Like many little girls, Abbie Stockard grew up watching pageants on TV with her mom and was captivated by the contestants. They inspired her, and she hopes to inspire others as she competes for the Miss America title on Jan. 5 in Orlando, Fla.
She competed as Miss Hoover to win the Miss Alabama title in June 2024 and says the last several months have been “truly incredible.” She has advocated for cystic fibrosis, her community service initiative, and has personally raised $200,000 to promote awareness for the disorder. She met with Gov. Kay Ivey and both of Alabama’s U.S. senators and has been busy emceeing local preliminary pageants across the state and lending her name to countless other fundraising and charitable causes.
Though she is required to take a year off from school as Miss Alabama, she will return to her nursing school studies at Auburn University after her reign concludes. She has been a member of the Tiger Paws dance team and a student recruiter. When she graduates in December 2026 with her nursing degree, she plans to gain one to two years of critical care experience before applying to nurse anesthetist school.
We asked Abbie to talk about her experiences so far, and what she’s looking forward to. – Allison Law
You’ll compete in the Miss America competition in January, is that right?
Yes! Miss America is in January in Orlando, Fla. We’ll be flying to Orlando with our directors on Dec. 27. After checking into our hotels, the festivities will begin the very next day!
Here’s a fun fact: Last year, Ali Mims, who is now Miss Alabama’s Teen, and I were Miss Hoover and Miss Hoover’s Teen, and we took a trip to Miss America with our director. While sitting in the audience that night, we looked at each other and wondered, “What are the odds that could be us next year?” It turns out it was! This moment is extra special because we’ll be returning to Orlando together, but this time as Miss Alabama and Miss Alabama’s Teen!
How are you preparing for Miss America?
Preparing for Miss America involves many aspects that go beyond what’s visible on stage. There are five competition categories: On-Stage Question, Fitness, Talent, Evening Gown, and the one-on-one interview with the judges. Through media appearances and public speaking, I’m improving my skills, which helps me feel more confident.
In terms of fitness, I work out three times a week with the Miss Alabama personal trainer and maintain a balanced diet to support a heart-healthy lifestyle. I am also spending a lot of time in the studio practicing my talent which is a dance routine. Mastering the gown walk is more challenging than it seems, especially with nerves involved.
The interview is where I dedicate the most time, treating it like a job interview. It’s essential to be well-versed in political and global affairs, as well as understanding the Miss America opportunity inside and out. For the past month, I’ve been doing interview prep with one of our sponsors at the Miss Alabama office, and we’ll continue with mock interviews until the competition.
What will you do for the talent portion?
I will be performing a contemporary dance to “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. This dance is extremely special to me. It was one of my grandmother’s favorite songs, and she picked it out for me before she passed away. She would say “Abbie, whenever you hear this song, I want you to be reminded of these things. You are worthy. You are beautiful. You are strong, and never let anyone make you think otherwise.” My hope is that when I perform this piece, it will remind people of the importance of remembering your worth and staying true to who you are.
What is it like to wear that beautiful crown?
Wearing the Miss Alabama crown is truly an honor. I’m not just Abbie anymore, I am Miss Alabama. Once that crown is on your head, you take on a responsibility. For me, it’s a commitment to be a light, a role model, an inspiration, and a friend to everyone I meet. It’s an opportunity to use my position of influence to be a source of power and light and to help others feel seen and valued. I could never grow tired of wearing that crown! When my year is up, someone might have to hide my crown just to stop me from wearing it!
Follow Abbie on Instagram at @missamericaal.
Photo courtesy of the governor’s office.
