Four students of Auburn University competed in this year’s Miss Alabama Pageant, Brooklyn Holt, Karson Fair, Mary Ann McDougal and Charlton McKenna Locke.
The pageant took place over four days and concluded on June 10 at the Samford University’s Wright Center in Birmingham.
According to the official Miss Alabama website, their mission is “to help educate the young women in Alabama by providing scholarships for their college education.”
Karson Fair, who represented Miss Auburn-Opelika, finished the pageant as third runner-up.
Originally from Benson, North Carolina, Fair is a junior at Auburn University studying psychology.
Fair competed on her platform “Know Your Worth,” which encouraged friends, family, and community members to remember how valuable and capable they are.
“I believed my platform should be something that I was not only passionate about, but something that I did on a regular basis outside of pageantry,” she said. “I realized that I love pouring into others and reminding them where their value does – and does not – come from, and find it to be a message we all need to be reminded of.”
Fair spent multiple hours in the dance studio preparing for her talent section of the pageant and in preparation for the interview section, made sure to stay up-to-date with the latest current events.
“But what was most important to me was making sure I was emotionally and spiritually ready for the completion and road at hand,” Fair said. “So, I read the bible, multiple books, and focused on my individual journey to the crown.”
As an Auburn University student, Fair said she hoped she served as not only a strong role model but an exemplary student and community member.
“Knowing that I not only represent Auburn University but also my communities of Auburn and Opelika as well as the young women in my generation bring me such pride and joy,” Fair said.
Miss Auburn University, Brooklyn Holt, finished the competition as fourth runner-up.
Originally from Birmingham, Holt is a junior studying political science and journalism.
Holt ran on the platform "Raise Your Voice for the Children" which addressed impoverished children and their families' needs.
"My platform centers on the costly consequences to society when children's basic needs are not met," Holt said. "My goal is for all children to realize that we cannot dwell on challenges, but that we can accept them, work hard and turn them around, making them become our strengths."
Holt has hosted concerts with all the proceeds going to the Children's Miracle Network and has recorded a CD single, titled "Raise Your Voice" in honor of the program.
Holt said her favorite part of Miss Alabama 2017 was having the opportunity to represent her school.
"Having the opportunity to give back to the university that has continually invested in me makes my heart so full," Holt said. "I have loved Auburn for as long as I can remember and being able to represent my university on the Miss Alabama stage has been a true honor."
Mary Ann McDougal, from Birmingham, represented Coastal Alabama.
McDougal is a junior majoring in animal sciences/pre-veterinary medicine, and her platform was For the Animals – Animal Advocacy.
“For the Animals is a self-created program which focuses on education and raising awareness for companion animals that have already been adopted, as well as shelter pets that are still waiting to find their forever home,” McDougal said. “I have truly dedicated my life to being a voice for those that have no voice, and it has become so much more than simply community service.”
McDougal received an Honorable Mention award for her community service efforts during the competition.
“What is learned throughout the competing for the title of Miss Alabama goes far beyond the crown,” McDougal said. “It is not about the recognition but about the personal growth that is acquired for every woman competing in the program.”
McDougal said she cannot wait to return to the loveliest village on the plains in the fall and was honored to have represented her university during the pageant.
“For me, being an Auburn student means walking on the green space and having my heart skip a beat when the clouds align perfectly over the top of the stadium. Being an Auburn student means making a difference in the lives of those around us no matter what my major is,” McDougal said. “Being an Auburn student mean loving Auburn and knowing that Auburn loves you back.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
