Auburn University senior Abbie Stockard is still in a state of shock when she thinks about being crowned Miss America 2025.
“When they got down to three people standing, I was like, ‘holy moly, what is going on?’” recalled Stockard. “Then they called my name. It was at that moment my entire life changed.”
This past January, the 22-year-old Vestavia Hills, Alabama native beat 51 contestants to become the 104th Miss America. Stockard began entering pageants as a freshman at Auburn with hopes of earning enough money to pay her way through college.
“It really all started because I was looking to relieve a financial burden and get some scholarships,” said Stockard. “Then I found out I just loved the Miss America organization and everything it stood for.”
The Miss America program has been around since 1921. It allows participants to acquire lifelong skills, cultivate service initiatives and engage within their communities. Miss America’s four pillars are style, service, scholarship and success – attributes Stockard takes to heart.
“I think people really value authenticity, and they like someone who is just going to be real and relatable and not this perfect pageant queen,” said Stockard.
Stockard is the fourth Alabama woman to win Miss America and the first in 20 years.
“It's nice for little girls to look at Miss America and know it is attainable,” said Stockard. “Hopefully, I'm a good example of that.”
Stockard will spend the next seven months traveling the nation inspiring women and advocating for the American Heart Association’s Go RED for Women initiative along with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She serves as a National Brand Ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), using her platform to bring hope to the more than 15 million Americans impacted by CF.
“My best friend Maddie was born with this disease and currently there is no cure,” said Stockard. “Growing up, I saw the devastating effects this disease took on her physical and mental health, and I made a promise that I would do everything in my power to fight for her and for others who have CF. Being Miss America has opened so many doors.”
After Stockard completes her reign in September, she plans to return to Auburn’s College of Nursing this fall to finish up her degree. Her goal? Make a big impact in the medical field.
“I grew up in a medical family, so I knew it was something I was always interested in,” said Stockard. “When I started competing in pageants, I found out that I have a heart for service. I truly have the most fulfillment when I'm giving of myself to others, and being a nurse, you're doing just that.”
Thanks to winning nearly $90,000 in tuition scholarships, Stockard will graduate from Auburn completely debt-free.
“My dream is to get one-to-two years of critical care experience in the ICU and become a pediatric nurse and ethicist,” Stockard explained.
Stockard says her experience as a student at Auburn helped prepare her for the demanding role of Miss America.
“Work, hard work – it all ties back to Auburn for sure,” said Stockard.
Want to experience Stockard’s journey as Miss America 2025? Follow the official Miss America social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. Visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website to find your state chapter and a list of fundraising events planned for this year.
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