MISS NEBRASKA 2012

Kayla Batt

Alliance, Nebraska

Age: 21

Education:

Alliance High School

University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Platform Issue: Make Music Rock: The Importance of Music Education.

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate Degree in English with a minor in Piano.

Talent: Vocal.

Scholastic Honors: Scholarship Recipient from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications for superior academic achievement.

Career Ambition: To teach English at a collegiate level while teaching piano lessons.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Omaha/Douglas County Scholarship Pageant.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program.

MISS MONTANA 2012

Veronika Ohlinger
Cooke City, Montana
Age: 23

Education:
Wahama High School
West Virginia Wesleyan.

Platform Issue: Inspiring America: Dare to Dream.

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Talent: Vocal.

Scholastic Honors: Who's Who Among College Students; MAOT Academic Scholarship; Academic Scholarships.

Career Ambition: To become a successful television host and establish a non-profit organization.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Montana Scholarship Program.

MISS MISSOURI 2012

Mary Margaret Roark

Cleveland, Mississippi

Age: 21

Education:

Bayou Academy High School

Mississippi State University.

Platform Issue: J.E.W.E.L.S. for Alzheimer's.

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors and attend law school.

Talent: Piano.

Scholastic Honors: Shackouls Honors College; Phi Kappa Phi; President's Scholar.

Career Ambition: To practice law in the entertainment industry.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss North Central Mississippi.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Mississippi Scholarship Organization.

MISS MISSISIPI 2012

Mary Margaret Roark

Cleveland, Mississippi

Age: 21

Education:

Bayou Academy High School

Mississippi State University

Platform Issue: J.E.W.E.L.S. for Alzheimer's

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors and attend law school

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Shackouls Honors College; Phi Kappa Phi; President's Scholar

Career Ambition: To practice law in the entertainment industry

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss North Central Mississippi

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Mississippi Scholarship Organization

MISS MINNESOTA 2012

Natalie Davis

Dassel, Minnesota

Age: 22

Education:

Dassel-Cokato High School

St. Olaf College.

Platform Issue: Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece.

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and a Medical Doctorate.

Talent: Vocal Performance.

Scholastic Honors: St. Olaf Presidential Scholar; St. Olaf Community Scholar; Blue Key Honor Society.

Career Ambition: To become a pediatrician.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Mankato Organization.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Minnesota Scholarship Organization.

MISS MICHIGAN 2012

Elizabeth Ann Wertenberger

Dundee, Michigan

Age: 22

Education:

Dundee High School

Kendall College of Art & Design

Platform Issue: Continue to Dream: Giving Hope to Children With Chronic Illnesses

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain NCIDQ accreditidation, as well as become an accredited LEED AP designer

Talent: Jazz Dance

Scholastic Honors: Graduated with Honors

Career Ambition: To own and operate my own design firm specializing in branded design

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Southwest Michigan

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Michigan Scholarship Organization

MISS MASSACHUSETTS 2012

Molly Whalen

Middleboro, Massachusetts

Age: 21

Education:

Coyle and Cassidy High School

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Northeastern University.

Platform Issue: Smart Smiles: Promoting the Importance of Oral Health.

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master of Science degree in Applied Nutrition.

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene Merit Scholarship; President's Award for Academic Science

Career Ambition: To teach Dental Hygiene at the collegiate level

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Taunton

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

MISS MARYLAND 2012

Carlie Colella

Hagerstown, Maryland

Age: 21

Education:

North Hagerstown High School

Hood College.

Platform Issue: Empowerment of Women: Creating an Equal Opportunity for Success.

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing.

Talent: Contemporary Dance.

Scholastic Honors: Dean's Scholarship; MD State Senatorial Scholarship; The J. Harold Hooper Scholarship.

Career Ambition: To become an event planner.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Central Maryland.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Maryland Scholarship Organization.

MISS MAINE 2012

Julia Furtado

Dayton, Maine

Age: 20

Education:

Catherine McAuley High School

University of New England

Platform Issue: Leadership Among Our Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To earn a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Applied Exercise Science Student of The Year in 2009

Career Ambition: To become a pediatric physical therapist

Local Competition Sponsor: N/A

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Maine Scholarship Pageant

MISS LOUISIANA 2012

Hope Anderson

Monroe, Louisiana

Age: 23

Education:

Ouachita High School

University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Platform Issue: Pilots for Patients.

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Health Communications from Johns Hopkins University.

Talent: Contemporary Pointe Dance.

Scholastic Honors: Summa Cum Laude Graduate; Student Involvement Scholarship; Mass Communications Student of the Year.

Career Ambition: To be an anchor on the "Today Show".

Local Competition Sponsor: Spirit of Ruston Scholarship Pageant.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Louisiana Scholarship Organization.

MISS KENTUCKY 2012

Ann Blair Thornton

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Age: 22

Education:

Bowling Green High School

Western Kentucky University

Platform Issue: Alzheimer's Awareness Research

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a law degree

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: N.O. Taft Economics Scholarship-2010 & 2011; Presidents List 2008-2011; National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Career Ambition: To become a practicing attorney

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Bowling Green

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization

MISS KANSAS 2012

Carissa Kelley
Winfield, Kansas
Age: 24

Education:
Home Schooled/Winfield High School
Cowley College.

Platform Issue: No Kid Hungry.

Scholastic Ambition: To receive a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition.

Talent: Dance.

Scholastic Honors: Dean's Honor Roll; Full Scholarship for every semester attended.

Career Ambition: To own my own Dance Studio, and become a dietitian.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Wooded Hills/ Sarah Jump.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Kansas Scholaraship Organization.

MISS IOWA 2012

Jessica Pray

Johnston, Iowa

Age: 19

Education:

Johnston High School

University of Iowa

Platform Issue: Saving Lives Through the Gift of Blood Donation

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors

Talent: Contemporary Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Recipient of University of Iowa Music Scholarship; Honors Program, Dean's List both semesters freshman year of college

Career Ambition: To become a performer with an opera company

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Muscatine Scholarship Program.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Iowa Scholarship Program.

MISS INDIANA 2012

Jackie Jerlecki

Goshen, Indiana

Age: 23

Education:

Goshen High School

Bowling Green State University

Platform Issue: Support the Arts-A Vital Part of a Vibrant Community

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master of Arts degree in Youth Theatre

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Grant-In-Aid 'Acting' Scholarship; BGSU Success Scholarship; Indiana's Junior Miss Scholarship Awards

Career Ambition: To become an artistic director for a community children's theatre

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Duneland Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Indiana Scholarship Organization

MISS ILLINOIS 2012

Hannah Smith

Huntley, Illinois

Age: 20

Education:

Huntley High School

McHenry County College/Northern Illinois University

Platform Issue: Distracted Driving... FOCUS!

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain my Master's Degree in Dance Performance and Business Administration

Talent: Ballet en Pointe

Scholastic Honors: Northern Illinois University's Renee LeBeau Scholarship; McHenry County Promise Program Recipient; Carolyn Paulus Scholarship Award

Career Ambition: To own a dance studio

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Windy City Scholarship Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Illinois Scholarship Association, Inc.

MISS IDAHO 2012

Genevieve Nutting

Boise, Idaho

Age: 22

Education:

Capital High School

Boise State University

Platform Issue: Building the 3 C's Through Girl Scouts - Courage, Character and Confidence

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Journalism

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Recipient of numerous scholarships; Member of National Honor Society throughout High School; Recipient of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence

Career Ambition: To become a journalist for a women's health and fitness magazine.

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Tri-Counties Scholarship Program

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Idaho Scholarship Program

MISS HAWAII 2012

Lauren Kealohilani Cheape

Mililani, Hawaii

Age: 24

Education:

Mililani High School

University of Hawaii

Platform Issue: C.A.R.E. Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Business Administration

Talent: Jump Rope Routine

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List, University of Hawaii Scholar Athelete, Academy for Creative Media Film Award

Career Ambition: To become a film director

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss East Oahu Scholarship Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Hawaii Organization, Inc.

MISS GEORGIA 2012

Michaela Grace Lackey
Marietta, Georgia
Age: 22

Education:
Walton High School
University of North Carolina

Platform Issue: PASSION: Performing Artists Serving Society In Our Neighborhoods

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters degree in Arts Management

Talent: Classical Ballet en Pointe

Scholastic Honors: Merit Scholarship-UNCSA; Academic Competitive Grant; First Place in Science Fair

Career Ambition: To become a dancer, choreographer, and direct my own professional dance company

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Heart of Lakes Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Georgia Program Corporation

MISS FLORIDA 2012

Kristina Janolo

Kissimmee, Florida

Age: 24

Education:

Bishop Moore High School

University of Central Florida

Platform Issue: America's Wake Up Call - Protect Our Environment

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Recipient; Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Bishop Moore High School

Career Ambition: To work in the non-profit sector as an Executive Director

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Winter Park Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant, Inc.

MISS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 2012

Ashley Boalch
Sandy Spring, Maryland
Age: 23

Education:
Sherwood High School
University of Maryland

Platform Issue: Making Cents: The Next Generation of Business Owners

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master of Arts degree in Communication

Talent: Pop Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dr. Harry Harden Award for Academic Excellence, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity, Award for Scholastic Excellence in Women's Studies

Career Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Communication

State Competition Sponsor: Miss District of Columbia Scholarship Organization

MISS DELAWARE 2012

Maria Cahill
Newark, Delaware
Age: 20

Education:
Aquinas Academy High School
Wilmington University

Platform Issue: Project 16-26: Drive Safe, Drive Smart

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters Degree in Marketing and Communications

Talent: Irish Step Dance

Scholastic Honors: Honor Roll

Career Ambition: To have my own talk show

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Rehoboth Beach Scholarship Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization

MISS CONECTICUT 2012

Morgan Amarone

Hamden, Connecticut

Age: 23

Education:

Hamden High School

Quinnipiac University

Platform Issue: The Power of Pink: Cancer Education Awareness

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain my Master of Business Administration Degree in Healthcare Management

Talent: Jazz Dance

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Accepted into MBA Program as a Junior; One of three students chosen for National Leadership Conference

Career Ambition: To work administratively in a hospital or healthcare facility

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Southington Scholarship Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Connecticut Scholarship Corporation

MISS COLORADO 2012

Diana Dreman

Denver, Colorado

Age: 23

Education:

Littleton High School

University of Colorado - Leeds School of Business

Platform Issue: The American Cancer Society-The Official Sponsor of Birthdays

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Social Enterprise

Talent: Musical Theater Dance

Scholastic Honors: Social Enterprise Certificate; Leeds School of Business Dean's List;Qwest Leadership Challenge Scholarship Recipient

Career Ambition: To audit Fortune 500 companies as a partner in Deloitte's Assurance Practice

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Colorado Scholarship Organization, LLC

MISS CALIFORNIA 2012

Noelle Freeman
Carlsbad, California
Age: 22

Education:
Carlsbad High School
Chapman University

Platform Issue: A Promising Future For Autism

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film Production

Talent: Ballet en Pointe

Scholastic Honors: Scholar athlete (2004-2007); Acceptance into Dodge Film School at Chapman University; Graduated with a double major in PR and Communication Studies

Career Ambition: To form an advertising agency

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Culver City Scholarship Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss California Scholarship Organization

MISS ARKANSAS 2012

Kristen Glover
Stuttgart, Arkansas
Age: 22

Education:
Stuttgart High School
Ouachita Baptist University
University of Arkansas for Medical Science

Platform Issue: Second Chances Through Mentoring

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy

Talent: Tap Dance

Scholastic Honors: Ouachita Baptist University Scholar; President's List; Magna Cum Laude

Career Ambition: To become a clinical pharmacist

Local Competition Sponsor: Ouachita Baptist University Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant,Inc.

MISS ARIZONA 2012

Jennifer Sedler

Chandler, Arizona

Age: 20

Education:

Hamilton High School

University of Arizona Honors College of Medicine

Platform Issue: Supporting Children with Life Threatening Illnesses

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors and attend medical school

Talent: Jazz Dance

Scholastic Honors: 4.0 GPA in Honors College; Arizona Board of Regents High Honors Tuition Scholarship; Member of National Honor Society

Career Ambition: To become a pediatric oncologist

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Phoenix Scholarship Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Arizona Scholarship Foundation Inc.

MISS ALASKA 2012

Katy Lovegreen

Anchorage, Alaska

Age: 21

Education:

Polaris K-12

Alaska Pacific University

Platform Issue: Speak Out: Promoting Public Speaking and Debate Programs for Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors from APU with a Bachelor's degree in K-8 Education

Talent: Irish Step Dance

Scholastic Honors: Atwood Distinguished Scholarship; 2010 Alaska MAO Award; Recognized by ETS for excellence in scoring in the top 15% of Praxis Elementary Content test takers

Career Ambition: To become an Elementary Educator

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Alaska Scholarship Foundation

MISS ALABAMA 2012

Courtney Porter

Clay, Alabama

Age: 25

Education:

Clay-Chalkville

Auburn University

Platform Issue: Mentoring At-Risk Youth Through The Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's degree in Communications

Talent: Tap Dance

Scholastic Honors: Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society; Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society; Lambda Sigma

Career Ambition: To work in the Communications/PR Field in a corporation sector or a hospital

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Leeds Area Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc.