Miss America Abbie Stockard Backs Age Limit for Competition

Orlando: Abbie Stockard just snagged the Miss America crown on January 5. She’s got some strong opinions about the competition’s age limit. Stockard believes it should stay as is, unlike Miss USA, which recently changed its rules.

For Miss America, contestants must be between 18 and 28. Stockard thinks this age limit has worked well for the pageant. She mentioned that it helps create a sense of sisterhood among the participants.

At 22, she’s a student at Auburn University and feels that having an age cap is essential for empowering young women. She pointed out that it’s all about fostering friendships and support.

While Miss America sticks to its age rules, Miss USA now allows women over 28 to compete. This change was made to promote inclusivity, but some past contestants are skeptical about it.

Stockard, however, is all for keeping the current Miss America guidelines. She also appreciates that contestants can now be open about their relationships, which wasn’t always the case. This change could encourage more women to join the competition without feeling they have to hide their personal lives.