CHLOE Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 107

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.