Twelve young women from the University of Alabama are taking the stage this week at Samford University in Birmingham, vying for the prestigious title of Miss Alabama 2024. Let's meet some of the contestants and learn about the inspiring community service initiatives they are championing:
Rylie Dewley from Grand Blanc, Michigan, is competing as Miss Heart of Dixie with her initiative 'Start Heart Smart,' focusing on educating America's youth about maintaining a healthy heart.
Imani Muse hailing from Chicago is competing as Miss Birmingham, advocating #SAM -- Small Acts Matter to inspire tangible change.
Carson Champion representing Valley is competing as Miss Trussville with her initiative 'Champions SERVE' aimed at making a difference.
Ashley Gattis from Arab is competing as Miss Cotton State with 'Giver of Blood, Giver of Life' as her community service initiative.
Hannah Adams from Birmingham is competing as Miss Mobile Bay and promoting 'Hannah's Hope' to find a cure for pediatric cancer.
Ibby Dickson from Sylacauga is competing as Miss Historic Springville with 'Mentoring Matters' as her initiative.
Maddi Heath representing Spanish Fort is competing as Miss Jubilee with 'WOW: Working on Wellness' as her cause.
Mara Eva Cline from Braselton, Georgia, is competing as Miss Hidden River and raising awareness for melanoma prevention with 'Safe in the Sun.'
Marissa Luna from Birmingham is representing University of Alabama with 'More Than Meets the Eye' as her community service initiative.
Reagan Hanson from Trussville is competing as Miss Southern Hospitality and advocating for 'Reagan's Rally: Encourage to S.E.R.V.E.'
Summer Waters from Luverne is competing as Miss Autauga County Fair and supporting 'Girls on the Run' in her community service.
Chloe Yates from Louisville, Kentucky, is competing as Miss Phenix City and promoting 'Special Olympics' to embrace diversity.
The young woman who clinches the Miss Alabama 2024 title will go on to represent the state at the prestigious Miss America pageant later this year. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Miss Alabama competition.