How do you think the Miss America Organization and
pageants in general affect young girls and boys?
I think it’s very important that young girls and boys
understand that the Miss America Organization is not a
“beauty pageant”, it is so much more than that. It is first
and foremost about scholarship and service. The girls
who hold titles in the Miss America system are always
giving back to their communities, doing philanthropic
work, and changing lives everywhere they go.
You surprised everyone with your talent in operatic
singing. You are fabulous! How did you start singing?
I started taking classical voice lessons when I was 14 and
continued through college. I didn’t know I would be
learning to sing opera when I began my voice lessons, but
I’m glad I did. I prefer to sing musical theatre, pop, and
country music. My favorite musicals are “Wicked” and
Photo Courtesy of The Miss America Organization/Bruce V. Boyajian
The advice ...stay
authentic and not to
let anyone change
them in preparation
for the c ompetition
“Les Miserables.” I would love to be on Broadway one
day, but I would also love a career just singing. Maybe
make a country album someday!
What is the most important thing you have taken
away from winning Miss America 2016?
The most important thing I took away from winning the
2016 Miss America Competition was that any young
woman can become Miss America, if she sets her mind
to it. Before I began my journey to Miss America, I was
just an average Joe. Now as Miss America, I am able to
inspire people all over the country with my platform,
Healthy Children, Strong America, and my message to
follow your dreams. Mistakes happen in life, it’s how we
handle our mistakes that matter. Dust yourself off, learn
from it, and move forward. I can say with confidence
that my outlook on life has definitely changed.