Photo Courtesy of The Miss America Organization/Bruce V. Boyajian
“best part definitely hearing
‘Georgia’ called at the end as
the winner”
I would also love a
career just singing.
Maybe make a
country album
someday!
What was the most difficult thing about the competition?
The most difficult part of competition was my onstage question during
the live telecast. I had no idea what I would be asked and I didn’t want
to embarrass myself on national television.
about. I want young girls and boys to look up to me as an example of
what following your dreams can do. I want to encourage them to achieve
something great and use that empowerment and fame to do something
for others and make a difference in the world.
What was the best thing about the competition?
The best part was definitely hearing “Georgia” called at the end of the
night as the winner. I couldn’t believe my ears! After two long weeks of
work and stress, it was all instantly worth it.
What advice can you give to anybody who wants to participate in
pageant competitions?
The advice I would give to anyone who wants to compete in pageants
would be to stay authentic and not to let anyone change them in preparation for the competition. They should choose to be a trailblazer with
their personality, talent, and ideas.
What are you current responsibilities now as Miss America 2016?
I have many responsibilities as Miss America. I travel non-stop for the
year to advocate for my personal platform, Healthy Children, Strong
America, while also acting as the National Goodwill Ambassador for
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This provides me the opportunity to visit children around the country, many of whom are battling
life-threatening illnesses. Philanthropy is such an important part of being
Miss America and it’s my job to encourage others to be a volunteer and
an advocate in their own communities.
Do you consider yourself a role model?
I definitely consider myself a role model. That’s what Miss America is all
And finally, who are your biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters are definitely my family and friends back in Georgia. They have supported me non-stop through this whole process and
I wouldn’t be here with the title of Miss America without them. I’m so
very thankful to everyone who continues to support me and pray for me
as this amazing year continues.
Joseph Ribkoff has been the official wardrobe sponsor for the Miss
America organization for the past seven years.
www.josephribkoff.com