained minister, speaker, wife, and mother. She is the founder and CEO of Debbye Turner Bell Consulting offering leadership development in communications, influence, and diversity to corporations and business leaders. She has addressed audiences in every state of the U.S. and around the world, including Rome, Scotland, Poland, South Africa, England, and Belgium. She is the author of Courageous Faith: A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear. For over 25 years, she worked in broadcast journalism including 11 years as a staff correspondent for CBS News network, and is currently an expert contributor to the show DOGS 101 on Animal Planet. Debbye graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Arkansas State University. Debbye now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and daughter.

1992 Carolyn Sapp Daniels Carolyn was the first Miss Hawaii to win Miss America. A graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, she has built an outstanding record of achievements in the fields of education, domestic violence, politics, and public affairs. “The night I won, one of the reporters asked who were my role models (besides my parents) and I replied, “Elizabeth Dole.” The next day I received a phone call from Elizabeth with a meeting invitation to the Red Cross headquarters. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander invited me to join his crusade with President Bush for “America 2000” and help launch the National Institute for Literacy. I sang everywhere and volunteered with Children’s Miracle Network, the Hawaii Special Olympics program working with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, with Veterans and our Military and was honored to work with Childhelp USA. I sang with legends you only dream about. Too many to count. Bob Hope was it for me. We performed together for years.”

1995 Heather Whitestone McCallum Since Heather became Miss America 1995, she has traveled to 49 states and 12 countries as a motivational speaker. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the President’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities and by President George W. Bush to serve on the board of directors of the National Council on Disability. Heather wrote four books. She was a spokesperson for the Starkey Hearing Aid, Cochlear Implant and Helen Keller Foundation for Education and Research based in Birmingham, AL. She has been married to John for 25 years and is a proud mom of four sons (Johnny age 21, James age 20, Wilson age 14 and Liam age 8). MISS AME RI CA

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FOREVER MISS AMERICA katieharman.com

1999 Dr. Nicole Johnson

2001 Angela Perez Baraquio Grey

2003 Erika Harold

With 25 years of experience in behavioral health research, communications, and nonprofit management, Dr. Johnson is well known for her lifelong service to diabetes. As Miss America she brought awareness to the cause by sharing her personal story of living with T1D. Her professional background includes many years of executive leadership at the American Diabetes Association, JDRF and the University of South Florida College of Medicine/College of Public Health. She is currently Vice President of Operations in Science & Health Care at the American Diabetes Association. She also spent many years in health journalism and won a Telly Award for her CNBC show dLife. She has now written or contributed to 10 books and is most proud of her “advisor” role to her daughter Ava’s (15) new children’s book published in 2021!

Angela Perez Baraquio Grey, Miss Hawai’i 2000 and Miss America 2001 was the first Asian Miss America and the only Filipina-American to win the title since the pageant’s inception in 1921. Angela was a TV Host for the multi-Telly-Award winning statewide show in Hawai’i, Living Local with the Baraquios. She is a motivational speaker and a published author, who released a faithbased inspirational memoir called, Amazing Win, Amazing Loss, Miss America Living Happily, EVEN After. Angela is also a wife of 19 years, a K-8 School Principal, a former Presidential appointee, professional speaker, breast cancer survivor, business owner, and mother of 5.

Erika Harold graduated from Harvard Law School and is a litigation attorney at Meyer Capel, where she represents clients in disputes involving trust and estate administration, shareholder agreements and commercial contracts. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Erika to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Equality and as a Commissioner on the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism. Additionally, Erika serves on the boards of Prison Fellowship (the world’s largest outreach to inmates and their families), Champaign County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and Trinity International University. Erika was the 2018 Republican nominee for Illinois Attorney General, receiving more votes than any other Illinois Republican running for office that year, and was a featured panelist at Fortune Magazine’s “Most Powerful Women, Next Gen” conference.

2002 Katie Harman Ebner 2000 Heather French Henry Heather has been an advocate for military veterans and their families, and served as both Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs for two Governors in the Commonwealth of Kentucky (the first and only woman to serve in the role). Heather is also a celebrated designer and illustrator producing clothing and products for retail stores nationwide under the Heather French Henry Collection. Currently, Heather is the Vice President of Media Training for Brielle Cotterman Media and is married to Dr. Stephen L. Henry, former Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky and noted Trauma Orthopedic Surgeon. They have two daughters, Harper Reneé and Taylor Augusta, and reside in Louisville. Together, they founded the Kentucky Prostate Cancer Coalition and established the Rosemary Clooney Museum. To learn more, please visit heatherfrenchhenry. com or follow her on Instagram.

Oregon’s only Miss America, Katie parlayed her year into a multifaceted career in opera and musical theater, symphony orchestras and a variety of special projects. In 2022, she’s debuting a new album with Broadway Records and is currently developing The Virtuosa Society which she co-founded with Canadian-Danish pianist Christine Eggert heralded as “sharing stunning performance with the wider world” (Dr. Stephen Rodgers). With jazz band ‘Pink Martini,’ Katie performed at the Hollywood Bowl in 2019 alongside 14 Miss America Sisters, and made her International Operatic Debut in Le Nozze di Figaro with the Prague Summer Nights Festival. In 2018, she was honored at the National Opera Association Awards. She has headlined with the Boston Pops Orchestra, LA Philharmonic, Denver Philharmonic, Utah Symphony, Oregon Symphony among others. Thanks to MAO scholarship money, she is a graduate of Portland State University and received her Master’s in Music Performance from Southern Oregon University. She lives in Oregon with husband, Tim, and children, Tyler and Victoria, where she owns and operates a successful music studio.

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2004 Ericka Dunlap

Ericka Dunlap is a businesswoman & media personality who serves as CEO of Crown Communication Group headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Under her leadership, she directs a team of diverse creatives to produce award-winning public relations campaigns, live entertainment events, conferences, marketing strategies and digital content for small-midsized companies, nonprofit organizations and other social stakeholders. Since her year of service, Ericka has continued to volunteer her time to host and judge competitions across the country. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Mikelle, traveling, performing and encouraging others to live life with authenticity and enthusiasm.

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2005 Deidre Downs Gunn

2007 Lauren Nelson Faram

2009 Katie Stam Irk

Deidre Downs Gunn, MD, was Miss America 2005 and is a physician specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and faculty member at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center and UAB Heersink School of Medicine, where she is the medical director of the in vitro fertilization program. The Curing Childhood Cancer license plate that began as part of her Miss Alabama platform work continues to raise research dollars for the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. She and her wife, Abbott, got married in 2018 and live in Birmingham with son, Jack (age 11), and their 2-month-old daughter, Ella.

Since Lauren was crowned Miss America she has continued to travel and speak on behalf of her platform, Internet Safety for Kids, as well as speaking at youth and women’s events across the country. Lauren currently serves as co-host of the television show Discover Oklahoma, promoting tourism in the state of Oklahoma. She and her family reside in Houston, Texas where life is busy, but wonderful with their three kids.

Katie Stam Irk was crowned the first and only Miss America from the state of Indiana in 2009. Since passing on the title, Katie continues to travel on her national speaking tour as an advocate, host, branding professional, author, and performer; primarily focusing on agriculture, faith, and service. In December 2017, Katie started her own publishing company called Esther Press Publishing. She released her first piece, Merely Moving Shadows in April 2018. Merely Moving Shadows is a 10-week devotional guide and can be found online at www. merelymovingshadows.com. Katie grew up on a dairy farm in southern Indiana and continues her work full-time in the agriculture industry as the Director of Marketing and Communications for CGB AgriFinancial. Katie and her husband, Brian, live in Fishers, IN and have three beautiful children; Charlotte (8), Rose (6), and Wrigley (5).

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2006 Jennifer Berry Gooden Jennifer is an accomplished motivational speaker, inspirational leader and entertainer for people everywhere, helping individuals to reach their full potential both personally and professionally. Her passion for transforming lives is evident in the work that she has accomplished with nonprofits like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Children’s Miracle Network. She is currently continuing her work with Rodan and Fields skin care product lines where she was previously a celebrity endorser of Proactive Solution appearing on infomercials that aired globally. Jennifer continues being an advocate in the prevention of melanoma skin cancer after being diagnosed in 2009, joining forces with doctors and cancer survivors at Duke Hospital and the Melanoma Research Alliance to help promote education and research. Jennifer married Nathan Gooden and has 4 beautiful children, Jack (11), Juliette (10), Grant (8), and Natalie (6). She currently reside in Redmond, Washington. Jennifer greatly enjoys her title of “mother” and watching her children thrive and grow is her greatest joy.

2008 Kirsten Haglund MüllerDaubermann Kirsten is enjoying life as an American abroad, making a home in Zürich, Switzerland since 2017 with her husband, Amadeus, and toy poodle, Elsa. Besides trekking through the Alps, practicing German and sampling fondues and chocolate, she loves the opportunity to work both sides of her brain professionally: working with private communications clients on digital media marketing strategy and content production, and also exercising her creativity and physicality as a indoor cycling, barre and pilates coach for boutique fitness studios in Zurich and online. She also continues her advocacy work in the field of mental health and continues to travel for speaking engagements and interviews. She proudly graduated debtfree from Emory University in 2013 with a B.A. in Political Science because of the scholarships awarded her throughout her time in the Miss America Organization, and as of Spring 2022, will be starting a master’s program at the University of Zürich in Internet & Society.

2010 Caressa Cameron-Jackson Caressa is a recipient of numerous Congressional Honors & the Presidents Volunteer Service award in recognition of her advocacy & policy work for people living HIV/AIDS in the United States. An accomplished vocalist and Worship Leader, Caressa recently recorded a single called “The Fire” which can be heard on Lifepoint Worship’s newest album, Mountain Valley. Caressa is also the owner & lead creative of Caressed By Design: A luxury wedding & event planning company. She resides in Virginia with her high school sweetheart & husband of 9 years, Nat, their 5 year old son Tres & almost 2 year old daughter Cammie. MISS AME RI CA

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My time as Miss America was more than I could have imagined. I can never express the sheer gratitude I have for the incredible people I had the privilege of meeting and serving along the way. Thank you for joining me on this journey. – Teresa Scanlon

2011 Teresa Scanlan

2014 Nina Davuluri

At 17, Teresa became the youngest winner of Miss America in over 60 years, and the first Miss Nebraska to wear the crown. Throughout her year, she served as an ambassador with the USO, an advocate for eating disorder awareness, a spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and more. She also recorded an album of piano music with the composer of her Miss America performance piece, Calvin Jones. Teresa went on to earn her BA in Government, cum laude, from Patrick Henry College and her JD from the University of California-Berkeley School of Law. Prior to law school, she joined the military graduating from Air Force Basic Training in the top 10% as an Honor Graduate and from Technical School as a Distinguished Graduate. Today, she continues serving in the Wyoming Air National Guard in the Force Support Squadron as a Senior Airman and recently moved to Houston, Texas, where she now works as a brand new attorney at King & Spalding LLP in their Trial and Global Disputes division. Her favorite title of all is that of “mommy” to 5-year-old son, Jace.

Nina made history as the first South Asian to win the title of Miss America. Since then, her most recent venture combines the network she has cultivated, her love for advocacy, and disrupting global beauty standards by producing her new documentary, #COMPLEXion. As a global leader in redefining beauty standards, she spearheaded a campaign against colorism, #SeeMyComplexion. This led to her being invited by the CEO of L’oreal to join the L’oreal Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board, which she currently serves on. She was invited to collaborate with the former First Lady Michelle Obama on her campaign, “Let’s Move, Let’s Read” & “Let Girls Learn” and has worked with top technology companies to further their diversity & inclusion initiatives. Nina is excited to continue her journey in the filmmaking, advocacy, & entertainment arenas. In her spare time, you will most likely find her brunching in her West Village neighborhood with her rescue pup, Dobby!

2012 Laura Kaeppeler

Laura is a nationally known performer, inspirational speaker, and tireless advocate for at-risk youth. She proudly traveled the nation as the Goodwill Ambassador for CMN Hospitals and advocated for children of incarcerated parents. An acclaimed classical vocalist, she has been a featured soloist with orchestras across the country, has performed the National Anthem at numerous sold-out venues, and has experience as a recording artist. Laura holds a bachelor’s of Music & Vocal Performance from Wisconsin’s Carthage College. Laura continues to perform and travel, advocating for at-risk youth. Laura’s greatest role is mother to her two young boys, Ben and George.

2013 Mallory Hytes Hagan

As Miss America, Mallory earned over $74,000 in scholarship and traveled the country advocating for Child Sexual Abuse Awareness. During her year of service, Mallory worked with the National Children’s Alliance and the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children to lobby Congress and reinstate $14 million in funding for our nation’s Child Advocacy Centers. Post Miss America, Mallory embarked on a career as a news anchor until announcing her candidacy for Congress in 2018. During the 2018 election cycle, Mallory worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the issues facing Alabamians and Americans. She ran a highly visible and successful campaign, increasing Alabama district voter turnout in the General Election. Now, Mallory works to bring resources and access to capital, to women and immigrant entrepreneurs, through her role as Communications Manager at Business Outreach Center Network in NYC. Additionally, Mallory uses her experiences with body image and wellness to travel as an inspirational speaker regarding evidence-based body positivity. Outside of work, Mallory remains involved in multiple organizations focused on activism and better representation. Mallory serves on the national Leaders on the Horizon council for Safe Horizon, is a member of the inaugural board of The Curtis House community center, and serves as Chair of both the Elections and Fundraising committees for the Madison County Democratic Party.

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2015 Kira Kazantsev Dixon The daughter of Russian immigrants, Kira is originally from Northern California and the third of the famous Miss New York threepeat. Kira went to college in New York. Her year of service was spent as the National Goodwill Ambassador for CMN Hospitals, traveling worldwide, visiting troops abroad with the USO in stops like Afghanistan and Bahrain, and advocating on behalf of her personal platform, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.” After Miss America, Kira found a passion for the golf industry, pursued broadcasting and now works on the Golf Channel as a reporter and host. Kira used the scholarship money to attend Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and to complete her master’s degree at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Kira now lives in San Francisco with her husband, Andrew Dixon, whom she married in September 2019. They enjoy traveling, skiing, hiking, and playing golf.

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2016 Betty Maxwell

2018 Cara Mund

Since her year of service as Miss America, Betty continues to travel the country as a motivational speaker/singer. She signed with acting and modeling agencies in Atlanta, GA and not long after released her first album. She became a published author with her autobiography Miss Unlikely ‘From Farm Girl to Miss America.’ During the pandemic, Betty went viral on TikTok with her singing and impressions videos and now has over half a million followers! On her social media (@realbettymaxwell), she is a content creator partnered with several brands and the global brand ambassador for Microderm GLO. Betty and her husband, Spencer, recently renovated their first home in Atlanta, sold it and moved to their new home in Jupiter, FL with their two teacup yorkies, Moose and Batman.

Cara Mund will become a two-time, Ivy League honors graduate from both Brown University and Harvard Law School in May 2022. As a recipient of a Dean’s Scholar Prize, Cara has spent her last three years of law school focused on an individual’s rights in the workplace with a particular emphasis on state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. Last year, Cara continued to accomplish firsts as the only second-year law student to ever be admitted into Harvard’s Criminal Prosecution Clinic. As the Executive Editor of Operations for the Harvard Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law, a member of the Harvard Law School Mock Trial Team, and a mentor in the Harvard Women’s Law Association, Cara was honored as a 2021-2022 P.E.O. Scholar. While Cara continues to embody service, style, scholarship, and success, her most rewarding moments in law school have been serving her clients at the Harvard Law School Criminal Justice Institute. In addition to attending law school, Cara has traveled as an international motivational speaker in partnership with the Discovery Channel and Princess Cruises, has been a featured keynote speaker at the Coca-Cola Headquarters, has made a television appearance in 170 countries and territories as the first Miss America to ever judge the Miss Universe pageant, and has performed at the Hollywood Bowl with her Miss America sisters. Cara continues to shatter glass ceilings and is determined to become the first female governor of North Dakota.

2017 Savvy Shields Wolfe During her year as Miss America, Savvy traveled the country everyday serving as the National Goodwill Ambassador for CMN Hospitals and promoting her platform, “Eat Better, Live Better.” Her #savvychoices encourages all to embrace a lifestyle of loving themselves from the inside out. Savvy visited military bases all over the country as well as traveled overseas to Jordan, Kuwait, and Germany with the USO to support our troops during Thanksgiving. She appeared on many national television shows and was a presenter at sseveral major award shows. Savvy is also an accomplished writer and has had her work published in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and currently runs a successful lifestyle blog at SavvyJanine.com. Savvy now works as a speaker, artist, writer, content creator, brand ambassador, host and emcee who through her platform aims to create a space for women to learn more about themselves and how to help one another.

I am a collection of everyone I have met, and the greatest gift was getting to meet the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who were once strangers but left as friends. So thankful to be Miss America 2017, the opportunities my year gave me changed my life. – Savvy Shields Wolfe

2019 Nia Imani Franklin

Referred to as “a remarkable young woman who embodies the power of the arts to enrich and transform lives.” (Lindsay Bierman, former chancellor of The University of North Carolina School of the Arts), Nia Imani Franklin is a composer and singer who has had her music performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Friction Quartet, Matt Haimovitz, and many others. She has also performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and collaborated with award-winning producers. Nia became the first Black Composer in Residence at Festival Napa Valley in 2021, where she premiered several works and was awarded the Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Classical Music. After concluding her fellowship at Lincoln Center in New York, she earned the jobs of Miss New York 2018 and Miss America 2019. At a post-crowning press conference, five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist, Carnie Wilson, said “The minute Nia opened her mouth, I was like, ‘That’s Miss America 2019.’ I just had this feeling. I think she represents the organization beautifully. She’s poised, she’s intelligent, she’s relatable...I think she’s a fantastic human being.” (Yahoo!) Nia holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Theory from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, as well as a master’s degree in Music Composition from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. In 2019, she founded ‘Compose Her’ - an initiative that seeks to empower women in music. Her upcoming music project entitled, Extended is streaming everywhere now! “One of the highlights of my year as Miss America was performing in Kuwait, Germany, Djibouti, and Spain on the USO Tour the Summer of 2019. Also, for the first time ever Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America were all women of color.” MISS AME RI CA

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IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam Miss America

1921 Margaret Gorman

1922-23 Mary Campbell

1924 Ruth Malcomson

1925 Fay Lanphier

1926 Norma Smallwood

1927 Lois Delander

1933 Marian Bergeron

1935 Henrietta Leaver

1936 Rose Coyle

1937 Bette Cooper

1938 Marilyn Meseke

1939 Patricia Donnelly

1943 Jean Bartel

1944 Venus Ramey

1945 Bess Myerson

1940 1941 1942 Frances Marie Burke Rosemary LaPlanche Jo-Carroll Dennison

1946 Marilyn Buferd

1947 Barbara Jo Walker

1954 Evelyn Ay

1949 Jacque Mercer

1959 Mary Ann Mobley

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1951 Yolande Betbeze

1964 Donna Axum

1952 1953 Colleen Kay Hutchins Neva Jane Langley

1971 Phyllis George

1993 Leanza Cornett

*Those who have passed since 2019 Miss America competition

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Celebrating In the summer of 1921, on the boardwalk of Atlantic City, an American icon was born. For the past 100 years, Miss America has been one of the country’s most recognizable household names and has been at the center of everything from national trends to social movements to the birth of television. The young women involved have made a significant difference in people’s lives through their charitable and community service endeavors, using the national platform to educate millions of Americans on issues facing the nation.

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100 YE ARS There was no Miss America Pageant during the years 1928-1932. The Pageant was discontinued after 1927 because of protests from women’s groups and religious organizations. The Hotelmen’s Association withdrew support fearing it would hurt the tourist trade coming into Atlantic City and then the Great Depression hit the country between 1929-1933.

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Last of the Golden Mermaids was awarded. There were six in total with one in the national office, one located at the bottom of a swimming pool and the whereabouts of the others unknown.

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The first Miss America was crowned on Steel Pier. She was presented with the Watkins Trophy for the “InterCity Beauty” Contest. And the next day, riding on her popularity from the previous win, Margaret won the “Bather’s Revue.” She was presented with the elusive Golden Mermaid, which measured 36 inches long and 10 inches high.

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Miss America returned to Atlantic City as “The Showman’s Variety Jubilee” at Steel Pier. Lenora Slaughter was brought in from St. Petersburg, Florida, Chamber of Commerce to help in the endeavor. Her initial six weeks turned into 32 years. Three nights of preliminary competitions were held. Talent was added and was worth 25 percent of the total score selecting Miss America. Although not mandatory, contestants were encouraged to participate and about half of them displayed their talents. The others relied solely on interviews with the judges and scores received in the eveningwear and swimsuit competitions. A bad hurricane hit Atlantic City, flooding the boardwalk and businesses. During that time a lot of early Miss America history was lost. In 1933, the country was in the throes of the Great Depression. Some prominent Atlantic City businessmen decided to revive the pageant after being convinced they were missing out on valuable revenue. The outdoor parades and other big attractions were left out due to the high cost that Depression Era businesses could not afford. Due to the lack of adequate publicity, the 1933 event was a financial disaster. The pageant was not revived in Atlantic City on secure financial footing until 1935.

Talent became a required element of the Miss America competition and age was raised to 18-28. An estimated 112 million moviegoers watched Miss America crowned as part of the first newsreels.

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Innovations to raise the program’s public image included the talent segment, which was added to the competition in 1935, and the formation of the Hostess Committee made up of prominent Atlantic City women.

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Also during the 1940s, the Miss America Organization created the single most important innovation of its time—a scholarship program. Sponsoring scholarships changed the pageant dramatically, which, with time, helped the organization become the country’s leading provider of educational scholarships for women.

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Following the success of Miss America scholarship awards, state pageants begin awarding scholarships in 1947, and by 1948, state and local pageants awarded $50,000 in scholarships.

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When the country was concerned with returning GIs and their education, the Miss America Organization appealed to women getting a college education. Bess Myerson received the first Miss America Scholarship for $5,000.

Miss America was transformed into an emblem of patriotism and national pride. Her image was connected to the war effort as the winners of those years sold more war bonds than any other public figure. Thus began the tradition

of Miss America as a morale booster for American troops.

During World War II, the program once again faced discontinuation, this time because of war. Pageant officials had to think quickly and adapt to the changing world around them.

100 YE ARS

1950 marked the start of post-dating the title. In September 1950, Miss Alabama, Yolande Betbeze, was crowned “Miss America 1951.” With television taking the country by storm, the advent of a national telecast caught the imagination of the American public. For the first time, Miss America came into people’s homes. The annual program provided a kind of entertainment never before experienced nationally. It seemed that the women onstage embodied the dreams of every young girl. By the end of the 1950s, Miss America had become an international symbol of the ideal young woman. For many, their earliest memories of television are of Bert Parks, surrounded by intelligent, talented and beautiful young women vying for the crown.

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This was the first year that every state in the union was represented at Miss America. The parade was televised live in its entirety for the first time.

Bernie Wayne’s “There She Is, Miss America” was sung for the first time by Bert Parks as Sharon Ritchie, Miss America 1956, walked down the runway. She became the first Miss America to be crowned with the style of crown we are familiar with today. Bert Parks served as Master of Ceremonies for 25 years.

100 YE ARS A rule not allowing animals as part of the talent competition was established after Miss Idaho’s dove flapped away from her magic act and into the audience. Feminists protested outside Boardwalk Hall during Miss America. They nearly disrupted the telecast during the retiring winner’s speech. Stink bombs were thrown onto the runway, but the smoke had dissipated by the time the cameras followed Debra Barnes down the runway.

The 1960s were once again a time of redefinition for the Miss America Organization, as well as for American society. Television ratings continued to soar, and in 1966 the first color broadcast hit the airways.

This was the first year that Miss America was represented with an entry from each of the 50 states. Since WWII, the push was for state representation, rather than cities.

Miss America telecast moved to NBC, marking the first color telecast.

But soon, the country’s attention began to focus on our involvement in the Vietnam War. It became apparent that there was a need for Miss America’s role to expand even more. Although the program was criticized for the 1967 launch of the “Miss America USO Troupes” into Vietnam and around the world, the Miss America Organization, to this day, maintains its support of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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By 1968, feminists stormed the boardwalk in Atlantic City in their crusade for equal rights. They used Miss America as a symbol for their fight, which encouraged even more change for the Miss America Organization.

100 YE ARS

The 50th Anniversary in 1970 saw a rise in television ratings. By 1974, a law student crowned a doctoral student. The groundwork for the modern Miss America was sealed. Not only were contestants becoming more interested in gaining a good education, they also saw Miss America as a means to success. As the momentum of the women’s movement grew, the women of Miss America were increasingly turning their attention to professional goals. The “Show Us Your Shoes” tradition of the Miss America Parade began when a group positioned themselves in the hotel balconies overlooking the boardwalk. They could see many of the contestants were not wearing shoes or were wearing bedroom slippers. Thus, they shouted “Show Us Your Shoes!” Joining in the fun, the contestants simply raised their feet to show the on-ground spectators and the good cheer amused everyone.

Miss America 1974 shocked the nation when she admitted she entered for the scholarship money. She became the first Miss America to use her scholarship funds to attend and graduate from law school. Miss America 1974 was the last to wear the robe. It was also the last year for Miss Congeniality (until its return in 2006).

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The 15th Miss America USO troupe performed at U.S. bases in Italy, Crete, Turkey, and Greece. The Miss America telecast celebrated its 25th anniversary.

100 YE ARS

In the 1980s, Miss America maintained its prominence and popularity in a world that was quickly changing. The decade witnessed the crowning of the first African-American woman, Vanessa Williams, and later that year also witnessed her resignation. This decade became a turning point in the program’s history.

The first Woman of Achievement Award was presented to former First Lady Betty Ford. It was the last time sashes were used for contestants during the swimsuit competition. “There She Is” returned as the Miss America theme song, after being replaced for three years with “Look at Her” and “Miss America, You’re Beautiful” after a contract dispute between officials and songwriter Bernie Wayne. This was also the last year contestants’ measurements were published in the program book.

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Vanessa Williams was crowned the first African-American Miss America.

100 YE ARS

The 1990s marked a new era as young women increasingly began to see the Miss America program as an opportunity to pursue higher education, professional opportunities and social causes. Winners of the title started becoming internationally recognized spokeswomen on issues ranging from literacy to AIDS awareness. Each Miss America was now required to have a platform issue to increase the public’s awareness during their national speaking tour.

Donnie and Marie Osmond were co-hosts and this was the first year that a woman announced the new Miss America.

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Heather Whitestone, who is profoundly deaf, was the first woman with a disability to be crowned Miss America. She was also the first national titleholder interviewed on a Barbara Walters’ special.

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Total scholarships available at the local, state and national levels surpassed $10 million dollars.

100 YE ARS The new millennium brought many exciting challenges and fresh changes to the Miss America Organization. The scholarship awards continued to grow, and more and more individuals began to recognize the importance of the countless community service hours the contestants offered their communities. In conjunction with CMT and TLC, the Organization was fortunate to align itself with new network partners who understood the intrinsic value of this institution while making it more relatable to young women across America.

The Turn of the Century Miss America featured the gold millennium crown made with eight ruby rhinestones. Heather French became the first Miss America to have legislation sponsored with her name. It was the 50th anniversary of the telecast. Miss Virgin Islands joined the Competition as the 52nd contestant. Miss America traveled to the Middle East to entertain and serve the American troops for Thanksgiving. In late August, it was announced Miss America was moving from Atlantic City to Las Vegas and the competition date was moving to January. This marked the first time since 1921 that Miss America would not be held in Atlantic City, nor at the end of Summer. The Miss America Organization launches Miss America’s Outstanding Teen which made its debut in Orlando, Florida.

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Katie Stam earned a “Golden Sash” from the viewers of the Miss America reality series securing her a spot in the Competition’s top 15, and went on to win Miss America 2009.

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September 11, 2001, changed everything. It was decided to continue with the telecast and some modifications were made to the broadcast to make it more low-key and patriotic. It was the first live event broadcast after the attack and the first time the contestants participated as the eighth judge.

100 YE ARS

Miss America has evolved in society as women in society have evolved. In 2019, candidates were no longer judged on physical appearance. That meant the elimination of the swimsuit competition with additional time and focus on the candidates’ voices to be heard more often.

Nina Davuluri become the first IndianAmerican to win Miss America and also the first former state MAOTeen titleholder to win Miss America.

Throughout the competition and in interviews, candidates had additional opportunities to advocate for their social impact initiatives and to demonstrate how they are uniquely qualified for the exciting and challenging 365-day job of being Miss America.

The 2012 Miss America Competition returned to Atlantic City and posted the highest ratings in eight years as the number one non-sports network program in its time period.

Since its 1921 beginning, this was the first year of Miss America without the swimsuit phase of the competition.

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Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 1989, became the first former Miss America to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Eveningwear was reenvisioned as a Red Carpet ensemble.

100 YE ARS

Miss America moved to a new home in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun Resort and moves the competition date to December. Camille Schrier performed a science demonstration for her talent and was the first STEM candidate to win the job of Miss America. She also became the first Miss America to speak at the United Nations.

In March 2020, the world faced a global pandemic where travel was suspended and the world had to adjust its way of living. Local, state, and national competitions were postponed and in some cases, technology was utilized for the first time in order to compete. In 2021, competitions have resumed while meeting various levels of health and government restrictions to begin the celebration of the 2021 centennial for this cherished American Icon!

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

SHERRI HILL

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SHERRI HILL MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

MAOTEEN 2022 MARCELLE LEBL ANC

M A RCE L L E

LeBlanc

Marcelle LeBlanc is the daughter of Dr. Daniel and Amanda LeBlanc. She is from Birmingham, Alabama and currently a freshman at Auburn University. Marcelle is majoring accounting and plans to continue her career in film and television acting, which she began at the age of 10. Through the Miss America Organization, she has earned close to $40,000 in cash scholarships that she is currently using at Auburn. Her Social Impact Initiative is S.T.A.R.S. (Supporting The Arts through Resource and Scholarship) which she founded at the age of 14. S.T.A.R.S. is an arts scholarship program that provides the necessary funds for school-aged children to get involved in after school arts programs. Marcelle Is excited to spend her year of service traveling the country promoting her social impact initiative. You can catch Marcelle on Stranger Things, Criminal Minds, Cobra Kai, and Fear Street Part 2: 1978, Pen15, Just Beyond, and most recently The Walton’s Homecoming on the CW network.

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Photographing Excellence jenncady.com

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

CAMILLE SCHRIER

FOREVER YOURS

Photo credit: Rick Myers Photography

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CAMILLE SCHRIER

The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. – Albert Einstein

Innovation: synonymous for change, transformation, metamorphosis, unconventionality, new measures, new methods and modernization. It was such a remodeling of the Miss America competition that spawned my personal interest and ultimately led me to the title of Miss America 2020. This distinctive opportunity that arose from an innovative recasting was followed by an unprecedented 24 months that required nothing less than the same to succeed; that is, a flexible and adaptable mindset prepared to alter, vary and remodel a fresh, inventive approach to unanticipated challenges.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic grounded me, adaptability moved front and center to figure out how to transport chemicals to meet requests of the many clients who wanted me to perform my talent. Able to travel the eastern corridor via Amtrak train, I scaled back my demonstration and developed a science tote that held large graduated cylinders and enough chemicals to perform the demo several times. At science specific venues like Mad Science, South Dakota State University and 3M, clients were able to collaborate and provide what I needed. I added other demonstrations not requiring chemicals, but the audiences overwhelmingly wanted to see the winning “elephant’s toothpaste.” Sometimes, I was forced to use home grade or elementary school level chemicals, which was never as exciting for an audience, kids or for me as it is to watch the big, bold and more show worthy advanced chemicals react. My official calendar filled rapidly for the year ahead with interviews, appearances, events and keynote addresses at a multitude of STEM related or interested organizations and programs like the Science Museum of Virginia and businesses like Mad Science. My schedule was packed with events for multiple states within the American Pharmacy Association, substance use disorder groups, universities, my state homecoming, state MAO competitions, and working with people like super science “educatainer” Steve Spangler. I believed the world was hungry for my message and felt it was coming to fruition. I was excited at the prospect of all that was to come, yet simultaneously a bit anxious about keeping the pace while managing my invisible disability of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

COVID Waiting in an airport to catch my flight home on March 14, 2020, I remember making the collaborative decision with the Miss Virginia and Miss America organizations to cancel my homecoming, as it was clear the country needed to get COVID under control. By the end of the following week, I’d watched my calendar clear as event after event was postponed or cancelled. Like everyone, I held out

hope for a short-lived shut down and rapid return to normal, but that was not to be. Science took the stage again in one of the biggest challenges in the history of our country and pharmaceutical innovation moved front and center in a race to develop vaccines for our citizens. Wow. What a year to be Miss America with a love of science and a passion for pharmaceutical inventions. MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

CAMILLE SCHRIER

STEM

You look at science (or at least talk of it) as some sort of demoralizing invention of man, something apart from real life, and which must be cautiously guarded and kept separate from everyday existence. But science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated. Science, for me, gives a partial explanation for life. In so far as it goes, it is based on fact, experience and experiment. – Rosalind Franklin

As days passed, it became increasingly evident that my time as Miss America would be like none other. If Miss America could not get to events in person, I needed to get there remotely and find ways to be positioned to generate more opportunities while grounded, and a home studio was born. The “T” in STEM was never my first interest, but circumstances drew my rapid attentiveness to acquiring the technologic skills needed to create a new modernization of how Miss America “travels.” Engaging my Miss Virginia network, I added writer, director and producer to my resume through collaboration and development of the PBS VPM TV program series entitled Cooking up Science with Miss America, which was a great success and led to requests for additional episodes. Similarly, in partnership with Fortune 100 ranked 3M Corporation, I participated in the 3M Science at Home Digital Series. Both of these series extended the reach of Miss

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America well beyond what could have been accomplished traveling in person, and I fully embraced the positive that existed within the unexpected advent of becoming the only Miss America in history to ever be fully grounded. Connecting with NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins during a virtual event celebrating the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose HeLa cancer cells are the foundation of much scientific research to this day, and with a burning desire to contribute so much more to the awareness of the science behind COVID and vaccines, it was extremely meaningful for me to collaborate with Dr. Collins in 2021 on an Instagram vaccine Q&A session. Despite the isolation we all experienced, groups and schools across the country, and even the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, remained determined to hear my perspective on women in STEM and see a live performance of my talent, all which was accomplish virtually.

CAMILLE SCHRIER

Mind Your Meds Focused on achieving metrics I had set for myself, I produced Public Service Announcements in collaboration with the DEA for National Drug Takeback Days in 2020 and 2021, and the CDC for their pediatric drug safety “Up and Away and Out of Sight” programs. It was rewarding to hear from many around the country who saw or listened to my PSA’s on TV or radio. Nothing short of divine intervention, I connected personally with the force behind the Netflix documentary “The Pharmacist”, Dan Schneider, and we teamed up to collaborate on combating the opioid epidemic. I met with legislators, including my Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Co-chair of the Congressional Heroin and Opioid Task force, advocated for Naloxone (NARCAN) training, and educated the public about drug safety and abuse prevention. Sadly, our country lost the gains previously made against overdose as a result of COVID, and we now lose more than 200 lives

daily to overdose as compared to the pre-COVID 130 per day. The pandemic most impacted my ability to spread this message, as the work in this space is not readily conducive to virtual adaptation, yet producing the Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS) Webinar series was an example of how restructuring appearances achieved goals. The resulting partnership between the Miss America Organization and ARS gives voice to the stigmatized epidemic of substance misuse disorder nationally through our state titleholders. I am excited continue to use my influence to address this critical social issue. Every organization faced the mandate to create new methods to accomplish goals, including the Miss America Organization, and in many cases the unconventionality of newness drew deep emotional responses born out of frustration and huge disappointment as changes to long-held traditions were confronted. For some, 2020 held long

anticipated milestone moments, and a sense of loss and grief surfaced, as was exemplified by the graduates of my alma mater at Virginia Tech, to which I was invited to be a 2020 commencement speaker; a commencement that ultimately became virtual. The USO was not excluded from facing a way to reaching the troops and for the first time in its history conducted a domestic Tour as COVID restrictions lifted in 2021. I spent my 26th birthday alongside the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Hyten, Wilmer Valderrama, Lauren Daigle, LoCash, Taylor Williamson and DJ JDayz meeting marines at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and we traveled to 10 total bases with a stop in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba entertaining our service personnel to give them #morethanthanks. That trip culminated with July 4th fireworks in Washington, DC and an appearance on Fox & Friends to report about the USO Trip to national media.

I hope you impress your friends with what you’ve learned, because science really is all around us. – Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

CAMILLE SCHRIER

Be open enough to see opportunities. Be wise enough to be grateful. Be courageous enough to be happy. – Steve Mariboli

Thanks My time as Miss America has looked completely different than anyone could have ever imagined, yet I am in no way disappointed by my unique experience. In school, one exam can change the path of that class, experiments in the lab can fail to yield desired results, and in a job environment the responsibilities can change in a moment. It’s these life experiences that provided me the basis to accept and embrace what came my way and my unparalleled Miss America experience allowed me to innovate ways that broadened my reach to people and protected my wellbeing in managing my responsibilities with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Everything happens for a reason; let go and let God. To He who chose me for a time such as this, thank you for carrying me even when I could not see your footsteps in the sand. I am deeply indebted to those who expected me to be only and always my authentic self and lifted me up in a world that can so often be unkind. No words exist to express the profound gratitude for my parents, especially these past two years; thanks for my beautiful dog Roxi. The unconditional backing as Miss Virginia and Miss America from Virginia Tech, and Virginia Commonwealth University and the School of Pharmacy, who helped me successfully reintegrate this August after a two year sabbatical, has been priceless; I am proud to serve these two universities of excellence. The rare chance to work for and represent the Miss Virginia and Miss America Organizations during this unprecedented time in history, culminating with our 100th anniversary competition is one for which I will always be appreciative. Thank you to the Miss America Organization, Board of Directors, staff and volunteers for

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providing this program opportunity and travel support. I am personally grateful to the Mohegan Sun, Passion Roses, Sherri Hill, Crown Couture, Jayme Shaw Cosmetics, Ashley Rene’s Prom and Pageant, Saks 5th Avenue & DuPont in Richmond VA, Yachin Parham, Don Kravitz, Bruce Boyajian, Austin Ryde, Jessie Palumbo, and Rick Myers for the goods and services you provided to me during my time as Miss America. Your support of the Miss America program is essential to its continued legacy. And thanks to science and researchers for the revolutionary vaccine that I personally chose to receive because I believe that it gives me a chance to return to normal sooner. In preparing for the centennial Miss America Competition, I reflect on our mission to prepare great women for the world and scholarships are the core of that great preparation, so it seems fitting that one final piece of innovation that has been a part of my 24 month journey back to Uncasville is that as I place the crown upon the head of my successor, I have returned to school and am actively using the scholarships I won through the Miss America Organization; a testament to our mission. I will recall with gratitude and insight my memories of this most unique two year sabbatical and “paid internship” experience that a young woman could ever have. I will continue to grow opportunities to inspire young women, including the underserved, to fall in love with STEM and become “Her Royal Scientist” and normalize for men having women beside them in a STEM environment, and I will continue to use my network and power as a future PharmD to impact medication safety and the opioid epidemic as I complete my education.

CAMILLE SCHRIER

Find out who you are and do it on purpose. – Dolly Parton

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

THE JOB

JOB DESCRIPTION Miss America is the most visible representative of the mission and vision of the Miss America Organization (“MAO”). Miss America’s job is one of purpose. She is one member of the MAO team and is responsible for positively promoting the goals and objectives of MAO as well as advancing her own Social Impact Initiative (“SII”). Miss America is a full-time job. As an employee of MAO, she earns a salary, is eligible for MAO employee benefits and is subject to the policies and procedures of the MAO. She reports to the MAO Travel Manager or designated staff. While traveling and at events and appearances, she works side by side with her assigned Tour Manager to fulfil the wishes of MAO clients, partners, and sponsors. Miss America works with the MAO team to develop a realistic, actionable strategic SII plan with metrics that are then used to measure her performance. The performance metrics include building on her

SII she brought to the job, identifying new national partners for her SII and working as part of the MAO team to expand her SII’s reach through the Miss America platform. She is also expected to be a national ambassador of MAO’s national partner(s) and sponsors as directed, and advance recruitment into the MAO program. Through public interaction, media appearances, speaking engagements, sponsor and partnership support, presentations, social media and administrative work, this position advances MAO’s primary goals of education and service. The job of Miss America is demanding. It is not a typical 9-5 position and the scheduling demands differ daily. She must be mentally, emotionally, physically and professionally equipped to travel, sometimes daily, across the country and potentially around the world. Each day she must come to work ready to promote a positive, friendly, approachable, relatable, engaged and enthusiastic voice.

Specifically, Miss America will: • Serve as a national spokesperson for the Miss America Organization in furtherance of its mission and vision • As a member of the staff, work as a team member to help develop goals and facilitate the execution of her SII • Travel independently under the direction of a Tour Manager and Promotions Manager • Research, prepare and deliver public appearance presentations, performances and speeches • Serve as a spokesperson and brand ambassador for MAO’s national partners • Research and prepare content such as short videos, blogs, op-eds and/or thought-pieces for media and social/digital outlets • Serve as a voice on timely issues for her generation • Maintain and manage her personal social media accounts in accordance with MAO policy • Be an example to and inspire potential candidates • Perform administrative tasks relevant to her job: email correspondence, expense reports, metric reporting, thank you notes, and other tasks as directed • Help build on recruitment and interest opportunities to bring new women into the fold. • Build on the legacy of Miss America by leaving MAO better than she found it

Miss America is not a celebrity, nor is she a “beauty queen.” Instead, she is a person of character and a representative of service, and an example of what it means to be a giver, not a taker. It is her work that will be celebrated as she uses her job to serve others, promote scholarships and the importance of education, and to make a lasting impact on communities across the nation. When Miss America’s term expires, she will be successful if she has made a measurable, positive difference in the growth of MAO and her SII objectives. Miss America is expected to understand that in this position, she is but one part of an ever-evolving legacy of multi-dimensional women at every level of MAO. Her execution of the job is reflective not just of her, but of the entire organization. Miss America is about building on the past and helping to craft a future of relevancy for this and the next generation of women leaders.

Required skills and experiences: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Outstanding interpersonal skills “Can do,” team player attitude Ability to problem solve Desire to adapt to almost any situation Desire to be with and speak with people Excellent public speaking and presenting skills Exceptional written and verbal communicator Ability to use both Microsoft and Google productivity software Show up for and execute work professionally each day Be on time (which means early) and meet all daily deadlines Understanding of client-facing hospitality and service Strong discernment of and ability to interact with media Good at taking direction with a desire to learn, grow and develop Ability to set SII goal metrics and establish a plan to execute by “getting your hands dirty” and digging into creating change Desire to advance a more diverse and inclusive program A sense of humility and humor :)

Miss America, a non-profit 501(c)(4), is committed to bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and do great work together. As an equal opportunity employer, we prohibit any unlawful discrimination against a job applicant on the basis of their race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We respect the laws enforced by the EEOC and all employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

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THE JOB

photographer Jessielynn Palumbo MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

The

Candidates for the Job of

2022

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

ALABAMA @ M ISSA M E R I CAAL

CO L L E G E

Auburn University Graduate; Master of Science in Finance student at Vanderbilt University M A J O R // Finance

CAREER AMBITION

CEO of a Global Fortune 500 Company

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $30,000 TEEN $5,500

TA L E N T

Violin

S O CI A L I M PACT

UNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan A campaign to educate all ages about the harmful effects of the overuse of technology, and to offer practical ways to integrate technology into our lifestyles in a healthy and balanced way.

And whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.

– Colossians 3:23

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I am incredibly inspired by my fellow Alabama native, Condoleezza Rice. She was the first female AfricanAmerican secretary of state and the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor. She has made many incredible contributions to our nation and has paved the way for women everywhere to step into leadership roles.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS ANCHORED

M OT I VAT E D

| E N GAG I N G

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

ALABAMA

L AUREN

Bradford MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

A L AS K A EMMA 78

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Broyles

A L AS K A @MISSAMERICA A K

CO L L E G E

Arizona State University - Barrett, The Honors College M A J O R // Biomedical Sciences M I N O R // Voice Performance

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Dermatologist

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $3,770 TEEN $4,400

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Building Community Through Special Olympics Utilizing sports as a common ground to unite people with and without intellectual disabilties. Special Olympics builds strong communities worldwide, ushering in a new age of the “Inclusion Revolution.”

Hard times are good in their own way, too. Because the only way you can achieve true happiness is if you experience true sadness as well. It’s all about light and shade. Balance.

– Gabrielle Williams

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

The best advice I have ever received is actually from my mom. I had recently started working a new job and was feeling quite overwhelmed, and she reminded me that I should always put my mental health first and that quitting doesn’t mean you are weak.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H E T I C | R E L ATA B L E | C O M PASS I O N AT E

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

A R I ZO N A @ M ISSA M E R I CAAZ

CO L L E G E

Arizona State University M AST E RS // Legal Studies B ACH E LO R S // Business Law & Political Science

CAREER AMBITION

U.S. Secretary of State or Supreme Court Justice

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $8,550 TEEN $1,500

TA L E N T

Contemporary Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Leadership Through Service: Awareness, Action, Results This initiative encourages youth to become involved in community service by bringing awareness to a variety of different causes and nonprofits. As part of this initiative, I have helped raise more than $300,000 to benefit various charities and volunteer more than 1,000 hours annually in order to inspire others to give back to their communities.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

– Mahatma Gandhi

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I am fascinated by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As someone who aspires to pursue a career in law and be a future Supreme Court Justice, Justice O’Connor’s life and accomplishments have always been an inspiration to me. As the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor paved the way for women like me who want to make a difference in the field of law and influence the state of our legal system.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H Y

P U R P OS E

| A DA PTA B I L I T Y

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

A R I ZO N A

AMBER

Barto MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

A R K A NS AS WHITNEY 82

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Williams

A R K A N S AS @MISSAMERICA A R

CO L L E G E

University of Arkansas M A J O R // Speech Pathology

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Speech Pathologist

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $53,000

TA L E N T

Baton Twirling

S O CI A L I M PACT

Heart for the Arts Empowering students through the the transformative power of the arts. Giving arts resources and opportunity to all students.

You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain.

– Jordan Spieth

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Eleanor Roosevelt because she was kind, compassionate, and driven.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS CA R I N G | V I B R A N T | C R E AT I V E

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

CA L I F O R N I A @ M ISSA M E R I CACA

CO L L E G E

California State University, Fullerton M A J O R // English M I N O R // Chicano Studies

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

English Professor

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $30,000 TEEN $2,000

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Ending Substance Abuse At the age of 14, I created my social impact initiative to share my experiences as someone who lived the effects of a parent’s substance abuse. Through partnerships with other state and international organizations, I work to motivate, educate, and inspire others to make responsible decisions that will set them up for success in the future.

You can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed.

– Misty Copeland

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

Something I’ve heard from multiple people in my life is that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. As a first-generation American and the first in my family to pursue higher education of any kind, I faced many obstacles in my academic career. One thing I always remembered, however, was to adapt to any situation and to always make the best out of every situation.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS RESILIENCE

H A R DWO R K I N G

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

| E M PAT H Y

CA L I F O R N I A

JAZMIN

Avalos MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

CO LO R A D O

Spence-Carroll

MAURA 86

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

CO LO R A D O @MISSAMERICACO

CO L L E G E

Pikes Peak Community College M A J O R // Communications

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Civil Rights Attorney specializing in LGBTQ+ Rights Defense

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $9,200 TEEN $1,150

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

22 Too Many: Ending the Epidemic of Military Suicide Increasing access to mental healthcare services for veterans and service members through education, social support, and legislative action.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I’ve been fascinated by Boudicca from a young age. She was the queen of the British Iceni tribe and led an uprising against the Roman Empire around 60 AD, so she was an inspiration to me as a girl who dreamed of being just as brave.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS T E N AC I O U S

A DV E N T U R O U S

MISS AME RI CA

| J OY F U L

100 YE ARS

CO N N E C T I CU T @ M ISSA M E R I CACT

CO L L E G E

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute M A J O R // Business Management

CAREER AMBITION

Full-time Entrepreneur and provide Equal Opportunities to All Women

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $10,000 TEEN $2,000

TA L E N T

Indian Classical Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Embracing Diversity: Overcoming Adversities We have the opportunity today and everyday to empower ourselves and our female peers to reach beyond societal expectations and realize our potential. My mission is to bring awareness to the confidence gap and the biases that exist, amplify the voices of all women and teach core skills to grow our confidence.

You may tread me in the very dirt, but still like dust, I’ll rise.”

– Maya Angelou

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was someone I’ve always looked up to, especially as I launched my career and began to live some of the experiences she faced - being the only woman in the room, speaking up for what you believe in, and believing that anything is possible. She dedicated her life to advocating for women, constantly overcoming adversity, and that is truly something to be celebrated.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS DETERMINED

AMBITIOUS

| C H A R IS M AT I C

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

CO N N E CT I CU T

SA P N A

Raghavan MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

D E L AWA R E SOPHIE 90

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Phillips

D E L AWA R E @MISSAMERICA DE

CO L L E G E

University of Delaware M AST E RS // Energy & Environmental Policy B ACH E LO RS // Environmental & Marine Science

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

United States National Park Ranger in the Diversity and Inclusion sector of the National Park Service

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $13,100

TA L E N T

Piano

S O CI A L I M PACT

Educated. Engaged. Empowered. Community-Driven Environmental Justice Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color are disproportionally subject to harsh environmental conditions and live in areas that are in close proximity to polluting industries. Educating the public about environmental issues and engaging and empowering local community members are the first steps in making a difference for the people who live in these areas.

There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.

– Amanda Gorman

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I am fascinated by Shelton Johnson. He was the first African American National Park Ranger in Yellowstone National Park. To be the first of anything is extremely difficult, but he persevered and is now creating a diversity and inclusion management plan for Yosemite National Park that will hopefully be used throughout the entire Park Service. He is a huge role model of mine.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H E T I C | M OT I VAT E D | CA R I N G

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

D IST R I C T O F CO L U M B I A @ M ISSA M E R I CAD C

CO L L E G E

George Washington University / Hollins University M AST E RS // Forensic Psychology M AST E RS // Clinical Psychology

CAREER AMBITION

Naval Psychologist then Private Practice

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $37,500 TEEN $5,000

TA L E N T

Operatic Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Demand an End: Stop Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Human trafficking is a $32 billion industry and the fastest growing crime in the world. My social impact initiative serves to pull back the curtain of human trafficking in the United States through partnering with local organizations and nonprofits to advocate for legislative changes, empower victims, and provide education and awareness.

How you do anything is how you do everything.

– Jess Sims, Peloton Instructor

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

A professor once told me to , “find your comfort zone and then get out of it.” That advice challenged my mindset to always be willing to grow and to know I am setting the right goal when it scares me a little.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS MY SMILE

| E M PAT H Y

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

| AMBITION

D IST R I CTof CO LU M B I A

Tomasa Medina

A N D O LY N

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

F LO R I DA LE AH 94

Roddenberry

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

F LO R I DA @MISSAMERICA F L

CO L L E G E

University of Florida M A J O R // Family, Youth, and Community Sciences

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

A National Press Secretary Role

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $32,600 TEEN $5,000

TA L E N T

Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Be a LeadHer: Igniting the Spark Within Engage, empower, and equip young women with the tools necessary to be leaders in their lives and communities. I founded a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, published a children’s book, partnered with national organizations including IGNITE, Youth Service America, and Proliteracy, and spoken to thousands of young women in order to train the next generation of leaders.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

– Maya Angelou

What has been your greatest adventure

At 15, I lived on a houseboat on the Amazon River traveling to remote villages throughout Peru on a medical mission trip. I spent my time serving the villagers, assisting with vision care, building a church, and forming bonds with the children. I was terrified for this trip as it was completely outside of my comfort zone. This taught me that love and acceptance go beyond any language barrier or cultural difference - it was life-changing!

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E N GAG E D | E M P OW E R E D | E Q U I P P E D

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

GEORGIA @ M ISSA M E R I CAGA

CO L L E G E

University of Georgia

M A J O R // Political Science, History CAREER AMBITION

Affect Change in Education through holding Political Office

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $22,450 TEEN $1,000

TA L E N T

Tap Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

R.O.A.R.—Reach Out and Read to Fight the Cycle of Illiteracy Stop the school-to-prison pipeline by providing literacy resources to students of all ages. Through publishing and distributing my original story, “Lucky Learns to ROAR!”, adopting classrooms across Georgia, and donating thousands of books to schools and doctor’s offices, my literacy program has demonstrated that reading is a basic right that all Americans deserve to exercise.

Always choose happy.

– My mom, Kathy Pennington

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Alexander Hamilton wrote 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers, which helped to ratify the U.S. Constitution as we know it today. As a history enthusiast and political nerd, I am inspired by his dedication to the United States, and hope to one day write as influential of political papers as he once did. As Lin Manuel Miranda writes, “just like my country, I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I am NOT throwing away my shot!”

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS P OW E R F U L

BRIGHT

| MEMORABLE

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

G E O RG I A

Annslee Pennington K ARSON

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

H AWA I I CO U RT N E Y 98

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Choy

H AWA I I @MISSAMERICA HI CO L L E G E

University of Hawai’i at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law M A J O R // Business Administration; Law School Graduate

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, & Pacific Islanders

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $10,000

TA L E N T

Hula ‘Auana

S O CI A L I M PACT

Women’s Empowerment through Partnership Promotes awareness of the progress women have made in obtaining an education, pursuing careers, and the need to elevate girls and women into positions of leadership. By highlighting influential and inspirational individuals, elevating partnerships with organizations at all levels, and furthering discussions on the inequalities and obstacles that limit the advancement of women, we can be our own agent for change.

Just like the lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness, and radiate into the world.

– Author Unknown

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Patsy Takemoto Mink demonstrates the kind of woman I aspire to be not only through her work and dedication to women’s rights, but through her representation as an Asian American woman from Hawai’i. She utilized her voice to champion change, attended law school, and became the first Japanese American woman to practice law in Hawai’i.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS K I N D | G I V I N G | C O U R AG E O U S

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

I DA H O @ M ISSA M E R I CAI D

CO L L E G E

Idaho State University

M A J O R // Political Science/Pre-Law CAREER AMBITION

Become the first woman and Latinx Governor of Idaho

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $7,250 TEEN $2,500

TA L E N T

Clogging

S O CI A L I M PACT

The Equity Project Closing racial, gender, and generational wealth gaps by providing free and accessible financial education across the nation. My goal is to teach every US resident how to read their credit report, apply for loans, and build wealth through saving and investing.

No one has ever become poor by giving.

– Anne Frank

What has been your greatest adventure

My greatest adventure has been serving in the US Army as a 38B Civil Affairs Specialist (the Peace Corps of the Army).

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS GENUINE

100

O U TS P O K E N

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

| DRIVEN

I DA H O

AY R ISS

Torres MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

101

I L L I N O IS I SA B E L L E 102

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Hanson

I L L I N O IS @MISSAMERICA IL CO L L E G E

Miami University (of Ohio) M A J O R // Journalism & Music

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Network News Correspondent

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $21,000 TEEN $2,700

TA L E N T

Classical Violin

S O CI A L I M PACT

The Media Literacy Movement The Media Literacy Movement develops a generation of responsible and informed media consumers and creators who feel empowered to participate in today’s digital world. Media literacy, a 21st century skill, provides young people with the tools to critically analyze social media messages, better understand the impact those messages have on their thoughts and behaviors, and more thoughtfully create and engage with social media content.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “’What are you doing for others?’

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

What has been your greatest adventure

I took a leap of faith when I accepted a job offer to be a TV news reporter and anchor in a city where I knew no one. Whether it’s covering breaking news or sharing stories of people doing good in their communities, every day in the news industry is an adventure, but it’s a privilege to be a vessel for the voices of our communities.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H E T I C | AC C O U N TA B L E | A DA PTA B L E

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

103

INDIANA @ M ISSA M E R I CAI N

CO L L E G E

Indiana University M A J O R // Elementary Education

CAREER AMBITION

Secondary Guidance and Career Counselor

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $14,000

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

The Love Thy Neighbor Project My social impact initiative was created to uplift and support children and their families in need by providing personal necessities such as clothing, food, diapers, and shelter. My goal is to not only help families in Indiana but also across the country.

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

– Eleanor Roosevelt

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Katherine Johnson. She was able to show the men around her at NASA that she was just as capable of getting the job done.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS R E L ATA B L E

104

RELIABLE

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

| R E L E VA N T

INDIANA

Kennedy Hiser

B R A X TO N

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

105

I OWA

Lynn Keller

GRACE 106

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

I OWA @MISSAMERICA IA

CO L L E G E

The University of Iowa M A J O R // Journalism and Mass Communication

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Continue leading my company toward growth and expansion as Vice President of the Podcast Startup.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $12,250 TEEN $1,400

TA L E N T

Ballet en Pointe

S O CI A L I M PACT

Read to Succeed: Promoting Literacy in Grades K-3 Getting as many K-3 students as possible meeting literacy benchmarks, especially in traditionally lowincome school districts, which have historically inequitable literacy rates.

He has set a right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what He does.

– Ecclesiastes 3:11

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Walter Cronkite is someone I’ve admired for many years, especially once I began studying journalism and launched a career in media. His adherence to facts and objective, calm reporting style, earned him the respect of millions, and his coverage of world-altering events like the moon landing, the Vietnam War, and JFK’s assassination, set him apart from his colleagues.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H E T I C | G E N U I N E | D R I V E N

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

107

K A N S AS @ M ISSA M E R I CAKS CO L L E G E

Kansas State University M A J O R // Music Education

CAREER AMBITION

High school band teacher and upon earning my Master’s consider a career in School Administration.

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $12,950 TEEN $4,450

TA L E N T

Drums

S O CI A L I M PACT

Sound for Common Ground: Music Connects As an unlikely change maker, I will serve young women, people, and communities using my program Bucket Beats: the Sound of Common Ground to break down barriers and have courageous conversations around inequities, hardships, and unforeseen circumstances. I believe that music connects, and we all can find common ground using it as a tool.

It’s a great day to have a great day!

– Ben Francia

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

While I have learned many pieces of advice from my professors at K-State, my band director, Dr. Tracz, always emphasized the value of time and keeping yourself busy. After all, busy people get the most done. His advice is this: utilize every minute you have, even if it is just fifteen minutes, and you will be amazed with not only what you do, but what you can complete and accomplish in that amount of time.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS INSTRUMENTAL

108

ORGANIZED

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

DEDICATED

K A N S AS

TAY LO R

Clark MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

109

K E N T U CK Y HALEY 110

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

B. Wheeler

K E N T U CK Y @MISSAMERICA KY

CO L L E G E

Western Kentucky University M A J O R // Speech Pathology

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Speech-language Pathologist in a nursing home or hospital, specializing in dementia, Alzheimer’s, and dysphagia while educating new SLP’s as a Professor.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $24,500

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

A Stitch of Hope: Alzheimer’s Awareness My SII connects kids (and young adults) to centenarians by promoting socialization and service initiatives in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. My Papaw P fought Alzheimer’s and lost, and I want no senior to have to fight alone with their memories being lost and not shared with the world.

Find out who you are and do it on purpose!

– Dolly Parton

What has been your greatest adventure

My greatest adventure has probably been embarking on my collegiate journey as a first generation college student. I obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degree as a young woman from the hills of eastern Kentucky, and I am so proud to set the precedent for those who come after me in reaching their goals and being more than statistics say they can be.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS P E RS IST E N C E

PASS I O N

HUMILITY

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

111

LO U I S I A N A @ M ISSA M E R I CAL A

CO L L E G E

University of Louisiana Monroe M A J O R / / Biology with Pre-Medical Concentration M I N O R // Chemistry

CAREER AMBITION

Open a Community Summer Camp for Disabled and Disadvantaged Children through my Pediatric Practice

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $14,850 TEEN $5,650

TA L E N T

Jazz Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Find Your F.R.E.D.D.Y.: Fostering Rewarding Engagements with Disabled and Disadvantaged Youth My disabled and disadvantaged second-grade classmate, Freddy, sparked my desire to fulfill the critical need for providing youth like him with a support system to lean on. I aim to encourage community members across my state to take the initiative to give of their time to outreach programs such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, United Way, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America to find their Freddy.

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Eleanor Roosevelt

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My Papa Tony has always told me never to fear failure, as it can serve as a launchpad for new opportunities.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H E T I C

112

RESILIENT

| AU T H E N T I C

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

LO U IS I A N A

Williams

J U L I A CL A I R E MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

113

MAINE MARIAH 114

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Larocque

MAINE @MISSAMERICA M E CO L L E G E

University of Southern Maine M A J O R // Theatre

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Director, Screenwriter, Producer and Actress

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $30,000

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

A Survivor’s Purpose: End Child Exploitation Combating Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation while lifting survivor’s voices.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway.

– Mother Teresa

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

As an actress, filmmaker and singer, Marilyn Monroe has been a female icon that has influenced my personal style, femininity and strength as a woman. Marilyn became one of the most celebrated actresses in history but many people do not know that she had survived many hardships as a child and was a survivor of child sexual exploitation and assault. Marilyn was a visionary, a women’s rights activist and a trailblazer for women in Hollywood. I aspire to make an impact in the world of film in my own way while honoring women who paved the path for me like Marilyn did.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS AU T H E N T I C | T R A I L B L A Z E R | S U RV I VO R

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

115

M A RY L A N D @ M ISSA M E R I CAM D

CO L L E G E

Johns Hopkins University; Georgetown University M AST E RS // Physiology and Biophysics B AC H E LO R S / / Molecular and Cellular Biology

CAREER AMBITION

Navy Doctor and Serve on Humanitarian Missions

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $14,400

TA L E N T

Classical Cello

S O CI A L I M PACT

ArtWorks ArtWorks sheds light on the intersectionality of the arts, notably in medicine and education, while advocating for increased financial support, improved legislation, and hands-on community service.

Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Manage and watch your words, for they will become your actions. Consider and judge your actions, for they have become your habits. Acknowledge and watch your habits, for they shall become your values. Understand and embrace your values, for they become your destiny.

– Mahatma Gandhi

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My parents have always told me and my brothers to “love learning, enjoy the journey, and stay true to you.” They encouraged us to be present in every moment and appreciate every opportunity, so that we may use our unique abilities, knowledge, and passions to set ourselves and our communities up for success.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS MY NETWORK

116

VERSATILITY

| INTENTIONALITY

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

M A RY L A N D

LY D I A

Sohn

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

117

M ASSACH U S E T TS ELIZABETH 118

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Pierre

M ASSACH U S E T TS @MISSAMERICA M A

CO L L E G E

Boston College

M AST E RS // Social Work CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Licensed Clinical Social Worker that improves the health and resilience of youth and their communities.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $13,500

TA L E N T

Lyrical Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

We Hear You: Empowering Youth Voices This two-fold initiative empowers youth-led, social change by amplifying young voices and encouraging adults with influence to listen. Through workshops and professional development opportunities, our youth are provided the resources, platform, and opportunity to be effective leaders.

I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand.

– Maya Angelou

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

In 1960, Ruby Bridges became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South. In 2006, she visited my fourth grade class and shared her experience. Her story highlighted what others had done for me to have the opportunities I do today. I am now a college graduate pursuing my Master of Social Work degree, and I would love to meet her again.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS C O U R AG E

| V IS I O N | E M PAT H Y

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

119

M I C H I GA N @ M ISSA M E R I CAM I

CO L L E G E

Western University of Health Sciences D O C TO R AT E // Osteopathic Medicine

CAREER AMBITION

Pediatric Oncologist

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $22,000 TEEN $500

TA L E N T

Classical Piano

S O CI A L I M PACT

Golden Warriors of Pediatric Cancer - Fight Like A Kid The goal of my Social Impact Initiative is to fundraise for pediatric cancer research, as well as provide support for pediatric cancer patients and survivors.

Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch.

– Debasish Mridha

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My grandparents have always told me to enjoy my journey. I didn’t fully understand what this meant growing up, but now in the midst of my long educational journey to becoming a pediatric oncologist, I understand. With the job of Miss Michigan, I have truly embraced this piece of advice and try to impact many people every day. Taking the time to connect with others and learn their stories is truly what matters in this life. I am so grateful to soak in every minute of this life-changing year of service.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS EMPATHETIC

120

ADAPTABLE

| HARD-WORKING

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

M I CH I GA N

VIVIAN

Zhong MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

121

M I N N E S OTA ELLE 122

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Mark

M I N N E S OTA @MISSAMERICA M N

CO L L E G E

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse M A J O R // Public Health, Community Health Education

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Epidemiologist

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $19,125

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

The Campaign to Change Direction The goal of this global nonprofit organization is to create a society that values mental and emotional health in the same way we value physical health. The Campaign also aims to prevent mental health crises through the promotion of the “5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Wellbeing” - Take Care, Check-In, Engage, Relax, and Know.

The happiest girls are the prettiest girls

– Audrey Hepburn

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

It was my first day of middle school and I was terrified. I was worried who I would sit with at lunch and what people would think of my outfit when my dad said, “Look for the person today who needs a friend. There is someone there who is having a harder time than you.” From then on, I have made it my mission to find the person in the room who needs someone, then be that friend for them.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS E M PAT H E T I C | O PT I M IST I C | V I VAC I O U S

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

123

M ISS ISS I P P I @ M ISSA M E R I CAMS

CO L L E G E

University of Alabama M A J O R // Communication Studies

CAREER AMBITION

Musician in Nashville, Tennessee

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $14,300 TEEN $8,500

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Volunteerism: If You See a Need, Take the Lead To address issues within communities and create a network of volunteers of all ages who are dedicated to solving those issues. Unfortunately, only 30.3% of Americans are volunteering at least once a year, and through encouraging people to identify needs in their communities and take the lead to solve them through service, I believe this statistic can be changed.

When words fail, music speaks.

– Hans Christian Anderson

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My father once told me, “Don’t ever let anyone outwork you.” Whether setting goals related to school or my career, the framework for success instilled by my father has always revolved around hard work, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. From obtaining my undergraduate degree one year early to co owning a boutique in my hometown, it is because of my dad’s advice that I have experienced success in my life.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS AMBITIOUS

124

AUTHENTIC

PHIL ANTHROPIC

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

M ISS ISS I P P I

HOLLY

Brand MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

125

M ISS O U R I CA L L I E 126

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Cox

M ISS O U R I @MISSAMERICA M O

CO L L E G E

University of Missouri M A J O R // Communication

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Communications Director for nonprofit organization and establish my own business that employs people with disabilities.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $16,350

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

People First Emphasizing the importance of inclusion while welcoming individuals of all abilities. The focus is to advocate for employment and extracurricular opportunities for people with disabilities while educating typical individuals to look at everyone as valued people, over a diagnosis.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.

– Kurt Vonnegut

What has been your greatest adventure

My years of service to Camp Barnabas have been some of the most formative and rewarding years of my life. This camp changed the trajectory of my life forever. It will ultimately be a true testament to how I want to live my life every single day. Every day, I strive to be a young woman who is hungry to include all and selflessly give to others what they truly deserve.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS A M B I T I O U S | E N GAG I N G | A LT R U IST I C

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

127

M O N TA N A @ M ISSA M E R I CAM N

CO L L E G E

Montana State University M A J O R // Animal Science with Equine Science Concentration

CAREER AMBITION

Own and Operate an Equine Therapeutic Riding Facility

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $20,550

TA L E N T

Operatic Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Sense of Defense To teach basic defensive martial art skills to become more confident and safe. Physical martial arts are important, and it is also vital to become situationally aware and practice defensive thinking and language so that danger can be avoided before it even begins.

Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you others can see Him.

– C.S. Lewis

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I am fascinated by Helio Gracie, one of the founding brothers of Brazilian Jiu jitsu. As someone who has studied martial arts for most of my life, I have a great fascination for the individuals who devoted their lives to the creation of BJJ. Now that I am cross-training in Brazilian Jiu jitsu, I have a new appreciation for the Gracie family, and especially Helio Gracie.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS T E N AC I T Y

128

C O M PASS I O N

| E N T H U S I AS M

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

M O N TA N A

J E SS I CA

Criss MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

129

N E B R AS K A MORGAN 130

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Holen

N E B R AS K A @MISSAMERICA NE

CO L L E G E

University of Nebraska-Lincoln M A J O R // Broadcast Journalism and Advertising/Public Relations

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Lead the organizational development and corporate training department in a Fortune 500 company.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $10,950 TEEN $3,950

TA L E N T

Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Lead With Your Strengths: The Power of Strengths-Based Mentoring Ensure every child has a consistent adult in their life who believes in and fuels what is right about them.

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

– Tim Notke

What has been your greatest adventure

In the summer before my senior year of college, I traveled overseas for the first time and studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. I studied the effects of social media and targeted advertising on the Denmark elections. Although several of my classmates attended with other students from their universities, I chose to go alone. The experience allowed me to grow as a person because it demanded I meet new people in order to learn and enjoy the adventure.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS A RT I C U L AT E | D E T E R M I N E D | A DA PTA B L E

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

131

N E VA DA @ M ISSA M E R I CANV

CO L L E G E

College of Southern Nevada M A J O R // Film & Theater Production

CAREER AMBITION

Leading Female Director/Screenwriter

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $20,800 TEEN $1,000

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Memories Matter- Alzheimer’s Awareness Advocate for legislative change to benefit the Alzheimer’s in the state of Nevada as a members of the public policy committee for the Alzheimer’s Association. To alleviate the mental and physical symptoms that accompany Alzheimer’s, I implement music and magic therapy into my residents/patients care plan.

A setback is a setup for your comeback.

– Willie Jolley

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Alice Guy-Blaché- she was the first female to break the glass ceiling of becoming a filmmaker. Between 1896 and 1906, she was the only female director in cinema history.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS RESILIENT

132

EDUCATED

| COMPASSIONATE

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

N E VA DA

ReneeTuell

M ACI E

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

133

N E W H A M PS H I R E ASHLEY 134

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Marsh

N E W H A M PS H I R E @MISSAMERICA NH

CO L L E G E

Southern New Hampshire University M A J O R // Social Media Marketing

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Social Media Manager for Division 1 and Professional Athletes

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $51,725

TA L E N T

Tap Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Fit For Life! Empowering people of all ages and abilities that they can live a healthy and fit, both mentally and physically.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.

– Pablo Picasso

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Amelia Earhart. She was a true female trailblazer and an icon to show to all women and girls that you can truly do whatever you set your mind to. Breaking the stigma around what males can do versus what females can do. Females can do it all and Amelia showed that.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS A DA PTA B L E | C O U R AG E O U S | CA R I N G

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

135

NEW JERSEY @ M ISSA M E R I CANJ CO L L E G E

Rowan University M A J O R // Journalism

CAREER AMBITION

Become a TV Anchor

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $45,000 TEEN $10,000

TA L E N T

Musical Theatre Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Peer Challenge Commit2Character Focus on stopping the domino effect of the risktaking behaviors that students are inundated with, like bullying, drinking, drugs, unplanned pregnancy, and cyberbullying with character education. The program centers on eradicating the stigma of mistakes for a positive future and showing students that they’re never too far down the wrong road to turn around.

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.

– Woody Allen

What has been your greatest adventure

Fulfilling my dream of becoming a TV reporter has been my most blessed and fulfilling adventure yet. From starting my career in the Big Apple at Fox & Friends to 6abc Action News, and Fox29 News in Philadelphia, I learned that the climb of the journey is what shapes us the most. In this chapter as a reporter, I’ve learned that the world of media spins faster than the speed of light, flexibility is the key to life, but most importantly, our voices have so much power.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS DEPENDABLE | ADAPTABLE | FORWARD-THINKING

136

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

N E W J E RS E Y

A LYSSA

Sullivan MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

137

N E W M E X I CO SIENNA 138

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Mascareñas

N E W M E X I CO @MISSAMERICA NM

CO L L E G E

University of Alabama M A J O R // Chemical Engineering

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Petroleum Engineer working in Southeastern New Mexico’s Permian Basin

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $6,000 TEEN $1,500

TA L E N T

Jazz Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Girls Get Math: Breaking Gender Stereotypes in STEM To encourage young girls and women to pursue education and careers in STEM and STEM fields. Women are problem solvers and logical thinkers and with encouragement, can excel in STEM.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

– Marianne Williamson

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My mother gave me the life advice that has shaped me into the person I am. 1) I determine how smart I become. 2) Ask for help when I need it and accept help when it is offered in good faith.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS D E T E R M I N E D | P R AG M AT I C | I N G E N I O U S

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

139

N E W YO R K @ M ISSA M E R I CANY

CO L L E G E

Columbia University M A J O R // American Studies

CAREER AMBITION

Litigation Partner at a NYC Law Firm

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $10,250

TA L E N T

Original Poetic Prose

S O CI A L I M PACT

One Team Empowerment Help provide invaluable experiences that showcase the benefits of participation in sports and aim to increase the retention rate of girls in sports.

Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.

– Mia Hamm

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I have always been fascinated by Madeleine Albright. She is an incredible role model, having served as the first woman to hold the position of Secretary of State. She also got her PhD at Columbia, my alma mater!

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS PERSEVERANCE

140

GRIT

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

| C H A R IS M A

N E W YO R K

SYDNEY

Park MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

141

N O RT H CA RO L I N A CARLI 142

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Batson

N O RT H CA RO L I N A @MISSAMERICA NC

CO L L E G E

Appalachian State University M A J O R // Communication & Public Relations

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Arts Management as a Nonprofit Coordinator and Public Relations Professional

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $33,750

TA L E N T

Lyrical Dance En Pointe

S O CI A L I M PACT

Carolina Cares Supporting the needs of performing arts communities while inspiring young artists to dream big, no matter the cost.

At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.

– Denzel Washington

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My grandmother has always said, “If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.” I am constantly inspired by her tenacity to stand up and speak out for what you believe in.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS BOLD | DRIVEN | RESILIENT

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

143

N O RT H DA KOTA @ M ISSA M E R I CAND CO L L E G E

Concordia College Moorhead M A J O R // Communication

CAREER AMBITION

Editor for National Geographic

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $24,000

TA L E N T

Operatic Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

The Influencer Era: Impact Beyond the Screen While working as a content creator and marketing professional with more than 100,000 followers on social media, I’ve realized that social media is a powerful tool for communication. However, people still need face-to-face interaction to feel truly connected, valued, and fulfilled.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

– Maya Angelou

What has been your greatest adventure

While in college, I worked four summers in the mountains of western Montana at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. As a camp counselor, I was able to mentor, teach, and adventure with hundreds of kids, and these experiences reaffirmed my passion for serving others and building relationships. During those summers I also learned that I love spending time in God’s beautiful creation and hiked over 200 miles in Glacier National Park!

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS CURIOUS

144

C R E AT I V E

| C O M PASS I O N AT E

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

N O RT H DA KOTA

REYNA

Bergstrom MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

145

OHIO LORA 146

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Current

OHIO @MISSAMERICAOH

CO L L E G E

Ohio State University M A J O R // Social Work

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

To create and reform government policies as a lobbyist or elected official.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $15,000

TA L E N T

Jazz Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

ReadOn: Empowering Literacy, Learning, and Leadership Encourages students to overcome obstacles in education by building confidence, providing resources, and training tomorrow’s leaders.

I used to be afraid of failing at things that really mattered to me. Now, I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.

– Bob Goff

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Abigail Adams, as she was President John Adams confidante and adviser in a time where women were not seen as valuable in government. Her work not only created the field of modern social work, but she also was a leading force in women’s rights and education.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS S E L F - M OT I VAT E D | R E A L | S E RVA N T

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

147

OKLAHOMA @ M ISSA M E R I CAOK

CO L L E G E

Oklahoma City University M A J O R // Music Theatre

CAREER AMBITION

Nonprofit Executive Director

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $25,000

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Inclusion for All Abilities Create communities where all are seen, heard, and valued. Those with unique abilities deserve equitable opportunities in social engagement, education, and employment.

If not me, who? If now now, when?

– Rabbi Hillel

What has been your greatest adventure

My time at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference was incredible! I traveled there by myself, but left with a thousand new friends from all over the world. The things I learned about myself and the world around me helped shape who I am today.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS DY N A M I C

148

BOLD

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

| H O N E ST

OKLAHOMA

Robinson

AS H L E I G H

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

149

OREGON A B I GA I L 150

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Hayes

OREGON @MISSAMERICAOR

CO L L E G E

Liberty University M A J O R // Strategic Communications

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Family Attorney, State Legislator, Nonprofit Entrepreneur

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $11,000

TA L E N T

Vocal and Piano

S O CI A L I M PACT

Generation Next: Equity for the Underserved Creating lasting equity for underserved youth through hands-on mentorship, the evaluation of policies, and raising awareness and funds for these disadvantaged communities.

Do not be afraid of no’s. Be afraid of the possibility of a yes you have prematurely destroyed because you decided to quit before the clock strikes 12.

– Deshauna Barber

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Ludwig Van Beethoven has captured my fascination since I began performing his music at the age of six. After committing hours of time and research to his beautifully tragic life, I found myself in awe of the composer’s ability to paint his most technical pieces without the ability to hear. The Pathetique will forever be etched in my fingers and mind: the powerful music of Beethoven.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS S E RVA N T | L E A D E R | C O M PASS I O N AT E

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

151

P E N NSY LVA N I A @ M ISSA M E R I CAPA CO L L E G E

Syracuse University & University of Missouri MASTERS // Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences BACHELORS // Communication Sciences & Disorders

CAREER AMBITION

Own and operate a comprehensive, interdisciplinary therapy clinic for children with disabilities.

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $20,244

TA L E N T

Baton Twirling

S O CI A L I M PACT

Inspiring Autism Acceptance From a New Perspective I founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide assistance to families and individuals on the autism spectrum. My vision is to foster a society where individuals with autism, and other disabilities, are accepted, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.

– Mario Andretti

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My baton twirling instructor, Miss Debbie, who has grown to become my greatest mentor and most influential role model, has taught me countless valuable lessons that have helped shape me into the grateful, passionate, and successful woman I am today. Miss Debbie’s greatest advice to me has been that, to truly “win” in life, you must be a faithful, hardworking, and kindhearted person.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS AMBITIOUS

152

V E RSAT I L E

| E M PAT H E T I C

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

P E N NSY LVA N I A

MEGHAN

Sinisi MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

153

R H O D E IS L A N D LEIGH 154

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Payne

R H O D E IS L A N D @MISSAMERICA R I

CO L L E G E

George Washington University M A J O R // Economics

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

To develop programs to help small businesses become more resilient through a leadership role within my state’s government.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $5,400 TEEN $250

TA L E N T

Classical Piano

S O CI A L I M PACT

Supporting Small Business Act as a liaison between state and nonprofit resources to small businesses, form a strategic communication outreach campaign to Rhode Island state leadership, and strive to encourage a generation of young entrepreneurs.

Joy is the serious business of heaven.

– C.S. Lewis

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Though a common favorite, Winston Churchill and his leadership becomes even more inspiring as time passes. I hope to one day visit the beaches of Normandy and see firsthand where D-Day occurred.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS H O N E ST Y | C U R I OS I T Y | T E N AC I T Y

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

155

S O U T H CA RO L I N A @ M ISSA M E R I CASC

CO L L E G E

Auburn University M A J O R // Piano Performance/ Communications (Pre-Law)

CAREER AMBITION

Entertainment Attorney

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $66,000 TEEN $6,500

TA L E N T

Piano

S O CI A L I M PACT

#RealNotPerfect: Promoting Social Media Literacy Dedicated to helping curb the rising tide of low selfesteem and depression caused by social media. Through education of Social Media Literacy, we can learn how to use social media wisely and not be subject to its negative ramifications.

It is the quality of one’s convictions that determines success, not the number of followers.

– J.K. Rowling

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I have always loved Eleanor Roosevelt. She was the first First Lady to be more than a figurehead for our country, and instead dedicated her time in the White House to being a catalyst for change. She spearheaded many organizations and projects dedicated to Human Rights and advancing the roles of women in society.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS RESILIENT

156

C O U R AG E O U S

| HUMOROUS

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

S O U T H CA RO L I N A

JULIA

Herrin MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

157

S O U T H DA KOTA KAITLIN 158

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

O’Neill

S O U T H DA KOTA @MISSAMERICASD CO L L E G E

Minnesota State University, Mankato M A J O R // Dance and Marketing

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Radio City Rockette

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $21,125

TA L E N T

Contemporary Pointe

S O CI A L I M PACT

BLOOM Into a Healthier You Help individuals of all ages learn the knowledge and skills needed to work toward a healthy balance mentally, physically, and emotionally. Through self reflection and strategy implementation, anyone can work through my curated curriculum and BLOOM into the best version of themselves.

What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation.

– Glenn Close

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My grandma was one of my biggest role models as well as my biggest motivator. She always pushed me to be the best version of myself and taught me a lot about work ethic, commitment, and love. She always reminded me that I may come from a small family and small town but that doesn’t mean I have to have small dreams. She told me I could go and do whatever I set my mind to and it is up to me do the work to get there! I truly would never have been able to push myself the way I have over my life if it wasn’t for her love and support.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS D E D I CAT E D | A M B I T I O U S | R E S I L I E N T

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

159

T E N N E SS E E @ M ISSA M E R I CAT N CO L L E G E

Belmont University Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business M A J O R / / Music Business, Business Administration

CAREER AMBITION

Found and manage an international, socially conscious company in the music industry that targets conservation efforts and renewable energy usage in live music.

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $24,100

TA L E N T

Vocal Performance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Vote With A Vision As founder and executive director, I developed the organization to expand the nonpartisan conversation around voting and civic engagement in Tennessee, a state with low voter turnout. I designed the Civic Literacy School Tour and Suffragette Series Podcast to inspire Tennesseans across generations to vote and get civically engaged.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

– Dolly Parton

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

My late grandfather lived by the advice to lead your life with Passion, Purpose, and Presence in everything you do. He’d also ask, “Are We Living Yet?” in times of joy. I choose to lead with the Three P’s and take moments to reflect and remind myself that I am living the life I once dreamt of.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS LOYA LT Y

160

HUMOR

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

G R AT I T U D E

T E N N E SS E E

TALLY

Bevis

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

161

T E X AS M A L LO RY 162

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Fuller

T E X AS @MISSAMERICATX

CO L L E G E

Baylor University

M AST E RS // Communication Sciences & Disorders CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Speech Pathologist and work with adults who have suffered from strokes or other brain trauma.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $27,950 TEEN $5,000

TA L E N T

Fiddle

S O CI A L I M PACT

Mallory’s Mission: Suicide Prevention Seek to normalize conversations surrounding suicide and provide education and prevention strategies. By talking about suicide and giving people the tools they need to recognize warning signs, we can prevent it.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

– Maya Angelou

What has been your greatest adventure

My greatest adventure thus far was my journey to become a published book author. After a year of countless edits and collaborating with numerous mental health professionals, I have learned that writing a book… is HARD!

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS R E L I A B I L I T Y | CA L M N E SS | J OY

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

163

U TA H @ M ISSA M E R I CAU T

CO L L E G E

Brigham Young University M A J O R // Political Science

CAREER AMBITION

Entrepreneur, Author, Broadcast Journalist

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $17,000 TEEN $1,000

TA L E N T

Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Refugees Welcome Engaging Americans in the work of welcoming refugees and advocating for the rights of displaced persons around the globe.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles… the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.

– Theodore Roosevelt

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

Malala Yousafzain is a Pakistani activist, author, and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient in history. Malala is recognized for advocacy for equal access to education; I particularly admire her courage, poise and quick-witted humor. To learn more about Malala, I’d recommend her book “We Are Displaced,” which documents stories and challenges faced by forcibly displaced persons around the globe.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS CREATIVE | COMPASSIONATE | ENTREPRENEURIAL

164

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

U TA H

SASHA

Sloan MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

165

VERMONT DA N I E L L E 166

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Morse

VERMONT @MISSAMERICAV T

CO L L E G E

Vermont State University M A J O R // Nursing

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $5,450

TA L E N T

Speed Painting

S O CI A L I M PACT

Championing for Children’s Hospitals Focus on fundraising to purchase comfort items for patients and the families at the UVM Children’s Hospital. This ensures that patients can still be kids and have something to enjoy during their stay.

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.

– Elizabeth Andrew

What has been your greatest adventure

I’ve been on an incredible adventure since joining my local volunteer fire department eight years ago! Whether putting out fires, winning the junior firefighter award for my county or learning to drive a firetruck, my job is incredibly empowering and brings a new adventure each day!

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS D E T E R M I N E D | E N T H U S I AST I C | C O U R AG E O U S

MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

167

VIRGINIA @ M ISSA M E R I CAVA

CO L L E G E

Liberty University M A J O R // Musical Theatre

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Professional Actor in Theatre and Film

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $25,100

TA L E N T

Theatrical Vocal

S O CI A L I M PACT

Mentoring Matters Advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) programs by fundraising, educating, and providing resources to students on how to find meaningful mentorship. BBBS is a national mentoring program that guides children on a path to success by providing them with strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships.

Take your broken heart, make it into art.

– Carrie Fisher

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

I am fascinated by Queen Esther of Persia. Esther won King Ahasuerus’ favor and used her royal status to save her Jewish people from persecution. The greatest leaders are often the ones who don’t choose it but are called to it. Esther was called and used her position to improve the lives of her people. We can all learn from her courage.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS AU T H E N T I C

168

C R E AT I V E

| AMBITIOUS

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

V I RG I N I A

TATUM

Sheppard MISS AME RI CA

100 YE ARS

169

WAS H I N GTO N MADDIE 170

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

Louder

WAS H I N GTO N @MISSAMERICAWA

CO L L E G E

Oklahoma City University M A J O R // Psychology

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

To open a nonprofit eating disorder recovery clinic to provide access to those who may not be able to afford the rising cost of treatment.

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $31,000

TA L E N T

Jazz Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Radical Self-Acceptance As someone who suffered from anorexia nervosa, I thought my body was the problem. Fully recovered from my eating disorder, I realize the messages society has taught us are really systemic issues. Through diversity, acceptance, and inclusion, I welcome all bodies of all sizes, shapes, backgrounds, genders, and identities to have a seat at the table.

Strong back, soft front, wild heart.

– Brene Brown

What is the best advice you have received and from whom

“Do what makes you happy” -- my dad. My dad told me that the world would be a much better place if everyone made the choice to do what makes them happy. So I chose joy, today, tomorrow, and forever.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS I N T E N T I O N A L | K I N D | B R AV E

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CO L L E G E

Shepherd University M A J O R / / Business Administration & Psychology

CAREER AMBITION

Strategic Communications Specialist for Nonprofits in Appalachia

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $5,300 TEEN $750

TA L E N T

Original Power Poem

S O CI A L I M PACT

Investing in Our Future: The Impact of Youth Empowerment Our global community is tasked with the responsibility of raising the future generation, which means it is our duty to show each child support, understanding, and most importantly, love. As such, many studies have proven that volunteering with and mentoring a child can directly impact his or her future for the better, therefore impacting society at large.

Go to the garden when you need to remember that everything is love.

– Author Unknown

What has been your greatest adventure

My greatest adventure has been learning to fully and whole-heartedly love myself. Self-love is not a linear process, and developing healthy habits that inspire radical self-acceptance is key to creating positive change. Deciding to choose love in a society built on judgment is a brave thing and a great adventure.

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W E ST V I RG I N I A

Wratchford

JA E LY N

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W IS CO NS I N @MISSAMERICAWI

CO L L E G E

University of Wisconsin-Madison M A J O R // Rehabilitation Psychology

CA R E E R A M B I T I O N

Work at a National Nonprofit Health Organization

S CH O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $13,500 TEEN $250

TA L E N T

Jazz Dance

S O CI A L I M PACT

Diabetes, YOU Have the Control Inspired by my grandmother, I created an initiative 10 years ago to minimize risk, unnecessary suffering, and tragic death caused by type 2 diabetes. I have served as an American Diabetes Association volunteer and employee, and am now a national ambassador working across the country and state of Wisconsin, leading service projects and presentations to provide life-saving resources that empower everyone to make their health a priority.

Let all that you do be done in love.

– 1 Corinthians 16:14

What historical figure are you fascinated by and why

As a nonprofit professional, I strive to be a prominent philanthropic force like Princess Diana. In her lifetime, she was a patron of more than 100 causes, worked with numerous charities, and used her fame to create awareness for humanitarian issues around the world. I admire and wish to emulate her enormous capacity to show compassion, unconditional love, and influence change.

M Y G R E AT E ST ASS E TS R E S I L I E N T | E M PAT H E T I C | O PT I M I ST I C

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Black Hills State University M A J O R // Business AdministrationTourism, Hospitality, and Marketing

CAREER AMBITION

Mayor of my Hometown, Sheridan, Wyoming

S C H O L A RS H I PS AWA R D E D

MISS $4,000

TA L E N T

Monologue

S O CI A L I M PACT

Kids Unplugged: Encouraging Our Youth to Explore the World around them without Technology Encouraging our youth to begin exploring their backyards, then their communities, their state, the county and eventually the entire world. I want them to create their own memories and have their own stories to share with others because they were physically and mentally in the moment

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

– Vivian Greene

What has been your greatest adventure

During my senior year of college, I spent 2 weeks in Africa on a service learning trip. It deepened my love of travel, opened my mind to different cultures and introduced me to amazing individuals.

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B U B B LY

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| KIND

W YO M I N G

DeBolt

M I K K AY L A

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Comfortable and Adjustable Phone Strap

Congratulations Miss America on 100 years! We are excited to be an official sponsor and celebrate this historic occasion with you.

Special Limited Edition Phone Straps:

SteadyStraps® - for every lifestyle, everywhere, every day. Camille Schrier Miss America 2020

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https://www.facebook.com/SteadyStraps

www.steadystraps.com (203)-628-2233

https://www.instagram.com/steadystraps https://twitter.com/steadystraps

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INTRODUCING

PHOENIX GULF SHORES II Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama

FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION SALES CONTACT 180

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BRETT/ROBINSON AT 800-221-6180

EVERY CONDO FEATURES

PHOENIX GULF SHORES II

DI RECT GULF FRONT VI EWS OF THE GULF OF MEXI CO

Phoenix Gulf Shores II is

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out more about our pre-

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construction prices!

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West of the serene

with one of our real estate

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agents! Hurry, these

luxurious 2, 3 and 4

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bedroom condo will feature spacious, open floor plans with private balconies and breathtaking direct Gulf front views.

NOW SELLING PRE-CONSTRUCTION

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BRETT-ROBINSON AT 800-221-6180 WWW.BRETTROBINSON.COM W W W . P H O E MISS N I XAME G URILCA F S 100 H OYERARS E S 2 . C O M181

THE CITY OF GULF SHORES PROUDLY SUPPORTS

Lauren Bradford MISS ALABAMA

2021

Lauren, thank you for representing our Small Town, Big Beach community!

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ALABAMA’S

Yolande Betbeze Heather Whitestone Deidre Downs 1951 1995 2005 THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF REMARKABLE ALABAMA WOMEN RESONATE ACROSS THE STATE, THE NATION, AND THE WORLD. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR THREE MISS AMERICA TITLEHOLDERS WHO ARE A PART OF THIS GREAT TRADITION!

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AMBER AMBER BARTO BARTO AMBER AMBER BARTO BARTO MISS MISS ARIZONA ARIZONA MISS MISS ARIZONA ARIZONA

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MISS ARK ANSAS

1962

1981

2003

The Miss Arkansas Organization salutes 100 YEARS of changing women’s lives for the better through empowering voices and educational opportunities that have improved the lives of individuals and communities surrounding this program as one incredible milestone! We salute the purpose and prestige of this program and look forward to watching what we can do with 100 more!

HAPPY CENTENNIAL MISS AMERICA! 186

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Leah

RODDENBERRY

MISS FLORIDA

ENGAGE

EMPOWER

EQUIP

WWW.LEAHRODDENBERRY.COM GOOD LUCK FROM THE SCANLON & RODDENBERRY FAMILIES

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LEAH RODDENBERRY

MISS FLORIDA

"PREPARE GREAT WOMEN FOR THE WORLD PREPARE THE WORLD FOR GREAT WOMEN." WITH LOVE, NANA, MOM, DAD, SARAH, HANNAH, JOHN & DAVIS

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Good Luck

Miss Florida Leah Roddenberry Miss Tampa 1946 Patty Tallant Hare, the first Miss Tampa, with Miss Tampa 2020 Leah Roddenberry.

Crown Patrons Bob Odom Carboline Paint Columbia Restaurant Group Cone & Graham Debbie Lundberg Dr. Joshua A. Halpern, MD Dr. Madelyn Butler Elizabeth (Betsey) L. Hapner Evan & Suzanne Brownstein Extreme Networks Fintech HNTB Corporation Irene Guy Joe Thresher Kisinger Campo & Associates Northern Trust Bank Outback Bowl PCS Pilot Bank Ramsey Group - Ashley Ramsey Ronald A. Christaldi Sue & Warren Hughes Gerald H. Stanley Sr. & Mark A. Stanley

Leah Roddenberry was crowned Miss Tampa on Saturday March 7th, 2019 at The Falk Theatre of University of Tampa. Judges and MCS are left to right: Brenda Burnett, Bill Goede, Lesley Moss Walden, Bob Rohrlack - MC, Leah Roddenberry - Miss Tampa, Bob Clark, Michaela McLean - Miss Florida - MC, Ron Christaldi, Penny Parks, Suzanne King, David Wheeler

Miss Tampa Board – 2020 Left to right: Monica Lee Miranda, Candace Cusseaux, Denise Hall, Donna Cunningham, Betsey Hapner, Irene Guy, Patty Clark, Donna Watson, Leah Roddenberry - Miss Tampa, Bob Clark, Nancy Hutson, Patty Soltis, Mary-Ann Karlsson, Ashley Ramsey, Genesis Green - Princess, Tiffany Green.

Miss Tampa Scholarship Pageant Since 1946 MISS AME RI CA

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Karson MISS GEORGIA

Photo: Matt Boyd Photography HMU: Meredith Boyd Cosmetics

Best Wishes 192

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THE IDAHO POTATO COMMISSION

P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S

Ayriss

TORRES

MISS IDAHO

2021

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Celebrating

100 YEARS Miss Illinois honors our Forever Miss Americas

K ATHE

RO L D A H A IK

RIN

DLE E SH I N

1998

2003

MA O RJ RIE VI NC EN T1 99 1

FO JUDITH

9 RD 196

LOIS DELANDER 1927 photo credit to Miss America Organization

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GOOD LUCK, IZZY!

We support you and all you do to serve others!

A SPECIAL THANKS TO: Java Specialties LLC

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BRAXTON MISS

INDI A NA

K E N N E D Y

2021

H I S E R

We wish you all the best! Congratulations and good luck! Photo: Noblesville Headshots

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Tara Dawn Holland Miss America 1997

Debra Dene Barnes Miss America 1968

Deborah Irene Bryant Miss America 1966

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Kansas

State Parks proudly support

Taylor Clark, Miss Kansas 2021 198

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With luck and love

Miss Maine

from your biggest fans Mom & Jeff Memere & Pepere Adria Verrocchi Alysia, Steve, Leanna & Clara Catherine Dennehy Janet Reardon

MARIAH

In memory of Carmen & Daniel Delaney

Jennifer Buchanan Katie Clark Kristina Mignone Krystyne Cheever Laura Patnaude Mark Wright Michael Moore The Percy Family Alysia MacDougall State Farm Ashley Lynn Photography Bark Unlimited Shrewsbury, MA Dianna Larocque-Alcock Realtor, Lamacchia Realty LB Dry Needling Derry, NH

Your Forever Miss Maine Sisters: Tara Allain, Miss Maine 007 In memory of Robert Towle

Ami Vice Unal, Miss Maine 004 Renee Mills, Miss Maine 000 Sarah Nadeau-Balducci, Miss Maine 996 Valerie Clemens, Miss Maine 980 Linda Carroll, Miss Maine 978 200

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lbdt

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VIVIAN ZHONG

Miss Michigan Vivian: We are so incredibly proud and happy for you. Enjoy the experience. Love and best wishes, Paula and the Miss Michigan Board of Directors We are so excited for you, Vivian. So proud of you! Dr. Zi Zeng, MD, PhD Royal Medical Center of Cosmetics in California Go, Michigan! We love you! Dr. Kun Zhong, MD, PhD American Center of Stem Cell Research & Regenerative Medicine. 21000 Middlebelt, Farmington Hills, MI. Good luck and have fun, Viv. We are so proud of you representing our state at the Miss America Competition. All our love, Grandpa, Grandma, Anthony, Brady, Mom & Dad Lender Solutions wishes Miss Michigan Vivian Zhong the best of luck at the Miss America Competition! Lender Solutions & Theresa Zitkus Wishing Miss Vivian all of the very best. Leave it ALL on the Miss America 100th Anniversary Stage and may ALL of your dreams come true! Dione Oerther, REALTOR Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudkins REALTORS-Monroe, Michigan

Congratulations, Vivian! Very proud of you! David Senatore, CFP, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Love and best wishes, Vivian! Your Miss Michigan Sister, Pamela Eldred, Miss Michigan 1969 & Miss America 1970 This is only the beginning. You can do anything you set your mind to. We love you beyond words! Much love, Denny and Paula Vivian Ann, you are a treasure! Annette Kelly @CaptivatingImageCo #ThereSheCaptivates

Best of luck, Vivian!

Best wishes, Vivian, and so proud of you! Love, The Bejins

Good luck, Vivian!

Wishing you the BEST! Love, Kellie, Hannah, Kim, Layla, Collins & Grandma

Good Luck from... Miss Spirit of the State Program Tyler C. Patton Miss Great Lakes Bay Program Brooklynn Lambert 202

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David & Peggy Lotridge Jill Ojserkis, Esq. Rylie Dewley, MMOT Miss St. Clair Shores Program

Miss Oakland County Program Glo Skin Spa Miss Shoreline Program Miss Jackson Crossroads Program

Ashley

MARSH g n i h s i W You the k! c u L f o Best Mom Tom & Wendy Hanley Steve, Valerie & Arianna Johnstone Jason, Kara, Kate, Julia & Levi Lehr Daniel Recalde John & Brittany Recalde Vinicia Recalde Auntie, Uncle Michael, Riley & Taylor Lisa Abreu & James Abreu David Appleby Natalie Oliver-Atherton - Miss NH 1981 Melissa Aupperle Jess & Tina Avelar Marena & Melissa Beale Peggy Bean Jennifer & Michael Blanchard Bob & Paulette Bourgeois Marc, Heidi, Trey & Anya Bourgeois Broadway North Dance Studio, Broadway North Competition Troupe, Christy Houde Rob, Peggy & Caroline Carter Kendra Champagne Denise Cloutier Theresa & Emma Colen Jennifer Corriveau Catherine Dennehy Crystal Dionne Diane Dorval & Family Megan Elwell

Empower Dance Industry - Rehoboth, MA Olivia Fonseca & Maryann Biedak Nancy Fraher Mary Freeman Donna French Beth Garcia Bill & Patty Haggerty Dr. Danielle Hinton & Family Integrity Nutrition Claudette Jolin Brenda E. Keith The Lamontagne Family Sophia Lovis Alysia & Clara MacDougall Phyllis Mazzaglia MB Tractor and Equipment in NH, MA, ME, CT Candice Mieczkowski Gayle Miller & Family Brooke Mills Miss Bedford Scholarship Program Miss Exeter Scholarship Program Miss Greater Plaistow Scholarship Program Miss Kingston Scholarship Program Miss Rockingham County Scholarship Program Miss Winnipesaukee Scholarship Program Matthew Morin

Melissa Morrison & Red Anchor Wellness Joey Nichol Jeff & Shirley Noyes The O’Neil Family Suzie & Michael Percy The Poveys Remix Nutrition Megan Soucy Justin Spencer, Celebrity Personal Trainer, Quinn, Blake & Bonham The Chaos & Kindness Team Team Merrimack/Hooksett: Kristin, Laura, Diane, Brittany & Lisa Jennifer, Justice & Owen Thomas Elaine Tidd Dr. Trisha Tidd Joyce & Ashley Tiller Togatae Designs The Tolson Family Morgan & Angela Torre Sarah Tubbs & Family Lynne Ulaky Morgane Grace & Kerran Vigroux Sue Young Your State Choreographers “The Heidis “ Laurel Zimmerman MISS AME RI CA 100 YE ARS 203

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Miss America, we are proud to honor

Maria Beale Fletcher Miss North Carolina 1961 Miss America 1962

Miss North Carolina

Sisterhood

With Love,

The

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Ashleigh Robinson ! k c u L Good

MISS OKLAHOMA

Miss Oklahoma Board of Directors Photo by Shevaun Williams for 405 Magazine

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OKLAHOMA... Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007

Shawntel Smith, Miss America 1996

Jayne Jayroe, Miss America 1967

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Home of Miss Americas Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006

Susan Powell, Miss America 1981

Norma Smallwood, Miss America 1926

We Are Oklahoma Proud !

Miss Oklahoma Board of Directors MISS AME RI CA

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“MISS AMERICA U” CONGRATUL ATES OUR L ATEST CANDIDATES AROUND THE NATION, CONTINUING A RICH TRADITION OF WINNING SUCCESS. Home of three Miss Americas and 60 state-level winners, there are several Oklahoma City University students competing in state and local competitions this year, including Miss Oklahoma Ashleigh Robinson and Miss Washington Maddie Louder. OKL AHOMA CIT Y UNIVERSIT Y CONGRATUL ATES THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION ON 100 YEARS!

Ashleigh Robinson 2021 Miss Oklahoma

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Maddie Louder 2021 Miss Washington

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Susan Powell 1981 Miss America

Shawntel Smith 1996 Miss America

Jane Jayroe 1967 Miss America

REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.

JuliaHERRIN Julia Miss South Carolina

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rd diversity, Wings “With an eye towa n helps promising + Wheels Foundatio to the next level e nc va young drivers ad their careers.” in t en m ve hie of ac

JuliaHERRIN Julia 210

Miss South Carolina

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MALLORY M I S S

T E X A S MISS AME RI CA

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MALLORY M I S S

Mallory, you will always be a shining star in my eyes. Wishing you the best of luck at Miss America! Love, Chloe Schneider 2021 Miss Texas Lone Star Princess

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T E X A S

c e l e b r at e s

Miss Virginia, Tatum Sheppard THANK YOU FOR SHARING

Y O U R TA L E N T A N D S E R V I C E , TAT U M !

TAT UM SHEPPARD

Liberty University Class of 2020

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre

50 Years of Training Champions for Christ L I BE RT Y.E D U MISS AME RI CA

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Miss Virginia Organization

Proud Home of FOUR Miss Americas Image Courtesy of Donald B. Kavitz

Image Courtesy of Miss America Organization

KYLENE BARKER

NICOLE JOHNSON

Miss America 1979

Miss America 1999

Miss America 2010

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Image Courtesy of Donald B. Kavitz

Image Courtesy of Bruce Boyajian

CARESSA CAMERON

CAMILLE SCHRIER Miss America 2020

Chase your dreams but always know the road that will lead you home again. – Unknown

SPE CI AL AD V E R T I S I N G S EC T I ON MISS AME RI CA

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AD V E R T I S E MEN T

ALABAMA

Lauren Bradford GULF SHORES Gulf Shores, Alabama has been my home since I was 6 months old. Gulf Shores is a coastal beach town nestled along the Gulf of Mexico boasting a 32 mile stretch of sugar-white sand beaches. With just over 10,000 full time residents, Gulf Shores thrives primarily on tourism and attracts roughly 7 million visitors annually. Gulf Shores hosts families of all demographics throughout the spring and summer seasons, with “snowbirds” from the north residing in Gulf Shores for months at a time during the fall and winter “off” seasons. Gulf Shores as a city obtains over $5 billion in visitor spending annually. We are home to the famous Hangout Music Festival that began in 2010 as a way to recuperate after the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig – known as the BP Oil Spill – that had both environmental and economic impacts on our community and shoreline. Music was used as a way to encourage the continuation of tourism during this time, and the festival gained national notoriety. Music, art, and seafood are deeply rooted in the culture of my community; the annual Shrimp Festival held each fall began in 1971 and is another tradition that tourists and locals alike hold dearly. The motto of Gulf Shores is “Small Town, Big Beach” and I am proud to have grown up influenced by a community that has been a destination for millions through the years. I will always consider the beach my one true home.

Fun Fact

The nickname “Pleasure Island” was officially adopted by the Gulf Shores Lions Club in 1949. Additionally, in Gulf Shores’ sister community Orange Beach, Pirates once hid in the Perdido Pass and Bay to raid ships. The tale states that the pirates may have buried some of their treasure on the mainland near Gulf Shores.

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A R I ZO N A

Amber Barto PHOENIX

Since the age 5, Phoenix, Arizona has been my home. As the capital of the state, Phoenix is a central part of life in Arizona — and while it is the fifth biggest city in the United States, there is an openness and warmth about Phoenix that makes it feel like a smaller town.

Thanks to the members of my community who made my Miss America experience possible: Nicole Rowe Cai Family McGarity Family Shankar Bhavani Hancock Family Alexander Trinh Tiffany Collins Keegan Action Caitlin Dempsy Andrea Malinski Kathy Lauer Jones/Curran Family Lenz Family Laurie Salmon Bohlen Family Lisa Lin

Wedaman Family Tami Shaw Morris Family Torrey/Banks Family Collins Family Schaaf Family Arizona Cinderella Royalty Dick Crichton McCray Family Romo Family Sullivan Family Baker Family Rivera Family Glover Family Marie Miller Blair Family

Attending high school at Mountain Pointe in Phoenix was integral to shaping the person that I am today. I was involved in National Honor Society, the gifted program and a host of community service clubs. I also served as both Varsity Dance and Cheer Captain, and still give back at my former high school as a dance instructor and choreographer. My passion for service is also largely due to my Phoenician roots. At 14, I attended my first meeting for the Phoenix Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and have been involved ever since. I now serve as the Communication Director, which connected me with media sources all over the Phoenix area. In addition, we hold a yearly walk in Phoenix, raising over $200,000 annually. Recently, I was honored to meet the Mayor of my city, Kate Gallego, with whom I discussed my social impact initiative and how we might work together to encourage volunteerism in the Phoenix community. Phoenix is also still the home of my family, and I am fortunate to be very close to them. Hiking Phoenix’s beautiful trails is one of our favorite pastimes together. Between our gorgeous sunsets, exquisite mountain ranges and 300 days of sun a year, it’s easy to soak up the great outdoors. Thanks to Phoenix, so much beauty, opportunity and possibility has been part of my life. It was an incredible place to begin — and no matter where life takes me, it will always be home. MISS AME RI CA

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AD V E R T I S E MEN T

F LO R I DA

Leah Roddenberry B R A D E N TO N

As a native of “The Friendly City,” I am proud to call Bradenton, Florida, my home. Bradenton is home to 55,698 people, and the friendly city nickname runs true as the hospitality is as warm as the weather. The area that would become Bradenton was explored in 1539 by the Spanish during the famous expedition led by Hernando De Soto. Bradenton was established in 1842 and now home to Desoto National Park.

Fun Fact

Located in manatee county, The Parker Manatee Aquarium was the permanent home to Manatee County’s most famous resident and official mascot, Snooty, the manatee.

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In my free time, you can usually find me on a boat fishing with my brothers or enjoying the Florida sunshine and beautiful scenery. Bradenton is a great spot for fishing and is home to the oldest working fishing village in Florida. Make sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen when you visit Bradenton because we are known for our beautiful coastline and beaches. Bradenton is surrounded by waterways, including Anna Maria islands. Living right below Tampa and serving as Miss Tampa 2020, I also have an affinity for Tampa Bay and call it my second home. You can discover blue skies and sunshine, a sparkling waterfront, family fun, and a century of Cuban culture. Between September 2020 and July 2021 all three of Tampa Bay’s major teams qualified for their sport’s championship series. This dynasty, along with bringing home the Miss Florida title, earned the area the nickname “Champa Bay!”

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AD V E R T I S E MEN T

GEORGIA

Karson Pennington AU G U STA Growing up in Augusta, Georgia has shaped me into the woman I am today. Founded in 1736, the city of Augusta boasts a rich, diverse history which inspired me to pursue a degree in History. The beautiful Savannah River is less than a mile from my house, so my favorite morning activity is to run to the rapids, which features more than 15 miles of biking, walking, and jogging trails. The best way to spend a hot summer day in Augusta is to hop in a canoe and float from the canal headgates to Downtown Augusta. Augusta is synonymous with the Masters Golf Tournament! In fact, 50,000 patrons attend the Masters each day during the first week in April. Amen Corner, the Augusta National Clubhouse, and Magnolia Lane are beloved landmarks for any golf enthusiast. I even named my Miss Georgia car “Magnolia” after the iconic Magnolia Lane! Our “hometown hero” is Ryan Clark, a fellow Lakeside High School graduate and Virginia Tech student at the time of the 2007

shooting. The nation learned his name when he tragically lost his life while protecting another student. I am a proud recipient of the Ryan Clark Community Service Scholarship, which recognizes a high school senior who demonstrates excellence in academics, passion for volunteerism, and dedication to the community, just like Ryan did. I emulate Ryan in all that I do, and will never forget his bravery. Augusta was also the hometown of the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. I graduated from high school in the James Brown Arena, and my favorite local restaurants are on James Brown Boulevard! James Brown began his career performing concerts at Fort Gordon, the military base in Augusta where my grandfather once served. Music has been very influential in my life, so I am honored to share the same hometown as the musical mastermind behind “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “Get Up Offa That Thing.”

Population 608,980

Fun Fact

Augusta sparked my interest in history when I visited the plethora of historical sites downtown as a young child. Our history has stayed with us, as two signers of the Declaration of Independence and one signer of the Constitution are buried in Augusta. No wonder I love politics and history the way I do!

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AD V E R T I S E MEN T

I L L I N O IS

Isabelle Hanson G L E N E L LY N When you drive down Main Street in Glen Ellyn, Illinois during the holidays, trees line both sides of the street, and their bright lights glisten in the night sky. The sweet sight of the season is nothing short of magical. During the hottest time of year, you will find spirited families in homemade, cardboard boats, racing across Lake Ellyn for the village’s annual Fourth of July boat regatta. From winter to summer, Glen Ellyn’s small-town charm is hard to miss. A western suburb of Chicago, my hometown is known for its picturesque Lake Ellyn Park, thriving downtown shopping and dining scene, Village Links Golf Course, and family-centered traditions. Train tracks run through the center of town, and it is an easy, 40-minute ride to downtown Chicago. Glen Ellyn’s residents are the real treasures of the village, making it a place that is near and dear to my heart. From the bank’s employees who greet families’ dogs by name when they are in the car at the drive-thru window, to the neighbors who deliver home-cooked meals during tough times, the folks of Glen Ellyn care about each other. They are warm, welcoming, and giving. The community of Glen Ellyn shaped me into who I am today, and I am grateful to call it my hometown.

Fun Fact

Glen Ellyn’s motto is “Village of Volunteers.”

Population 27,855

BRIAN R. SCHOLLE

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Fun Fact

Few people know under the city of Red Wing runs Jordan Creek. Though the water is not visible from the streets, the historic Sheldon Theatre has access to the creek in its basement. It has been said that theatre staff used to serve patrons the creek’s water in the early 1900’s.

M I N N E S OTA

Elle Mark RED WING

“Pretty Little Red Wing” has been known for many things - Red Wing Shoes, the St. James Hotel, the iconic flower baskets, and much more! Many who visit the city are shocked to find so much to do in what they thought of as “just another small town”. The downtown area appears to have come straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the views from the city’s bluffs are unforgettable. While many know Red Wing for how it appears, I will always remember the city for how its people make me feel. When you come into town, you’ll be greeted by beautiful views of the Mississippi River and the wave of a friendly stranger. You’ll find a delicious bite to eat in an exceptional downtown restaurant, and then you’ll find yourself chatting away with the store-owner from down the street. Though over 16,000 people call Red Wing “home,” it certainly feels much smaller and closer-knit than that. If you don’t believe me, I encourage you to come find out for yourself! At any point in the calendar year, you can find some reason to visit. Whether it’s for the Holiday Stroll the day after Thanksgiving or for the Fall Arts Festival, you’ll surely fall in love with the place that helped shape me into the woman I am today. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone in my hometown who has believed in me and my dreams. A special thank you goes to Mayor Mike Wilson for his impeccable leadership and support of my journey! I am proud to call myself a “Winger” for life.

Population 16,338

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M I SS ISS I P P I

Holly Brand MERIDIAN I was born and raised in Meridian, a charming Mississippi town with a population of 40,000. It’s the county seat of Lauderdale County, a place that’s rich in culture and Southern hospitality. As a musician, I am particularly proud of the musical heritage that my hometown boasts. Meridian is the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers, The Father of Country Music, and the annual festival held in his honor is America’s longest-running music festival. I grew up competing in the Jimmie Rodgers Talent Competition, a local contest attracting famous Mississippi singers such as Elvis Presley and Faith Hill. Meridian continues to attract world-class musicians at our famed MSU Riley Center, home to the beautifully restored 1890 Grand Opera House theater. Some of my favorite memories

Fun Fact

took place on that historic stage. I was seven years old the first time I got to sing at the Riley Center, and I still remember the exhilaration of looking out into the cheering crowd. Most recently, I was honored to step onto that same stage as Miss Mississippi, and I couldn’t help but think about seven-yearold Holly and all of her big dreams! No trip to Meridian would be complete without a visit to the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, a $50 million, oneof-a-kind museum that opened in 2018. The interactive space showcases our state’s impressive arts and entertainment legacy while inspiring young artists of tomorrow. No matter where this life takes me, I am proud to say that I am a product of Meridian and Lauderdale County, and I am grateful for this community that taught me to dream big.

Meridian is home to the only two-row stationary Dentzel carousel in operation today. After debuting at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, the carousel was purchased by the City of Meridian and inspired the Around Town Carousels Abound community project, resulting in more than 60 imaginatively painted horses on display throughout the city.

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NEW JERSEY

Alyssa Sullivan

Cape May Court House is the home of the Cape May County Park Zoo, ranked as one of the best zoos in the world. Home of NBA Basketball star LaMarr Greer, my mom’s high school classmate, and Stedman Graham, entrepreneur and longtime partner of Oprah Winfrey.

CA P E M AY C O U RT H O U S E I’ve lived in Cape May Court House, New Jersey my entire life. Cape May Court House has a little under 5,000 residents and is located off the Garden State Parkway just a few miles from America’s Oldest Seaside Resort, Cape May New Jersey. I am so grateful to call Cape May Court House my hometown, where you’re only ever a five-minute drive from the beach, the community is small but mighty, and teachers mentor students as if they were their very own. Cape May Court House is also the hometown of NBA Basketball star LaMarr Greer, my mom’s high school classmate, and Stedman Graham, entrepreneur and long-time partner of Oprah Winfrey. In Cape May Court House high school football and the men’s and women’s basketball teams are the talks of the town and everybody knows your name. It was here that I fell in love with the performing arts, danced in my very first dance recital at just two years old, starred in musicals that changed my life forever, developed a passion for community service, and graduated from high school as the president of my class.

There’s something to be said about a town that loves with all its heart and helps raise young women to believe that they are changemakers in every sense of the word. Cape May Court House taught me that we don’t serve our community for the recognition, but for the impact that we can make. It was in Cape May Court House that July 7th was named Miss New Jersey Alyssa Sullivan Day, an honor and emotional moment to say the least. No matter where I go and no matter what I do I will always be a Cape May Court House girl at heart. I’m forever indebted to my little town for sticking with me all these years! MISS AME RI CA

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N O RT H C A R O L I N A

Carli Batson W I L M I N GTO N

Beginning my journey with the Miss North Carolina and Miss America Organizations representing my hometown as Miss Wilmington 2018 was such an honor. Being a fourth generation Wilmingtonian, the pride and love from family and friends was overflowing. Their support, as well as others like Opera House Theater Company, provided me with opportunities to be successful. As I ventured to Boone North Carolina, to begin my collegiate career, I found a home away from home in the beautiful blue ridge mountains. Finding another sisterhood as part of the Appalachian State dance team afforded me the same love, encouragement and support That I had known in Wilmington. From my birth home on the coastal beaches of North Carolina, to my collegiate home in the beautiful mountains, I have traveled many miles of this great state and I am forever proud to be a Carolina girl and the 83rd Miss North Carolina! Thanks to: Susan Williams, Lesa Huff, Tyler Patton , The Hair Affair Sharon Cox & Anna Marie,, Ryanne Squibb, Kaye Fritz

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OKLAHOMA

Ashleigh Robinson EDMOND Everyone always wants to have a place to call home. A special place where everything just feels right, and you know it is where you belong. For me, that place is Edmond, Oklahoma. Edmond is an amazing city full of wonderful people. Often referred to as the crown jewel of Oklahoma, Edmond offers its people a very high quality of life that includes top-notch schools, beautiful landscapes and it is a place where you always feel safe. The city is always growing and evolving. You can be sure that there is always something on the horizon that is true to Edmond’s motto, “A Great Place to Grow”. This is especially true of one of my favorite places, Downtown Edmond. This area is the city’s heartbeat and is evolving into a great place for people of all ages to shop, grab a bite to eat or meet friends and family at a community event like Heard on Hurd. In fact, the Libertyfest Parade on the Fourth of July attracts over 50,000 spectators and has been called one of the top places to be in America for the holiday. The last thing I’ll share is about the amazing experience I had growing up attending Edmond Public Schools. The school district is consistently ranked at the top of state rankings and is one of the best public school districts in America. The teachers genuinely care about the success of their students, and I experienced this firsthand at the great schools I attended: Washington Irving and West Field Elementaries, Summit Middle School and Edmond Santa Fe High School (Go Wolves)!

Photo: Leigh Thompson Photography

I get to call Edmond, Oklahoma my hometown, and for that, I am blessed.

Edmond, OK

Population 93,697

Edmond is the city of “firsts” in Oklahoma after the Unassigned Lands were settled following the Land Run of 1889. This includes the first Public Schoolhouse, first church and first institute for higher learning.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Julia Herrin B LU F F TO N / H I LTO N H E A D IS L A N D

Fun Fact

The first self-governed freedman’s town in the United States was founded on Hilton Head Island during the Civil War.

Population

20,799 / 40,007

My hometown: I was born and raised on the coast of South Carolina. Growing up on Hilton Head Island and on the mainland adjacent to the Island, Bluffton, offered me unique experiences. As a homeschooler, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to study on the beach, and to surround myself with the local ecology. I learned to fish, slough slug, kayak, and canoe. My favorite part of my hometown was the endless opportunities for adventures in nature, and the fact that I could do most of it barefoot. I attribute a lot of my success to the support of my hometown. My community helped raise me and instill values in me that I carry with me to the Miss America

Competition and beyond. I was fortunate to be an honorary Hilton Head Island Town Council Member, a Hilton Head Island Rotary Club’s Outstanding Student of the Year, and a Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Call to Service Award Recipient. But more than accolades, my hometown has given me a love of service and community. I am honored to have served alongside NAMI Lowcountry, the Literacy Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the Zonta Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, Bluffton SelfHelp, and many more. My home community is one that supports and cares for its members, and I know that, because they have supported and cared for me.

Thanks to: Friends and Family of Miss South Carolina , Miss Clarendon Scholarship Organization, Junior Ambassadors of Clarendon County

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S O U T H DA KOTA

Kaitlin O’Neill G R OTO N Since its establishment in 1881, Groton has been ever evolving. Starting out as a small-town railroad stop, it is now a community serving a growing population of 5 different counties and nearly 600 students! Groton may be a small town of 1,400 people, but it is filled with the most supportive people that push you to be your best self. I moved to Groton when I was only 4 years old and am truly blesses to have had the community I did! Growing up, I was involved in band, choir, dance team, show choir, jazz band, yearbook, cross country and so much more! I am so fortunate to not only have had the opportunity to participate in so many activities but also learn from some of the best educators. In 2010, the Groton Area School District was identified as a “Distinguished District” on the 2010 NCLB Report Card. To achieve this top rating, the school must meet several high standards, met only by four other school districts in the state of South Dakota. I am so lucky to come from this small town and am honored to represent it as well as the state as Miss South Dakota. I may not be a tiger anymore, but my Tiger Pride runs through my veins. Welcome to the jungle America!

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T E N N E SS E E

Tally Bevis SPRINGFIELD Just thirty minutes north of Nashville lie the rolling hills and 11 charming small towns that make up Robertson County. I grew up in the beautiful Historic District of Springfield— the county seat. I was raised in the shadow of the Robertson County Courthouse— one of the oldest operating Courthouses in the state of Tennessee. As the daughter of a lawyer, my mother dreamed of growing her law firm and family in a town that reminded her of Maycomb, the fictional town in To Kill A Mockingbird. Springfield is just that. To the tune of the Courthouse Bells, I was inspired to chase my own dreams and learned the value of knowing my neighbor by name.

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As the third largest agricultural county in Tennessee, RobCo is home to the world’s finest Dark Fired Tobacco and authentic southern charm. Springfield is home to over 17,000 residents and countless annual visitors who enjoy the local restaurants, boutiques, and hospitality. Although I headed into Nashville for college at Belmont University, I always looked forward to coming home and experiencing annual traditions like riding the ferris wheel at the County Fair. I am proud to serve as the first Miss Tennessee from Robertson County in the 68 years of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition and to call Springfield home.

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T E X AS

Mallory Fuller FAIRFIELD

I was born and raised in a tiny East Texas town called Fairfield, Texas. It is a small community with big support for the residents who live there. My Grandfather was one of those residents. He raised cattle for a living. As a little girl, my favorite thing in the world was going to the barn and bottle feeding the baby calves. Later in life my own interest in agriculture was sparked and I decided to join the livestock show team! Growing up in Fairfield and around the livestock industry instilled in me the importance of hard work and determination. I am eternally grateful for the experiences I had growing up in a small town. I am so proud to represent the city of Fairfield.

Population 2,916

Fun Fact

You can picnic with alpacas in my hometown!

I would like to give a huge thank you to the following people for their generous sponsorship! Mom and Dad • Daniel, Morgan and Baker • Drew and Madison • Garrett Pendergast • Mimi • Julie Koenig • Matt Mitchell • Brian and Carol Neal Derek, Emily, Lexi and Luke Goodson • Emily and Kathy Epps • Kelli and Taylor Kilpatrick • Donna Millie • Tracy, McKenzie and Madison Faggart Angie, Maddie and Masie Lee • Erin Verrett • Arian Archer and Sadie Schiermeyer • Britan Mills • Debbie Staudt • Lisa and Sheridan Garbe • Aaron and Martha Cobb • Sandra Gray • Jessica Zeller • Ann Watson • Tara Watson Watkins • Tammy Moss • Courtney Jackson • Aimee Adams and Kylie Russell • Renee Cariveau • Carol Potter • Kelli Harvey • Amy and Stephanie Wendt • Marilu McDonald • Mitch and Pauline Anderson Gracie Anderson • Madi and Karen Franquiz • Sheree and Charles Wood • Tyler Patton • Gaylene Baumgartner • Marsha West • Jacey Etter Mcwhirter • April and Allie Graves • Debbie Sherman • Tonya Johannsen • Dawn, Mackenzie and Sydney Earls • Jackie Estes MISS AME RI CA

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U TA H

Sasha Sloan SA LT L A K E C I T Y I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, framed by the spectacular Wasatch Mountains to the East and Great Salt Lake to the west. The Salt Lake Valley was originally inhabited by the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute and Ute Native American tribes. In the 1840’s, a group of pioneers—including my ancestors—came seeking refuge after having been driven from their homes in the Midwest. Working together to prosper in the desert landscape, the contributions of Utah’s founders and native people made the Salt Lake Valley “blossom as a rose.” Today, the Salt Lake metropolitan area is home to 1.2 million people, Utah Jazz, 2002 Olympics, and a world class symphony, opera, and ballet. I love Salt Lake City for its wilderness playground, including Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. I grew up horseback-riding, wake surfing, skiing and camping along the Wasatch Front, and taught myself to catch trout with my bare hands. (seriously) My parents hoped to expose me to a diverse, multicultural upbringing, so during elementary school, I attended an immersion classroom with predominantly native Spanish speakers. I went to Woods Cross High School, where I was elected class president and captain of the state champion Mock Trial and Model United Nations (U.N.) team. I also earned the individual state debate championship, placed runner-up to Girls’ State Governor, and received Academic-All American honors. I chose to study Political Science at Brigham Young University, joining the university’s national championship Model U.N. delegation in New York City and Xi’an, China. During this historic year, I’ve leveraged the Miss Utah crown to honor Utah’s legacy as a refuge for asylum seekers by promoting my social impact initiative, Refugees Welcome.

Our state was settled by refugees fleeing religious persecution 170 years ago. Their descendants have a deep understanding of the pain caused by forced migration and an appreciation for the wonderful contributions of refugees in our communities. – Spencer J. Cox, Utah Governor

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Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X

SPE CI AL AD V E R T I S I N G S EC T I ON MISS AME RI CA

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ALABAMA

Lauren Bradford VA N D E R B I LT U N I V E RS I T Y OW E N G R A D UAT E S C H O O L O F M A N AG E M E N T City: Nashville, TN (Current)

AU B U R N U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Auburn, Alabama (Graduate) Field of Study: Master of Science in Finance

Three words I would use to describe Auburn University are tradition, excellence, and community. These innate and potent qualities drew me to Auburn initially, and after experiencing them for myself as a member of the Auburn Family, I learned what it means to esteem integrity to the highest degree. Both Vanderbilt University’s business school and Auburn University carry a theme of pursuing a level of excellence that differentiates their students and prepares them for greatness. I have experienced intentionality from the faculty at both, while also gaining transformative leadership skills in and out of the classroom.

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The Auburn Creed is an eloquently written statement that students, faculty, and alumni alike strive to live by, both on and off campus. My favorite lines of the Auburn Creed state “I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men. And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.” I have taken these lines from my education into my daily life; they are what Auburn represents and what I strive to live by. After graduating from Auburn University within only 3 years, I am now a student at Vanderbilt University in the acclaimed Owen Graduate School of Management. As one of the (on average) 80 Master of Science in Finance students, I will train to become equipped to enter the fields of Strategy Consulting, Investment Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Finance. Vanderbilt University is recognized as one of the nation’s top Universities, and I am incredibly thankful to be a member of both the Auburn and Vanderbilt families.

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Amber Barto A R I ZO N A STAT E U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Tempe, AZ Field of Study: Business Law | Political Science

I left ASU with far more than an education. I came away with a blueprint for a life of leadership and a legacy of service.

A first-rate education, interpersonal growth, and real-world experience were all gained during my time at Arizona State University. Not only was I able to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Business Law and Political Science — maintaining over a 4.0 for all four years — but I was also able to encounter professional opportunities, challenging projects, and an extensive research thesis through Barrett, the Honors College. After graduating, I continued my journey at ASU, earning a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. I was honored with the Dean’s Award and selected as the graduation celebration speaker for my MLS class. Arizona State University also helped me relate to people of all different backgrounds, gain insight into the world, and grow as a person more than I could have ever imagined. In my first

two years, I had the opportunity to dance on the nationally and internationally recognized ASU Dance Team. I also became extremely involved in Greek Life at ASU, serving as my chapter president of Alpha Chi Omega, where I interacted with all Greek organizations. In this role, I was able to increase fundraising, GPA, community service hours, and leadership around the campus. This helped our chapter be recognized with the top award — the President’s Cup — out of over 75 organizations on campus, and I personally was recognized as President of the Year. My experience at Arizona State University changed my life and allowed me to accomplish my goals, while setting new ones. I definitely feel prepared to continue in my professional journey, attend law school, and continue to give back to the Arizona State Community. MISS AME RI CA

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A R K A NS AS

Whitney Williams U N I V E RS I T Y O F A R K A NSAS City: Fayetteville, AR Field of Study: Speech Pathology

My baton has been in my hand for the majority of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my twirling, I have shared my heart for the University of Arkansas as a Razorback Majorette, leading our famous hog call at all home games. It was an honor to represent my university at Miss Arkansas as Miss University of Arkansas. Woo Pig Sooie! That is why my participation in the Miss America Organization has changed my life for the better. It has given me confidence, an outlet for self expression, friendships, personal and professional development tools, and it has paid for my future success; so that one day I can impact others lives in a powerful way through Speech-Language Pathology.

Heart for the Arts! The arts helped me through my dyslexia by giving me something to look forward to every day when I went to school and allowed me to use my own specific learning style as a visual learner. I hope to pass this along in my future career path.

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D IST R I C T O F C O LU M B I A

Andolyn T. Medina G E O R G E WAS H I N GTO N U N I V E RS I T Y C O LU M B I A N C O L L E G E O F A RTS A N D S C I E N C E S ( C CAS )

City: Washington, D.C. Field of Study: 4th Year Doctoral Candidate (Psy.D in Clinical Psychology) Located in downtown Washington, D.C. just blocks from the National Mall where the past, present, and future come together, is George Washington University (GWU). The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences is over 200 years old, making it the largest and oldest academic unit of the university, a cornerstone of the campus community, and the house of my two graduate degrees in clinical and forensic psychology. For 18 years Virginia was home, but upon applying for graduate school, my educational journey took me on a path I could not turn away from. Upon graduating with my M.A in Forensic Psychology, I decided I wanted to continue to follow in my professor’s footsteps, who were alumnae. Getting my acceptance letter to GW’s Psy.D program may have been one of the proudest moments of my life, because I knew the hard work was finally paying off! Being the daughter of two retired Naval Officers, I know firsthand the honor, purpose, and sacrifice that comes with serving, which is why it was incredibly special knowing I could follow my parents in becoming a Naval Officer. Currently, through being selected

into the U.S Navy’s Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP), I have been commissioned as a Naval Officer to the rank of ENSIGN in the Navy Reserve. Currently, I shift between being on active duty for 45 days out of the year in a reserve status, in which my primary responsibility is my academics and to be the best Navy Psychologist upon graduation: to navigating being an assessment instructional assistant, student liaison for my cohort and seeing patients. Additionally, completing my doctoral research. It is wild to believe that I am in my final year of courses before I head to internship. It’s hard to believe…. but I am almost home free. I remember five years ago when I moved to DC to begin my M.A in Forensic Psychology, like yesterday, & now here I am, five years and two masters later, still living out my best life in the city I love. “There is an African proverb that states “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

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Leah Roddenberry U N I V E RS I T Y O F F LO R I DA

City: Gainesville, FL Field of Study: Major: Family, Youth, and Community Sciences; Minor: Mass Communication; Pre-law Track Being the youngest of five children who are all gators, the University of Florida holds a very special place in my heart! Attending UF has provided me incomparable experiences and opportunities to grow as a student, leader, friend, and individual. The University of Florida as a collective whole sees things not as they are, but as they could be. It’s no wonder it was recently named a top 5 public university! Home to over 57,000 students, the University of Florida is noted as the flagship institution of higher learning for its rigorous academics and strong tradition. From creating Gatorade to putting out Gator greats, such as Time Tebow, UF continues to lead by example. The university’s seal is also the seal of the state of Florida, which can be found on the state flag.

I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and a minor in mass communication on the prelaw track. I served as Miss University of Florida 2019; a member of Florida Blue Key, the oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary society in Florida; founder of IGNITE at the University of Florida; 4 year member of the Dazzlers, the official dance team; member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority; and was one of 6 graduating students to be named an Outstanding Leader, awarded by the Alumni Association and President Fuchs based on my involvement contributions to the campus and community. I am forever indebted to the University of Florida for the best four years of my life with unforgettable memories!

The University of Florida has helped shape me into who I am today. From the challenging coursework to the involvement opportunities, my four years at the University of Florida transformed me into a stronger leader. My favorite memories are performing in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in front of 90,000 fans in orange and blue!

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GEORGIA

Karson Pennington U N I V E RS I T Y O F G E O R G I A

City: Athens, GA Field of Study: Doctor of Philosophy, Political Science & International Affairs

Because of UGA, I am a more educated, powerful, and unyielding woman. The Political Science Department has encouraged me to seek answers to every research question. Their dedication to students, excellence in teaching and research, and passion for performance motivates me to be a better scholar and educator. UGA is truly the finest institution in the land! The University of Georgia is home to more than 37,000 students, and I am very fortunate to be one of them. Located in the Classic City and founded in 1785, UGA is the birthplace of higher education and was one of the first public universities in the United States. Go Dawgs! I have truly benefited from every opportunity UGA has to offer! In May of 2020, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with High Honors with three degrees in just four years: a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Master of Arts in Political Science & International Affairs. I also had the honor of dancing with the Redcoat Band for four years as a member of the Georgette Dance Team, serving in the Dean William Tate Honor Society, and volunteering with UGA Miracle, which raised more than $5 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. My greatest blessing was being selected Miss University

of Georgia 2020, and I could not have been more proud to represent my university when I became Miss Georgia 2021. As a current second-year doctoral student in Political Science & International Affairs, I serve as a Graduate Assistant for my department by teaching introductory political science classes and conducting judicial research with many esteemed professors. I spend my days researching political theory and judicial decision-making, as well as grading exams and creating lesson plans. Being in the classroom has solidified my love for education and passion for literacy awareness with my Social Impact Initiative, R.O.A.R.-Reach Out and Read to Fight the Cycle of Illiteracy. UGA has allowed me to combine these interests by utilizing my political knowledge to access state and national government in order to advocate for education funding. MISS AME RI CA

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K A N SAS

Taylor Clark K A NSAS STAT E U N I V E RS I T Y City: Manhattan, KS Field of Study: Music Education

The people and places of Kansas are so unique, and I love to get out and explore. The people here are genuine and kind, an important foundation that I aspire to reflect in my role as Miss Kansas.

You’ve been told your entire life that Kansas is flat. That there’s nothing to see, nowhere to explore. But come visit my Sunflower State, and it’ll be hard to know which will drop faster- your misconceptions or your jaw. Kansas is more than our iconic fields of sunflowers and wheat, more than just that stretch of interstate that you might be familiar with... Kansas is my home, the prairie plains where my roots grow deep and strong. I grew up in St. John, a small town at the crossroads of two major highways. My family has lived in St. John for seven generations, and it’s a place that I deeply treasure. It’s a special place to grow up and to have a tightknit community looking out for you, supporting you and rooting for you no matter where your path takes you. I grew up just a block from our picturesque town square, so it became a ‘second backyard’ for me.

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Manhattan, home of Kansas State University, is another Kansas community that stole my heart. My mom was a K-State graduate, so I spent time exploring the beautiful campus and celebrating Wildcat victories. When it came time to make my decision for my educational home, Manhattan was already a spot that I loved full well. I became a part of the Pride of Wildcat Land, the award-winning K-State Marching Band. Being a part of this boisterous crew has deepened my passion for music. If you’re looking to explore, I’d recommend that you start in Wichita and wander the historic Delano District. From there, I’d suggest partaking in a sunset over our majestic Flint Hills. Cut across to Hays to admire unique local art. Take the time to admire the plains, fields and prairies and make sure to visit all the delightful small towns that you find along the way.

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M A RY L A N D

Lydia Sohn J O H NS H O P K I NS U N I V E RS I T Y | G E O R G E TOW N U N I V E RS I T Y | D E S M O I N E S U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Baltimore, MD | Washington, D.C. | Des Moines, IA Field of Study: B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology M.S. Physiology & Biophysics | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 with the mission “to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for lifelong learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.” This mission was very evident during my time at Johns Hopkins, where I majored in Molecular and Cellular Biology and minored in Music. Between tackling prerequisites for medical school, taking classes at Peabody Conservatory, conducting epigenetic research in the Dr. Xin Chen Lab, providing official campus tours, dancing in the student production of the Nutcracker, exploring Baltimore, and so much more, I truly feel that Johns Hopkins University refined me as a scholar, artist, and citizen. The lessons I learned and the opportunities I received at Hopkins led me to Georgetown University, where I completed my M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics. I am so thankful for my coursework and classmates at Georgetown because they deepened my confidence and drive to pursue medical school. Through experiences ranging from anatomy lab to art therapy volunteer sessions, my understanding and appreciation for cura personalis - “care of the whole person” - grew. As I look towards my future at the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, I will never lose my gratitude for the people I have met along the way and the experiences that have shaped me. My opportunity to realize my dream of becoming a doctor was not achieved on my own. Thank you to my family, friends, loved ones, classmates, mentors, and mentees for encouraging me, believing in me, and celebrating with me. From competing for the job of Miss America to becoming a Navy Doctor, my successes are shared with you all. Anchors aweigh!

It’s often said that we stand on the shoulders of giants. I can fulfill my life’s dreams of competing for the job of Miss America and becoming a Navy Doctor, thanks to the sacrifices my parents made when they immigrated from South Korea to the United States in the 70’s. Without their hard work, belief in the American Dream, and the grace of God, my journey would not have been what it is today. Thank you, Mom and Dad, and Soli Deo gloria.

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N E W YO R K

Sydney Park C O LU M B I A U N I V E RS I T Y

City: New York City, NY Field of Study: American Studies My late grandfather always stressed the importance of getting a good education, and I am so grateful that my parents always supported my academic, professional, and extracurricular goals. I attribute much of my drive and dedication to my family – I would not be who I am without their unwavering love and support. As a college freshman, I took a risk and studied abroad for a full year at the American University of Paris. While there, I traveled across Europe, visiting the UK, Switzerland, Spain, and Austria. After Paris, I knew I wanted to complete my studies in New York City, and so I transferred to Columbia University where

Going to school in NYC, whether for my B.A. or J.D., has been an incredible experience. There is so much to learn outside of the classroom if only you are open to the experience.

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I received my B.A. in American Studies and served as the Head Men’s Basketball Manager. After graduating, I worked for a year at a major international law firm before making the decision to continue my education at Fordham Law School. In my first year, I worked during the day while attending my law school classes at night. Now in my third year, I have been a Teacher’s Assistant, a New York State Supreme Court intern (twice!), and a board member of the Fordham Business & Law Association. Studying in New York and being a Fordham Law student has helped set me up for a successful career as an attorney, and I cannot wait to graduate this spring with my Juris Doctor.

Thanks to: Mom & Dad, Cameron Park, Devon Park, Nana & Bumpa, Grandma & Grandpa, Uncle Ben & Aunt Alexandra Tisdale, Nina Zesky, Alexis Houser, Chuck Gabriele, Kyle Dawson, Nick Frazier, Kendall Blizzard, Ayra Demirovich, Lauren Molella, Michael & Lourdes Scholl, Jenny Lieberman, Jeffrey Cafarchio, Serena Exantus

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

AD V E R T I S E MEN T

N O RT H C A R O L I N A

Carli Batson A P PA L AC H I A N STAT E U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Boone, NC Field of Study: Communication & Public Relations

Sisterhood of Miss North Carolinas

What an honor it was to begin my journey representing my hometown as Miss Wilmington 2018. At eighteen years old, and just graduating from high school the week prior to the Miss North Carolina state competition, I was humbled to be the youngest ever double preliminary winner for talent and fitness and placed in the top 10! That experience and the scholarships awarded to me was all the motivation I needed to know the Miss America Organization was definitely for me! Returning to local preliminary competition the following year, I had the privilege to represent as Miss Greater Sampson County. With increased confidence and overwhelming support, I placed 2nd runner up to the incredible Alexandra Badgett, Miss North Carolina 2019-2020. She was also my roommate during competition week. To see her preparation and determination during competition week was a first hand learning experience that the incredible sisterhood offered. My greatest joy and achievement at that year’s competition was being recognized as the CMNH Miracle Maker for our state and the award being presented to me by Miss America 2019 and North Carolina native, Nia Franklin. With my ultimate goal of becoming the first college graduate in my family, and doing so debt free, I returned to local preliminary competition and became Miss Cleveland 2020. While serving the Cleveland community, things were suddenly altered due to global pandemic. Adjustment and flexibility became terms we are all too familiar with. Having all the tools and resources that had been poured into me over my competition journey, combined with additional time to prepare, I was ready and able to compete for the state title once more. Entering this year’s competition with eagerness, gratitude and a peaceful heart, I presented my best self and on June 26, 2021, I became the 83rd Miss North Carolina.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Julia Herrin AU B U R N U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Auburn, AL Field of Study: Piano Performance/Communications (Pre-Law) I have known that I wanted to attend Auburn University since I was 13 years old and began participating in the Miss America Organization. I visited the campus for the first time in my Junior year of high school during a rainstorm in the middle of summer. That visit only confirmed for me what I already knew: Auburn was my home away from home. I am currently pursuing a dual degree in Piano Performance and Communications on the Pre-Law track. I have had the opportunity to study under Dr. Jeremy Samolesky for Piano Performance, which has helped me take my love of piano to new heights. This year, Auburn University’s Music

Department was named a Top 10 Music Department in the country by Yamaha. I am extremely grateful to the Miss America Organization for giving me the confidence to pursue these degrees, and for the scholarship assistance to make it possible. At Auburn University, I am a part of the Piano Studio, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Auburn Community Church, the Oaks Retreat, the Big Event, and Emerge Leadership Program. Auburn offers me endless opportunities to pursue my career as an Entertainment Lawyer, and hone my life skills along the way. Being a part of the Auburn family is something I will always cherish. War Eagle!

Auburn is so much more than a University, or even a community. Auburn is a family. The best year of my life was spent at Auburn, and I wouldn’t be Miss South Carolina without the support of my Auburn Family and the skills I learned as an Auburn Student.

Thanks to: City of Manning (Hometown of Marian McKnight Miss America 1957), Main Street Manning, Ms. Carrie Trebil, Ms. Kathryn Hill, Mrs. Shelly Jones, Mrs. Katherine Crimm, Ms. Jennie Lee

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AD V E R T I S E MEN T

T E X AS

Mallory Fuller B AY LO R U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Waco, TX Field of Study: Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders I will never forget the day I realized that I wanted to be a speech pathologist. I was sitting in the back of a tiny East Texas classroom while shadowing a special education teacher. I noticed a little boy who seemed extremely uncomfortable and was completely non-verbal. I learned that he had autism spectrum disorder, and I could tell how much he wanted to communicate, but simply couldn’t. I remember observing how the speech pathologist gave him alternative ways to participate and sensory activities to manage his frustration. I was captivated and knew without a doubt that I wanted to do that for the rest of my life. Since beginning my Master’s degree and engaging in clinical rotations, I have discovered a desire to work with stroke survivors and people with brain trauma. I want to improve my patients’ quality of life and give them back the voice they once had. Baylor University has equipped me with the education and tools I need to be a successful speech pathologist one day. The unwavering faith, strong values, and commitment to excellence create an atmosphere that sets up each student for success. I am so thankful to the faculty and staff of Baylor for the incredible education they have already provided me.

When Mallory Fuller applied to Baylor University, we knew we had a keeper! Her application exemplified her exceptional education journey and captured her heart for serving others. Her best attribute is the ability to express her love for others with a gracious heart. I look forward to her future and know that she will make Baylor very proud! – Venessa Grandjean Baylor University Communication Sciences and Disorder Online Master’s Program Director

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U TA H

Sasha Sloan B R I G H A M YO U N G U N I V E RS I T Y City: Provo, UT Field of Study: Political Science

During a particularly rough patch in middle school, I stumbled across the Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen program on Facebook. I entered to build my confidence, improve my public speaking, and build connections. I competed twice as a teen, and fell headover-heels in love with the Miss America organization. In 2016, I took a break to fulfill my childhood dream of performing with Walt Disney World Entertainment as a “friend” of Cinderella. After my internship with Disney, I moved home to pursue Miss Utah and won three local titles: Miss Davis County 2017, Miss Deseret 2018, and Miss Greater Salt Lake 2019. In the spring of 2020, I couldn’t wait to step back onstage at Miss Utah. I felt confident about the upcoming competition and optimistic about my political science career; that spring, I was also hired to run social media for the gubernatorial campaign of Jon Huntsman, former Utah Governor and U.S. ambassador. Just as the trajectory of my life was going up, surprise—COVID hit. Miss Utah was postponed. We lost the campaign. Suddenly, I was unemployed, with tuition deadlines looming. I reacted by implementing a skill I had learned on the Miss Utah stage—the pivot. In the midst of the pandemic, I started a business on TikTok, a social media video platform that had emerged during nationwide quarantine. Our first “nerdy” product went viral and orders began flying in. Practically overnight, I accumulated 1.3 million followers and my brand Archive Sunday generated $100K+ in revenue in the first 100 days of operation. More importantly, we built an online community dedicated to encouraging women to be their nerdiest, most authentic selves. I never would have imagined my biggest failures would lead me to my wildest dreams—but here we are, at Miss America!

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VIRGINIA

Tatum Sheppard L I B E RT Y U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Lynchburg, VA Field of Study: Musical Theatre

My college journey began at Union University in Jackson, TN where I majored in Music and Theatre. Throughout my time at Union, I participated in UU Singers, Blank Slate Improv Team, Second Act Theatre Company, and Kappa Delta sorority. After completing two academic years at Union, I transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia to study Musical Theatre. Liberty University Trains Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrow’s world. That impact includes Liberty students volunteering more than 500,000 hours per year through local, domestic, and international engagement opportunities. What I love about Liberty is the faculty and staff investing in not just our education but who we are as people. My passion for Liberty led me to work as an On-Campus Student Recruiter where I gave tours of the university to prospective students and provided clarity in their college decision-making process. This job gave me valuable skills in communication, mentorship, and public speaking.

As a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society, I performed in several academic musicals as well as professional productions with Alluvion Stage Company. The Cinematic Arts Department and LU Marketing team also provided opportunities for me to act in student films and promotional videos. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Liberty in May of 2020. I never could have anticipated graduating in a pandemic, but the well-rounded education I received from Liberty equipped me for life’s curve balls. This past year I worked for a performance marketing company where I independently created advertisements for apps to market themselves on social media. Following that job, I collaborated and performed professionally as a singer, actor, and dancer in the original cast of Crusade: The Musical. The training I received from Liberty gave me the skill set I would need to succeed in my field. However, it is the values I learned from Liberty that will stay with me no matter what life throws my way. Service, integrity, and excellence are core values I learned from my school, and these values will forever be a part of my lifestyle thanks to Liberty University. MISS AME RI CA

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AD V E R TI SE M E NT W E ST V I R G I N I A

Jaelyn Wratchford S H E P H E R D U N I V E RS I T Y

City: Shepherdstown, WV Field of Study: BA in Business and Psychology; MA in Business Administration

SHEPHERD

UNIVERSITY 1871-2021

“I can confidently be the best version of myself as a student and community member when I pursue selfdevelopment, and Shepherd allows me to do just that.

150 th Anniversary

As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education was a dream that wouldn’t have been attainable without the continuous support and compassion from the staff at Shepherd University. The free resources available to all students create endless opportunities for success. Shepherd has become my home, and its people have become my family. This close-knit community of faculty, administrators, and advisors, along with my peers, have invested so much into me, inspiring me to invest in those around me. With a passion for community service, becoming involved in student groups with the same calling was important to me. I’m Vice President of Operations for Sigma Sigma Sigma and Vice President of Community Service for Delta Sigma Pi. Making blankets for local hospitals, organizing

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food drives, and collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House are just a few of our service projects with local impact. Upon graduation with my degrees in Business and Psychology and an MBA, I plan on working in the fields of public relations and strategic communications. I am passionate about the development of Appalachian communities, and higher education will give me the tools to invest in non-profit and small business development. It’s an honor to be a part of this historic year. As Miss America celebrates its 100th anniversary, Shepherd University celebrates its 150th. This year, we are honoring the past while transforming the future.

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SHOPPROOF.COM @SHOPPROOF | #WEAREPROOF MISS AME RI CA

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LE ADERSHIP

N AT I O N A L STA F F

Shantel Krebs

Brent Adams

Chair of the Board, Interim President & CEO

VP of Branding & Development

Liz Brown

Teresa Bray

Appearance and Travel Manager

Rodney Neely

Executive Assistant to the President/CEO and Miss America BOD

Caroline Hunter Tour Manager

Marc Angeli

Julie Hoffman

VP of Field Operations

Security Director

Theresa Read Tour Manager

Director of Contract Administration

Bailey Barger

Social Media and Communications Manager

Brenda Goldsmith

MAOTeen Tour Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shantel Krebs

Kathleen Neville

Barbara J. Moore

Ryan Brown

Jeffery Tobias Halter

Jacqueline B. Reynolds

Shenan Reed

Ike Franco

Tyreek Moore

Chair

Karie Ross

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Vice Chair

Treasurer

Yvonne “Bonnie” Garcia

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LE ADERSHIP

STAT E L E A D E RS H I P ALABAMA

ILLINOIS

Nan Teninbaum, Executive Director Ashley Hatfield, Co-Executive Director Anita Walker, MAOTeen Director Susan Shea, Co-Executive Director Rachel Johnson, MAOTeen Director

ALASKA

Aren Straiger, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

ARIZONA

IOWA

Stacey Kole, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

ARKANSAS

Jessie Bennett, Executive Director Abby Houseworth-Whitener, MAOTeen Director

CALIFORNIA

Russ Gladden, Executive Director Junann Smith, MAOTeen Director

COLORADO

Leslie Moore, Executive Director Lisa Durbin, MAOTeen Director

MONTANA Interim

NEBRASKA

Peggy Fox, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

NEVADA

KANSAS

Brooke Allen-Burnstein, Co-Executive Director Jillian Helget, Co-Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

KENTUCKY

Brenda Keith, Board President & Executive Director Lynne Ulaky, Co-Executive Director Claudette Jolin, Co-Executive Director Pattie Lamontagne, MAOTeen Co-Director Paula Moore, MAOTeen Co-Director

Doug Brehm, Co-Executive Director Sue Givens, Co-Executive Director Krystian Caywood, MAOTeen Co-Director Logan Caywood, MAOTeen Co-Director

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Mette Boving Castor, Co-Executive Director Mark Hinson, Co-Executive Director Stacey James, MAOTeen Director

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director Destiny Lewis, MAOTeen Director

CONNECTICUT

Dewana Little, Executive Director Don Humble, MAOTeen Director

DELAWARE

Sarah Nadeau-Balducci, Executive Director Kelsey Earley, MAOTeen Director

Rhonda Haynes, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

MARYLAND

Sloane Lewis, Executive Director Alyssa Whitfield, MAOTeen Director

Ashley Reid, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

George Lee, Co-Executive Director & MAOTeen Co-Director Tracey Eng, Co-Executive Director & MAOTeen Co-Director

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Tricia Lloyd Morrin, Executive Director Crystal Bailey, MAOTeen Director

FLORIDA

Keith Williams, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

GEORGIA

Trina Pruitt, Board Chair & Executive Director Tammy Spires, MAOTeen Director

HAWAII

Blaine Dutro, Executive Director Muriel Anderson, MAOTeen Director

IDAHO

Heidi Brendle, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

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INDIANA

Alisa Parrent, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director Bonnie Faulk, State Liason

MISSOURI

Alice Leonetti, Executive Director Steve Wilson, MAOTeen Director

LOUISIANA

MAINE

Sherry Rush, Executive Director Tracey Leonard, MAOTeen Director

MASSACHUSETTS

Dolores “Buffy” Rabuffo, Executive Director Donna Klamkin, MAOTeen Director

MICHIGAN

Paula DeWall, Executive Director Peggy Lotridge, MAOTeen Director

MINNESOTA

Kathy Shellum, Executive Director Megan Ehlert, MAOTeen Director

MISSISSIPPI

W. David Blackledge, Executive Director Winky Freeman, Co-Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

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NEW JERSEY

David Holtzman, Executive Director Susan Nicolle MAOTeen Director

NEW MEXICO

NEW YORK

NORTH CAROLINA

Beth Knox, Executive Director John Norris, MAOTeen Director

NORTH DAKOTA

Kathy Jones, Executive Director Steph Johnson, MAOTeen Director

OHIO

Steven Oliveri, Executive Director Erin Daniels, MAOTeen Director

OKLAHOMA

Kay Alexander, Executive Director Gentry Johnson Smith, MAOTeen Director

OREGON

Beth McShane, Executive Director Cindy Owens, MAOTeen Director

PENNSYLVANIA

Debbie Butcher, Executive Director Kathy Smartnick, MAOTeen Director

RHODE ISLAND

Debi D’Iorio, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

SOUTH CAROLINA

Ashley Byrd, Co-Executive Director Chaz Ellis, Co-Executive Director Dixie Covington, MAOTeen Director

SOUTH DAKOTA

Kate Wismer, Executive Director September Kirby, Co-Executive Director Megan Appleton, MAOTeen Director

TENNESSEE

Colene Trent, Executive Director Brandy Burnett, MAOTeen Director

TEXAS

Jan Mitchell, Executive Director Britan Mills, MAOTeen Director

UTAH

Carly Condie, Executive Director Amy Rasmussen, MAOTeen Director

VERMONT

Darcie Fisher, Executive Director Brittany Rhoads, MAOTeen Director

VIRGINIA

MC Gravely, Executive Director Linda Haas, MAOTeen Director

WASHINGTON

Peggy Miller, Executive Director Patti Belik, Co- Executive Director Lona Graves, MAOTeen Director

WEST VIRIGNIA

Shelley Nichols Franklin, Executive Director Donna Newman, MAOTeen Director

WISCONSIN

Jeanne Schmal, Executive Director Brenda Baudo, Co-Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

WYOMING

Chele Schamber, Executive Director & MAOTeen Director

Renee Carbone Fleming ~ The Jewelry Lady! ~ www.touchstonecrystal.com/reneefleming tcsparklequeens@gmail.com

Proud Official Sponsor

✨ Renee grew a multi-million-dollar sales organization with

Touchstone Crystal and has coached hundreds of women to build a business that fits into their lives. She is passionate about sharing the sparkle with others thru her online boutique, fun girl’s nights, VIP shopping opportunities, as well as with fundraising & sponsoring events.

✨ The Miss America Organizations mission is near and dear to her heart… Preparing great women for the world and preparing the world for great women! With two daughters, both in college, empowering girls and women giving them the confidence and strength to be who they are and to support them in pursing their unique dreams, is her mission as a mother and as an entrepreneur.

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VOLUNTEERS

Miss America

RECOGNIZES

O U R LO C A L & S T A T E V O L U N T E E R S A N D T H E I R Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E (Includes those with at least 10 years of service submitted by the due date)

100 years would not have been possible without all of you and countless others! ALABAMA

Nan Teninbaum Anita Walker Kevin Hill Sheri Harbison Debra Talley Walter Hill Auburn Foreman Leigh Serafi Amie Beth Shaver Kelly Carr Ashley Sandlin Jamie McConnel Ken Brewer Kristin Coon Mitzi McDaniel Mimi Hudson Missie Hudson Carl Sudduth Jim Jolly Gina Harper Victoria Seale SIms Scarlett Walker Terri Ritchie Pam Oliver Linda Thaler Natalie Johnson Christopher Harris Sandra McGuire Donna Coates Amy Cummings Jarrod Lander Mindy Street Kelly Wright Tyler Thompson Janet Hill Linda McArthur Melissa Foster Bert Helton Amanda Tice Rob Metcalf Alecia White Tyler Thompson Lynne Dodson Kristi Howze Rob Drinkard Sara Jo Burks Diane Logan Carol Wright Tina Jones

ALASKA

Alisa Parrent Bonnie Faulk Phil Evans Matt VanNortwick Shelby Davison

20 10 30 40 10

CALIFORNIA

Donna Jones 50+ 25 Russ Gladden Jeffrey Gerhardt 10 Connie Tyer 30 Lynn Blackburn 25 Jaclyn Grossman 20 Jackie Frank 10 Connie Oliver 30 Junann Smith 10 Connie Livingston 30 Leslie Hanstad 10 Rebekah Dixon 10 Merri Caywood 10 Paula Presley 10 Paul Sanfilipo 50+ Gwen Adkins 50+ Tom Woods 40 Linda Dash 30 Derek Copple 20 Layne Sanders 20 Stephanie Quintal 10 Freeman Stamper 20 Doug Hikawa 20 Coleen Rockey 30 Sharon Terrill 40 Sharon Cordes 20 Patrick Cordes 20 Karen Grimaldi 10 Connie Benson 20 Sandi Licata 10 Marie Theurich 20 20 Teresa Vernon Ken Rockey 30 Michele Moser 30 Wendy Ekizian 10 Michelle Symes-Thiara 10 Lynn Miller 30 Cathy Slack 10 20 Edy King Connie Bell 10 Bob Bell 10 Jennifer Kohlenberger 10 Peggy LaCroix 10 Karen Urell 10 20 Cassie Alex Yvette Sanchez 10

COLORADO

Larry Razal Mark Hinson

25 20 10 25 25

Renee Fronabarger 30 Jessie Bennett 10 Rusty Hart 30 Michelle Rudolph 20 Dennis Horn 30 Fred Osborne 50+ Robin Houseworth 30 Billy Bennett 10 Amelia Mosley Russell 25 Vicki Rima 10

Tricia Lloyd Jim Lindsay Sonya Gavankar Kate Michael Jen Corey Baca Xavier Hixon Shannon Patterson John Tinpe Alden Kamikawa

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

40 30

CONNECTICUT

Ashley McClain Linda Luberico Terilynn Rogers Jeannette Scott Ken Venit Dianna Hampton-Dowson Tracy Patton Nakiya Troth Scott Organek

Erin Motes Aisha Villa Aryn Romo Mary Hyder Becky Hewitt

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40 40 30 30 40 30 10 10 10 10 10 10 40 30 40 25 30 30 40 30 10 30 10 25 10 10 10 40 25 10 10 10 10 10 20 20 30 20 10 25 10 10 10 10 10 30 10 30 30

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

10 10 10 20 20 10 10 10 10

30 25 20 10 10 10 10 10 30

DELAWARE

George Lee Carol Stevens Sue Kuhling Linda Weller Dineen Bejger Dr. Thomas Bejger Mary Debus Tammie Betts Howard Gordon

FLORIDA

Edward Bass Yvette Brown Brenda Burnette Theresa LePore Debbie Lundberg Patty Pierce Lisa Sanford Breda Edwards Heather Webber David Wheeler Amanda Babcock Pamela Adams Victoria Chouris Adell Roscoe Michelle Topping Donna Cunningham Myrna Cotto Lynn Clark Becky Canella Rosali Morris Robert “Bob” Clark Keith Williams

GEORGIA

Gene Phillips Terry Chandler Steve Duncan Renee Fielden Alice Surber Charles Chinnis Dr. Morris Jones Anna Gambrell Shelli Smith Memory Little Miranda Carlson Miss Macon Marty Chapman Jim Neighbors Judy Neighbors Jerry Anthony Rodney Johnson Kay Cagle Alicia Long Andre Prospere Wanda Whitten Trina Pruitt Marian Arnold Chari Smith Tammy Spires Jim Montgomery Micheal North Billy Kendall Kevin Shirley Kathryn Coffee

HAWAII

Nany Ortiz Stephanie Mendieta Bonnie Parsons Jon Fujiwara David Flad Dennis Momyer Jon Akeo Muriel Anderson

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30 30 20 20 20 20 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 1 0 20 20 20 20 25 25 30 30 40 40 40

50+ 50+ 40 30 30 40 25 10 10 10 10 25 10 40 40 40 30 20 40 30 30 20 20 40 20 30 30 40 30 20

10 10 25 30 30 40 40 40

Ray Abregano 40 Ryan Brown 25 Mandy Thronas-Brown 25

IDAHO

Heidi Brendle

ILLINOIS

Ashley Hatfield 10 Bob Foote 50+ Dr. Susan Shea 30 40 Dr. Patricia Polk 10 Rachel Johnson Dr. Claire ThorrpeKlinsky 10 Robin Ruchti 10 Kristen Hadapp 10 Katie Powers 10 Gloria Sanders 20 Rene Shelton 10 Lindsey Hess 10 Karen Sala-Dollens 40 Sandy Farmer 10 25 Chris Winters Sherri Winters 20 Melissa Hochstatter 10 10 Phyllis Rath Suzie Foote 50+ 10 Belinda Hatfield Lisa Knight 30 Judy Sims 25 10 Kristen Hadap Robin Ruchti 10

INDIANA

Aren Straiger 40 Craig Munk 50+ Karen Munk 50+ Marietta Hite 40 Breanne Tisch 10 Michael Nash 20 Steve Straiger 10 Terry Iden 40 Co Bartel 10 Tony Shull 20 Frank Ricketts 30 James Velez 10 Beth Burkle-Logue 20 Marni Lemons 10 Jan Mertl 30 Kim McCutchan 10 Bryana Bunte 10 Freda Luers 10 Teresa White 10 Vanessa McClary 10 Jean Putnam 10 Ryan Capps 20 David White 20 Jenee Johnson 10 Lee Ann Happ 30 Marie Fulkerson 20 Carol Kosisko 10 Melanie Bush-Funk 10 Debbie Wiley 10 Mark Wiley 10 Shannon Franklin 10 Debra Gossett 25

IOWA

Leslie Moore Rachael Vopatek Lisa Durbin Ashley Brown Bill Lee Dapo Kolawole Mary Wilson Sandy Koester

20 10 10 10 30 10 30 20

Linda Garwood Rea Springsteen Mary Jo Dopson Anne Maes Carol Olson Phyllis Rathjen

KANSAS

Jerry Polston Cathy Polston Kerry Sallabedra Elizabeth Jump Stephanie Harris Junnae Landry Janetta Freeman Marisa Gwinn Eddie Freeman Doug Brehm Lisa Perez Miller Sue Givens Marietta Wetzel Larry Strong Beverly Post

30 10 25 20 10 30

10 20 10 10 10 10 40 10 40 40 30 30 10 40 30

LOUISIANA

Dorothy Hoogland 50+ Lamar Mullican 50+ Jesse Fulmer 40 Wayne Gentry 40 Brenda McMahan 40 Michael McMahan 40 Darris Waren 30 JoAnn Womack 30 Debbie Wyatt 30 Stenson Baker 20 Paul Crew 20 Shannon Futch 20 Sue Gene Hammons 20 Don Humble 20 Renee Humble 20 Kelly Justice 20 Dewana Little 20 Connie Ross 30 Missy Segreti 20 Connie Smallwood 20 Connie Sullivan 20 Kayle Waren 20 Robbye Black 10 Leslie Bryan 10 Lisa Cole 10 Lynn Copeland 10 Mary DeWitt 10 Angela Hammond 10 10 Gaundhi Hays Darra Jung 20 Melissa Kiper 10 Hillary Loeber 10 Amanda May 10 10 Brent May Thelma Menyweather 10 Tafta Miller 10 Melanie Moffett 10 10 JoAlice Olin Yonna Pasch 10 Ashley Taylor 10 Emma Waren 10 Grace Waren 10 10 Leah Watson

MAINE

Laurie Cote Ginger Leigh Smith Jan Korda John Korda

25 30 10 10

MARYLAND

Sherry Rush Courtney Thomas Winterberg Jonathan Black Denise Apple Sandy Miller Scott Durham Tammy Roberts Teresa Whetzel Sandy Waterman Jennifer Pfeiffer Beth Thomas Tracey Leonard

20 20 20 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

MASSACHUSETTS

Dolores Buffy Rabuffo 40 Donna Klamkin 40 Holly Deane 30 Valarie Lacasse 30 Diane Erickson 10 Danielle Campbell 10 Aurelie Alger 30 Donna Wirzburger 30 Cheryl McCormick 20 Ashley Bendickson 10 Beth Methia 10 Vicky Casey 10 Lisa Pereira 20 Aly Golder 10 Karen Guay 10 Shirlee Sears 20 Carol Welch 30 Kimmy Supernaw Uzar 10 Christine Morse 10 Eileen Costa 10 Jennifer Freeman 30

MICHIGAN

Paula DeWall Peggy Lotridge Rod Cramer Sheila Sigro Laura Bloomensaat Chris Gorton Marcia Loader Kelli Leep Linda Bilhimer Francesca Tuzzolino Elizabeth Munger Ann Kramer Anna Abdelnour Tish O’Malley Dee Lind Dione Oerther

MINNESOTA

10 25 25 30 25 25 20 20 20 20 20 20 10 10 10 10

Kathy Shellum 40 Gina Cavanagh 25 Charlotte Olein 10 Karla Boettcher 20 Jacquie Jenkins 25 Gwen Stewart 25 Katherine Majkrzak 10 Angie Pagnac 10 Amber Nelson 10 Melissa Kroetsch 10 Shelley Bunkowske 10 Jean Soland 10 Missy Hoss 10 Kayla Olson 10 Dawn Kosbab 30 Sonia Meyer 30 Chris Melberg 30 Christine Ayala-Zierke 10

Jennifer Burt 25 Molly Kopischke 10 Val Rose 10 Shelly Cooper 10 Joan Sasser 25 Terri Sim 10 Cori McRae 10 Shelly Bartlett 10 10 Alice Furey Jay Estenson 10 Brenda Merchlewitz 30 30 Luke Merchlewitz

MISSISSIPPI

W. David Blackledge 30 H.J. “Winky” Freeman 30 Karen Jones 25 Tammy Folger-Sutter 25 Johnny Lee Reynolds 30 Earl Edris 10 Joe Savage 50+ A.J. ‘Buddy’ Dees 40 Mike Jones 30 Rusty Fuller 30 Susan McCarty 30 Steve Butler 30 Kathy Foster Ashley 25 Allen ‘Smokey’ Kelly 25 Karen Butler 20 Martin Pace 20 Bill Jones 20 Ginger Kelly 10 Lisa Boleware 10 Jan Blackwell 10 Kim Hopkins 10 Tracy Prewitt 10 Mary-Beth Grogan-White 20 Dale Hathorn 10 Dr. Carroll Pierce 10 Deanna Prewett 20 Tonya Scarbrough 20 10 Angela Hite Jack Hite 10 Terry Fleming 30 Martha Lee 20 Margaret Henry 30

MISSOURI

Alice Leonatti Chuck Rentschler Tammy Robinson Amy Auwarter Ed Smith Wendy White Steve Wilson Ann Jolly Corky Reineke Chuck Reineke Kendell Misemer Lelar Corbett Kay Lea Susan Stallcup Pam Freeman Erma Jean Armstrong Mila Lowry Brendan Webber Melissa Webber Rita Jackson John Clayton Bev Meuschke Shari McCallister

NEBRASKA

Peggy Fox

10 40 10 20 40 10 40 10 30 30 30 40 40 10 20 40 30 10 10 20 10 40 10

VOLUNTEERS

NEVADA

Louis Garcia 40 Brooke Allen-Burnstein 10 Jillian Helget 10 Tiffany Kenison 10 Paige Jensen 10

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Brenda Keith 30 Heidi Noyes-Bourgeois 20 Denise Vallee 10 Bill Haggerty 50+ Cara Bound 10 Diane Morgear 10 Kristin Janelle 10 Joey Nichol 10 Claudette Jolin 20 Paula Moore 20 Deb Barker 10 Heidi Sullivan-Laroche 20 Chris Piccolo 25 Denise Cloutier 30 Matt Morin 25 Michele Hanson 30 Elaine Tidd 30 Tina Gebhard 25 Gary Vincent 20 Trisha Tidd 20 Harve Tancrede 30 Janice Mobsby 10 John Conley 20

NEW JERSEY

Mary Lou Cake Barbara Casarow Kay Aspell Betty Pruitt Carol Kolonich Joanne Uva Kathy McCormack Patti Eckert Elise Ennis Julie Fuccilli Carol Taylor Steve Trauger Susan Dougherty Betsey Harrison Marie Nicholes Lisa Pawlus Lori Tesauro Micahel McCann Tony Patrizi

NEW MEXICO

Dr. James Klump Karen Reyes Sue Ashe Amanda Guyer Patricia Beachman Dena Harrington Sharissa Swain Rhonda Haynes Cheryl Matherly

NEW YORK

Leslie Stackel Chris Keiffer Jennifer Wojeski Jessica Fielding Carmine DeBetta John Giglio Michael Terragnoli

NORTH CAROLINA

50+ 40 30 30 30 30 25 20 20 20 20 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 25 30

20 20 10 10 20 20 30

Beth Knox 20 Arlie Honeycutt Kidd 10 Melody Kivett 10 Kaye Fritz 10 John Norris 10 Scarlett O. Inman 30 Debbie Viverette 10 Harold Garner 50+ David Clegg 40 Jack Norris 10 Diane Antonelli 10 Drew Mercer 10 Mike Golden 30 Susan Watkins 10 Stephani Pitman 20

Phyllis Dunn 20 Marybeth Dawson 20 Raymond Hathaway 20 10 Angela Martin Mary Tackett 30 Morgan White 10 Peggy Branch 20 McNeil Chestnut 40 10 Susan Riggs Brenda Poulson 10 Wayne Hicks 50+ Mary Catherine Berube 30 20 Susan Williams Kay Dickinson 40 Lisa Messick 10 Brittany Sides 10 Neal Robbins 20 20 Jacob Godwin Amanda Roberts 30 Melinda Crews 10 Lindsay Knox McVety 10 Rhonda Whaley 10 10 Sandra Chestnut Shirley Proctor 10 Sylvia Williams 30 Vicki Young 20 Vicki Detweiler 30 Dana S. Dixon 10 10 Jeff Jones Jon Vance 10 Jeanette Chang 10 Delores Cox 30 Cora Godwin 10 Wayne Edwards 20

NORTH DAKOTA

Kathy Jones Debbie Richter Tessie Jones Schwanke Stephanie Richter Johnson SuAnn Olson Murphy Lund Marla Bean Lucy Wenko Marilyn McGinley B Michael Qualle Renee Rogness Mark Jensen

OHIO

10 10 10

10 10 10 20 20 30 30 30 30

Steven C. Oliveri 30 Susan Swinehart 40 Tim O’Guinn 30 Sandy Bishop 20 Holly Campbell Bradley 40 Jim Bishop 30 Jeff Angelini 20 Carla Wrasse 20 Sharon Herlihy 40 Terri Herlihy 40 Sherri Hoselton 40 Dolly Ruffing 20 Will Vickery 20 Jan Moll 40 Don Moll 40 Jacqueline Johnson 10 Dale Clark 10 Martha Campbell 40 Diana Lindsay 25 Dawn Furniss 10 Mary Ellen Campbell 50+ Beth Garbrandt 25 Dave Garbrandt 25 Dana Krocker 10 Amy Smith 10 Shannon Davis 10 Charmae Cottom 10 Ronda Morris 20 Tammy Bell 30 Debbie White-Jones 25 Theresa Montgomery 10 Doug Montgomery 10 Randy Schroeder 30 Amy Shaw 20 40 Mary Schroeder Regina Speas 10 Pam Rase 30 Lori Lowe 10 Tammy Wagner 10

OKLAHOMA

Kay Alexander 40 Jack Cooper 40 Mignon Merchant Ball 30 Roger Herring 25 Bob Piland 40 Kathleen Pettigrove 40 Gentry Smith 10 Pat Bryson 30 Denise Piland 30 LaRadius Stephens 10 Stephanie Stidham 10 Winston Banta 40 Brad Gemeinhart 10 Tracie Calvin 10 Lori Few 10 Robert Yocham 25 Natasha Alikhani 10 J. Paul Gordon 10 Steve McCurley 10 Danette Evans 50+ Jerry Evans 50+ Rollann Horschler 30 Jim Horschler 30 Carol Steen 30 Rick Steen 30 Larry McLaughlin 30 Teresa McLaughlin 30 Vicki Melton 20 Larry Melton 20 Kim Evans Baker 10 Terri Hardin 20 Barbara Sloan Shaw 30 Sheila Douglas 30 Alma Holland 30 Marna Franklin 10 Ronda Mikles 40 Shana Dyson 30 Lake Carpenter 10 Karen Blanton 10 Pam Muncrief 10 Norma Creech 20 Vickie Munsey 10 Joe Chappell 20 Lisa Munz 10 Dianne Redden 10 Ashley Edwards-Stuart 10 Sammie Smith 10 Darwina Marshall 30 Kathy McCracken 40 Janet McWilliams 30 Marsha Stephenson 25 Linda Ransom 20 Pam Fulk 10 Marty Fulk 10 Angela Wehling 10 Logan Wehling 10 Jerry Jackson 20 Judy Jackson 20 Ken Oliver 25 Brenda Hughes 25 25 Deanna Wride Todd Boyd 25 Debbie Brown 25 Norma Fields 30 Debbie Kendall 30 30 Sue Sharp Tamra Johnson 20 Diane Emmons 30

OREGON

Irene Baldwin 50+ Nancy McCune 30 Maureen Everetts 30 Beth McShane 20 Cheri Sandberg 20 Cindy Owens 20 Eva Ferrell 20 Kirsten White 10 Blaine Barklow 10 Sharon Cochoran 30 Sandy Newman 20 Chelle Sollars 20 Brianne Cratty 10 Leslie Cross Summers 10 Debbie Greenleaf 10 Gail Bailey 10 Wendy Steidle 10 Debbie Dillon 20 Sue Hamilton 20 Sheri Hargrave 10

Amee Springsteen 10 10 Darla Pugmire Angie Painter 10 Shannon Sebastian 20 Brittney Mrenof 10 Summer Fox 10 Lynne Smith 10

PENNSYLVANIA

Marilyn Baver 10 Lucy Mudrick 40 Judith Hughes 30 John Metzger 40 Rosalyn Metzger 25 Lisa Metzger 25 Charlie Kasko 20 Dawn Cinti 20 Mary Meister 20 Bobby Biddle 20 Dr. Kiplee Bell-Morris 10 Mary Kaye Anthony, Esq 10 Dennis Clark 20 Susan Pettit, Esq. 25 20 Bob White Debra Wiley 10 Art Thompson 40 George Yanoshik, Jr. 40 Mary Lausch 10 Lisa Lutz Silver 20 Delma Rivera 20 John Klinedinst 20 kathy Smartnick 10 Debi Swarner 25 Matt Moore 40 John Metzger 40 Rosalyn Metzger 25 Lisa Metzger 25 20 Tracy Troutman Matt Moore 40 Dennis Clark 30 10 Chris Ruble Dennis Baker 10 20 Miriam Dalby Carolyn Kauffman 20

RHODE ISLAND

Debi D’Iorio Benita Arroyo James Metcalfe Pam Velecco Cheryl Cusick

SOUTH CAROLINA

40 40 20 30 30

Ashley Byrd 25 Chaz Ellis 25 Tim Rice 10 Lee Dutton 10 Brenda Byrd 20 Sandra Weaver 10 Benson Odom 10 Dixe Covington 10 Erin Gambrell 10 Robin Dixon 10 Frances Kendall 25 Dell Mattox 30 Kipp Martin 10 Annette Goodwin 10 Carolyn Oliver 10 Gary Loadholt 20 Vertie Crawford 10 Kim Forrest 30 Winifred Rodgers 10 Dr. Sandra Rouse-Berry 10 Samantha Norris 10 Chaunte Turner 10 Linda Spates 10 Wayne Spates 10 Sandy Freshman 20 Thomas Spade 10 40 Dr. Terry Pruitt Jessica Eubanks 10 Melissa Eubanks 10 Terry Garrison 10 Pam Farmer 10 Margie Watkins 25 10 Debbie Brown Paul White 25 Tim Brown 10 Mary Burns 10

Margaret Hays Mark Gregory Bill Burns Allison Johnson Mike Johnson Brooks Hearn Courtney Mozingo Teresa Brown Kevin Hindsman Jay Blackwel l Emile Lemoine Tamra Tootle Margaret Brackell Valerie Aiken Charles Aiken Jeff Black Amanda Upton Holly Cross Tiletha Lane Brittany Douglas

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 30 10 30 10 10 10 10 10 20 10

SOUTH DAKOTA

Carolyn Knutson Callee Bauman Wachter Judy Thies Tari McClung Sally Isburg Ray Peterson Sara Frankenstien Hoyt Kristi Richter Carol Nesbitt September Kirby

TENNESSEE

Janie Albright Belinda Arender Tommy Whitwell Elmer Harmon Yvonne Stewart Mary Hamilton Phyllis Daniel

10 25 25 30 50+ 20 25 30 25

40 10 40 40 10 10 10

TEXAS

Gaylene Baumgartner 10 Melissa Bruns 20 Regina Casaday 40 Melanie Crosby 10 Jackie Estes 10 Cindy Fennell 20 Jim Hanson 40 Sherry Hanson 40 Kelli Hendricks 10 Dena Hobbs-Lix 10 Angela Jackson 10 Did Kryfko 10 Paul Macias 30 Sheila Milner 10 Jan Mitchell 20 Matthew Mitchell 10 Warren Morrison 40 Staci Newton 10 Duc Nguyen 30 Scott Padgett 10 Carol Potter 20 Randy Pruett 50+ Mark Sandlin 20 Debbie Sherman 20 Susan Shuler 30 Becky Simmons 25 Stephanie Sparks 10 Debbie Staudt 20 Terry Telligman 40 Ricardo Tomas 10 Linda Van Zant 30 20 Ann Watson Tara Watson-Watkins 20 Dianna Winkfield 10

UTAH

Carly Condie Nicole Kielbasa Amy Rasmussen Terri Watkins

VERMONT

Barbara Wilkinson Darcie Fisher

10 10 10 10

10 25

VIRGINIA

40 40 30 30 30 30 25 25 25 20 20 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Leigh Berry Linda Haas Elaine Aikens Jeff Bunn MC Gravely Mark Schreier Eddie Delapp Dan Sellick Tommy Overstreet Chip Brown Bootie Chewning Scott Freda Callie Dalton Tammy Epes Emily Harvell Donna Horak Partick Moore Jeanie VandeLinde Rita Free Melinda Froelicher Emily Love Jacob Manthey Sherri McKinney Debbie Moulse Teresa Witte

WASHINGTON

Peggy Miller Patti Belik Darrin Emerick Mike Miller Sarah Whalen Carol Starcher Dot Stewart Carol Millron Cindy Godsey Sheri Backous Kelly Goodman Lona Graves Amanda Cheatham Lois Elaine Smith-Zoll Lisa Duffin Pam Novell Kenzi Kiefer Diane Ryan Tamie Bothell Joyce Shumway James Mahmood Emily Hursh Tren Walker DeDee Gesbrecht Mary Knutson Jim Knutson Shawn Peters Jennifer Gobel Pat Scott Debra Carlson Jo Reasons Gail Cowan Nikki Elledge Liz Anderson Keith Krueger Carol Krueger Wendy Hurst Pat Anderson Alicia Sego Jordyn Hatch Sharise Williams Kevin Huffer Vel Wright Roy Skagen Merrick Kingman Krystal Ramos Vince WadsworthStansbury Pat Spencer Arnetta Cheatham

20 50+ 25 20 25 25 25 20 30 10 10 10 20 50+ 40 10 10 10 10 20 20 10 10 25 30 30 30 10 30 20 20 20 10 10 20 20 40 10 10 10 10 10 20 25 20 20 10 40 10

WEST VIRGINIA

Shelley Nichols Franklin 25 Donna Newman 30 Candy Reid 40 Stan Taylor 30 Brenda Pyles 30 Sue Ellen Racey 10 Dawn Rix 10 Sherry Cain 30 Robbie Cain 30 Ruby Avey 25

MISS AME RI CA

WISCONSIN

Christine Baumgartner 30 Andrea (Berndt) Bender 10 Rich Berndt 10 Bob Boknevitz 30 Diane Czeszak 40 Jean Freimuth 40 George P. George 50+ Phyllis George 50+ Dave Goltz 30 Nancy Goltz 30 Rick Hackl 40 Dawn (Myszka) Haverfield-Swann 30 Greg Hecker 10 Steve Hecker 40 Marianne Kwiatkowski 30 Judie Mueller 30 Amy Meisterheim 20 Rebecca-Jean (Kurucz) Plank 20 Don Rask 10 Michele St. Marie-Boelkow 30 Cory Ann St. Marie-Carls 30 Ceil Schwalbach 30 Terry Thompson 10 20 Bob Wettengel Denise Wettengel 20 Dan Zimmer 10 Jeanne Schmal 50+ Brenda Baudo 30 30 Michael Baudo Meghan Coffey DeMore 10 30 Mark Ostendorf Gary Griedl 25 25 Mary Gronik Jeanie Hatfrield 10 Chris Richards 20 50+ Paul Jansen Debbie Hoeft 50+ 10 Sara Siekierski Traci Kramer 25 Nikki Saftig 25 20 Becky Zaffke Carla Coffey 10 25 Brent Manning Jenny Thomas 10 Michelle Keehan 10 10 Kristi Bare Caitlin Morrall Machol 10 Sally Stinson 30 Phil Addis 10 Florence Aliesch 20 Kristina Schoh 10 Jean Reinhard 30 Judy Smith 30 Barbara Best 50+ Sha-Nita Rhea 10 Mary Berger 30 Darlene Darrow 30 Denise Griedl 25 Cindy Knaggs 20 Carol Krueger 30 Gordy Lund 50+ Trisha Lund 10 Patti Karlgaard 30 Marilyn McCormick 50+ Joyce Pollnow 30 Jaye Roeming 30 20 Cathy Steinert Jay Zahn 25 Kathy Behling 10 Sandy Pierre 20 Brian Kenzik 10 20 Michael Raye Debra Morrall 10 Barbara Suprak 10 Cherri Chambliss 10 Tom Preston 30 Claudette DeGarmo 25 Kris Alt 30 James Haase 10 Stacy Haase 10 Daniel Ireland 20 10 Michael DeBaere Mary Nelson 30 Peggy Ruedinger 25

100 YE ARS

255

THANK YOU

The Miss America Organization Expresses

THANKS

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

MISS AMERICA HOST VENUE PARTNER Mohegan Sun MISS AMERICA PARTNERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Rebel Athletic Samp Law Offices JC Productions and crew The Sash Company KA Concepts Crown Couture Collections Red Scarf Gifts SaneSolution USO Troops Olde Mistick Village PROOF Protection Sherman Chiropractic College Rowan UniversityMemorabilia Archive Project Spotfund Fundraising Host Site MISS AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP DONORS Shawntel Smith Wuerch and Ryan Wuerch Century Club Donors

MISS AMERICA COMPETITION AUDITORS EY (Ernst & Young, LLP)

GIFTS PROVIDED TO MISS AMERICA Wight Elephant, Irwin, PA Brittany’s Boutique, Merrimack, NH Crown Couture Collections by Lindley Mayer for LUGGAGE and Crown Box Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University Red Scarf Gift Co. Rebel Athletic Steady Straps Touchstone Crystals by Renee Fleming

FOREVER MISS AMERICA HOSPITALITY Joel Ballesteros Heather French Liz Brown Mallory Hagan MISS AMERICA CROWN KA Concepts Ltd MISS AMERICA SASH The Sash Company

MISS AMERICA PRESS OPERATIONS BML Public Relations Mohegan Sun

COMPETITION PIANOS KAWAI Piano

MISS AMERICA COMPETITION SECURITY TEAM The Crowd Management Group, LLC MAGAZINE PUBLISHER SourceOne Graphics / Rodney Neely, Wheeler Printing MAO Security Director Kelly Bales Lewis Arnold Marisa Rodgers Tim Christy MISS AMERICA 2022 Beth Hartlage JUDGES CHAIR SUPPORTING SERVICES Christopher Taylor Jennifer Crawford Ernst & Young, LLP Kevin Walsh IT Help Support Inc. Marcus Neely CANDIDATE TALENT AND DRESSING Lear & Pannepacker, LLP Greg Williams ROOM COORDINATORS WithumSmith+Brown Megan Lennon Quinn & Hary Marketing MISS AMERICA MaryLee Cale BML Public Relations ORGANIZATION MEDIC Donna Klerk Timothy Baker Susan Henrique MISS AMERICA OFFICIAL EVENING WEAR PROVIDER Sherri Hill FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO ALL 51 CANDIDATES Sherman Chiropractic College MISS AMERICA 100TH PARADE AND GALA VOLUNTEERS Miss Connecticut State Organization Olde Mistick Village Mystic Country, CT

MISS AMERICA EMPOWER ACADEMY Kim Parrish Lindley Mayer MERCHANDISE TABLE VOLUNTEER Anthony LaRusso MISS AMERICA OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Bruce Boyajian Jenn Cady

The best staff anyone could ask for... Thank you for all of your hard work to make these 100th Anniversary celebrations a huge success! –

256

Shantel

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

MAO VOLUNTEERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY State & Local Board Members State Executive Directors Local Directors Supporters, Donors & Partners

Brent Adams Marc Angeli Julie Hoffman Bailey Barger Liz Brown

Brenda Goldsmith Caroline Hunter Theresa Read Rodney Neely and Teresa Bray

Let Brittany be your Personal Pageant Concierge SHE WILL HELP FIND THE PERFECT DRESS AND ACCESSORIES!

Sherri Hill Couture * Jovani * Ashley Lauren * Johnathan Kayne * Rachel Allan Alyce Paris * Jessica Angel * Primavera Couture * Sydney’s Closet

Purchase anytime online! www.facebook.com/brittanysboutique1 | (603) 566-4107 | instagram @brittanysboutique1 LOCATED IN MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WE SHIPMISS WORLDWIDE! AME RI CA 100 YE ARS

257

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE

MISS AMERICA I N

258

Y O U R

M ISSAM E RI CA .ORG / / #MISSA MERICA10 0

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100 YE ARS

259

Cover & Back Cover Photo credit: Austin Ryde Photography

Preparing great women for the world. Preparing the world for great women. 260

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MISS AMERICA COMPETITION MAGAZINE - 100 YEARS

Articles inside

MISS AMERICA COMPETITION MAGAZINE - 100 YEARS