By Megan Spray, Guest Columnist
Miss America week is filled with tradition, hairspray, glitter, spray tans, and empowering women from every state.
My first week of September was spent in Orlando, Florida, cheering on one of my best friends, Tessa Dorrell, who holds the title of Miss Oklahoma, compete on the Miss America stage.
Growing up, I would always watch the Miss America pageant and be in awe of all the girls that had the courage to be up there. Some of my role models came from watching those women represent their state and seeing the difference they were making in so many people’s lives.
It was truly a full circle moment to be able to attend the pageant in person, while having a friend of mine be one of those strong and courageous difference-makers.
I competed in the Miss Oklahoma pageant in 2024, which grew my love for the organization even more. Ever since competing, my aunts, cousin and I have made it a tradition to attend the pageant every year together and make it an annual girl’s trip.
On finals night of the Miss Oklahoma pageant, I had said that we should go to Miss America every five or 10 years as we continue the tradition, unless Tessa wins, then we have to go. Low and behold, she won that night and we started planning our trip.
Our Miss America started as we attended preliminary night one, where each Miss contestant competed in on-stage question, active wear, and evening gown. This first night of competition was so sweet, because we got to cheer on our Miss Oklahoma alongside her family and all share in the pride we have for her. We also got to see her dress for the first time, which was stunning.
The next event was the preliminary talent night, where we watched 104 talents. Our tickets got us into both the teen and miss, where we spent hours watching each girl perform their talent.
The best part was sitting by all the families and watching them cheer for their girl with tears flowing from from the overwhelming amount of pride and love.
One specific talent from the night that was so special was Miss Alaska’s teen as she did a beautiful dance on pointe. We sat next to her family, and they were tearing up watching her dance. I pulled out my camera and captured the moment. After the competition, we spoke to them and sent them the video. That’s a moment I will cherish forever.
The day before finals, we attended the expo that was filled with all things pageant, such as gorgeous dresses, heels, jewelry and keepsakes. After the expo, we stood in line to meet former Miss Americas and get their signatures.
It was inspiring being in a room with all these women who are the epitome of selfless servants and world changers. Each former signed my program book and took a picture with me. The little Megan that grew up idolizing these women was in complete awe.
For the teen finals later that night, my family and I piled into the movie room to watch the livestream to see who would be crowned the next Miss America’s teen. Miss Alaska’s teen won first-runner up and we were all overwhelmed with joy for her! It was amazing having made that connection earlier in the week and being able to celebrate her accomplishments.
Finally, on Sunday it was time to crown a new Miss America. We were sat right in front of the catwalk, just a few rows back. As they called top eleven, then top five, we watched all of the women celebrate one another. Through every phase of competition, each girl left everything they had on the stage, being drove by unwavering support from the crowd and their fellow Miss America titleholders.
Miss New York, Cassie Donegan, won the coveted crown. Watching them call her name and seeing her life change forever was an incredible moment. Confetti cannons went off and we witnessed as she hugged her family and celebrated. While we were leaving, I grabbed some confetti that had fallen around us, so that I could keep a piece from this moment forever.
Miss America week was everything I expected and more. The pageant is my Super Bowl and something I look forward to each year. Being able to experience it in person was a dream come true. I can’t wait for our next trip!