The Miss America pageant took place in Orlando, Florida on Sunday night, and a new winner has been crowned!
Miss Alabama Wins Miss America
The new Miss America is Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old Auburn University nursing student and cheerleader who entered the pageant as the reigning Miss Alabama. She managed to beat out first runner-up Annette Addo-Yobo, the first foreign-born delegate to win Miss Texas. Rounding out the top five were contestants from Tennessee, Florida and Ohio.
“This is insane,” Stockard said after her win. “I don’t know what I did to deserve this.”
Throughout the competition, Stockard competed in evening gown, talent, and fitness, the last of which has replaced the swimsuit portion.
One of Stockard’s best moments of the night came in the “Hot Topics” portion. She was asked about the declining labor force participation rate among 25-to-54-year-olds in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I believe we need to encourage those (people) to join the workforce, adapt to new skills and learn to grow in our current workforce and industries we have today,” Stockard replied.
Related: Former Miss America Auditions For ‘American Idol’ With ‘Jesus Take The Wheel’
Stockard Thanks The Lord
Hours before her win, Stockard took to Instagram to give credit to God.
“As I step into this evening, I am filled with excitement, honor, and gratitude,” Stockard wrote. “Thanking the Lord for placing me here this week and giving me one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”
“Regardless of the outcome, I want to express my deepest thanks to my friends, family, the amazing Miss Alabama board, and the wonderful people of Alabama for making me feel so appreciated and loved,” she continued. “I hope I’ve made you proud and represented you well.”
As the new Miss America, Stockard will receive $50,000 in scholarship money. She’s a nursing major who wants to earn an advanced degree, a doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice, and specialize in pediatrics. She’s going to need it with that kind of schooling!
The four runners-up each received $10,000 in scholarship money.
Stockard is the fourth Miss Alabama to win the Miss America title. The other three were Deidre Downs, Miss America 2005; Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995; and Yolande Betbeze, Miss America 1951. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey took to social media to praise Stockard after her win.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Abbie, and I know firsthand what an outstanding young woman she is,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself with Stockard. “She is incredibly deserving of this honor.”
Related: U.S. Air Force Officer Crowned As New Miss America
Stockard’s Athlete Boyfriend
Stockard is at least somewhat used to the limelight, considering her boyfriend is Walker Kessler, the center for the Utah Jazz. Coincidentally, Kessler was also competing in Orlando on Sunday night. Indeed, his team defeated Orlando Magic by a score of 105-92.
Stockard is taking over the Miss America title from Madison Marsh, who is an officer in the United States Air Force. Last year, Marsh became the first member of the United States Armed Forces to win the Miss America title.
Stockard seems like one talented and intelligent young woman who will be a great representative of our country. We can’t wait to see what this year brings for her during her Miss America reign!
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