The 97th annual Miss America pageant has officially crowned their winner with the beautiful and talented Abbie Stockard from Alabama now taking on the coveted title.
On Sunday, Jan. 6, the Miss America finals ceremony was held at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, where Abbie was presented the incredible honor. And as Abbie becomes the next Miss America, we're taking a closer look at the life of the 22-year-old who brought home a staggering $50,000 in tuition scholarship money and the chance to travel America as the brand ambassador for the Miss America Organization.
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Who is Abbie Stockard
Abbie is a 22-year-old college student from from Birmingham, Alabama, and is currently a student at Auburn University, where she is studying nursing. The blonde beauty shared that her long-term goal is to earn an advanced degree, a doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice, and specialize in pediatrics.
Outside of her studies, Abbie is a college athlete and a member of the Tiger Paws Dance Team, which is a nationally ranked competition dance team that focuses on Jazz, Kick and Pom Technique. According to her Instagram, Abbie is in a happy relationship with her boyfriend Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
Ahead of the Miss America competition, Abbie shared a post to her followers reflecting on her journey to the pageant. She penned, "As I step into this evening, I am filled with excitement, honor, and gratitude. Thanking the Lord for placing me here this week and giving me one of the most incredible experiences of my life."
She continued, "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. I hope I’ve made you proud and represented you well.†Abbie concluded her post with a Bible verse from Romans 8:28 that read, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.â€
How Abbie won Miss America
Abbie was crowned Miss America among 52 other women that traveled from all across the country, one from each state plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, as they competed in several categories. Throughout the competition, Abbie shined in seven different categories including the Private Interview, Fitness, Talent, Evening Wear and On Stage Question.
In the Hot Topics category, contestants were asked a series of questions focused on technology, immigration, health care, climate change, censorship, among other pressing issues facing the United States today. As for the talent portion of the night, Abbie brought out her dancing skills as she performed a flawless contemporary dance to Lauren Daigle’s hit song 'You Say.'
Abbie is the fourth Miss Alabama to be crowned Miss America, following in the footsteps of past winners including Deidre Downs, Miss America 2005; Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995; and Yolande Betbeze, Miss America 1951.
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