The Miss America Experience

Miss America was such an incredible and eye-opening experience! I was able to see first-hand how all the local pageants in the Miss America system culminate in something larger than life—a live broadcast for all of America to see. One of my favorite memories was visiting the Miss America exhibit at the Sheraton Hotel. I stood under the statue that sings as you’re “crowned,” and I could almost imagine that being me one day!

Cheering on our very own Miss New Hampshire, Marisa Moorhouse, was so much fun! She’s such a beautiful and kind person, and I can honestly say she had the most amazing evening gown walk out of all the contestants. Spending time with #TeamNH was rewarding, as I look up to many members on our board and appreciate their commitment to the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program and all of the girls who compete. At the end of the week, we were all extremely proud of Marisa and how she represented the granite state!

With all of the changes in the Miss America system, I was pleasantly surprised with how the show played out. I actually liked the Onstage Interview competition, as it gave the contestants a chance to showcase a continuation of their private interview in the public arena. In addition, highlighting each girl’s Social Impact Initiative at the end of evening gown was tasteful, because it gave the audience a chance to learn about what they are passionate about in their community which is something that is not usually touched upon outside of interview.

During the week at Miss America, I was able to meet several influential people in the pageant world. On Preliminary Night 1, I met Matt and Meredith Boyd! They were the sweetest couple, and hopefully one day I will get to work with them! On Preliminary Night 2, I met Bill Wolfe, the superstar of Miss America talents, and I got some amazing ideas for my Miss New Hampshire talent this upcoming year.

Most importantly, I spent some quality time with my director, Kendra, and we went over a lot of information for Miss New Hampshire 2019. My experience at Miss America allowed me to see the big picture in the Miss America Organization. The service we perform at the local level helps each girl build a foundation of generosity and humility that ideally carry her throughout her year as a state titleholder and maybe even as Miss America, herself.