Miss America Winner Prepared with Political Topics Before the Pageant

Auburn: Abbie Stockard just snagged the Miss America title on January 5. This 22-year-old student from Auburn University really put in the work to prepare. She created a binder packed with 150 political and current event topics, studying them daily for months.

Before stepping on stage, she wanted to nail the interview round. Stockard treated her prep like studying for a big test, diving into those topics and even doing mock interviews a couple of times a week.

Her hard work paid off, making her the fourth Miss Alabama to win in the pageant’s long history. In a chat with Business Insider, she shared how crucial it is for Miss America to discuss global issues.

The pageant includes various rounds, like evening wear and talent, but the interviews are where contestants really shine. They can ask anything, so being ready is key. Stockard faced questions about kids and cellphones, diversity, and even hot topics like censorship and immigration during her interviews.

Interestingly, while Miss America embraces these discussions, Miss USA has moved away from them. The new leadership there decided to keep politics and religion out of the interviews, which has sparked some controversy among past contestants.

Stockard believes it’s vital for her to speak on issues that matter today. She wants to use her platform to inspire civic engagement and encourage people to stay informed. She sees Miss America as a role model who can connect with everyone, no matter their background or beliefs.