ORLANDO, Fla. — Abbie Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student and cheerleader from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was crowned Miss America 2025 on Friday night, earning her a $50,000 scholarship and a place in pageant history. Stockard dazzled judges with a contemporary dance performance to Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” and captivated audiences with her poise and passion for serving others.
Stockard is the fourth Miss Alabama to win the national title, joining the ranks of previous winners from the state, including Heather Whitestone, who in 1995 became the first deaf Miss America. Stockard’s victory at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando continues Alabama’s strong legacy in the competition.
The Miss America pageant, founded in 1921, has evolved from a beauty contest to a scholarship competition emphasizing talent, academics, and community service. Over the decades, the organization has redefined its mission, shedding its swimsuit competition in 2018 to focus on empowering women through education and advocacy.
The 97th edition of the pageant featured contestants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, competing for a total of $435,000 in scholarships. This year’s event was streamed online rather than broadcast on network television, a shift reflecting changing viewer habits.
Stockard succeeds Madison Marsh of Colorado, Miss America 2024, who was the first active-duty Air Force officer to hold the title.
Stockard’s journey to the crown began with her passion for healthcare and education. A senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she is pursuing a degree in nursing with plans to specialize in pediatric care. Stockard has been a cheerleader for UAB’s Blazers and is an advocate for children’s health, focusing her platform on increasing access to care for underserved communities.
Her talent performance, a contemporary dance, highlighted her years of training in dance and her ability to connect emotionally with audiences.
As Miss America 2025, Stockard will embark on a year-long journey as the organization’s national ambassador, promoting its values and scholarship initiatives. She will also continue her advocacy work, inspiring others to pursue their dreams through education and community service.
Alabama’s Miss America Winners
• Heather Whitestone (1995): First deaf Miss America, who used her platform to advocate for the hearing impaired.
• Kelly Jones (1967): Known for her operatic talent.
• Yolande Betbeze (1951): Pioneered change in the pageant by refusing to pose in swimsuits, helping redefine its focus.
With her win, Stockard becomes a part of this storied legacy, carrying Alabama’s pride to the national stage once again.