Over the last several months, I have been able to participate in some truly incredible events in my role as Miss America. Back in February, I was in Orlando for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Not only did I present awards to the Half Marathon winners, but I ran a 5k myself! I made new friends like Bella, a survivor of a double heart and lung transplant, who inspires so many and is a CMNH Miracle Child. Bella helped me hold the tape at the end of the finish line for the runners. A few weeks later during Children’s Hospital’s week in Orlando, I spent time with Bella and her family once again. Bella is a CMNH champion, and she has a terrific and supportive family! Another highlight for me was performing my new song, “Love” exclusively for Bella and all of her Miracle Child friends, too!

In March, I traveled back to my home state of North Carolina where I attended the Miss Capital City local competition (the very first local I won back in 2016). Then, I went to our nation’s capital where I sang “Hero” by Mariah Careyand the National Anthem at the USO Annual Awards Dinner. March ended with a bang in Antigua, where I spoke at the Annual Women’s Empowerment Brunch founded by Derri-Ann Browne. Right after Antigua, I was back home in New York, where I hosted the New York Philharmonic’s “Phil the Hall,” which aims to provide music exposure to new and diverse audiences. I couldn’t have predicted a more perfect concert to host because it aligns perfectly with my social impact initiative, Advocating for the Arts. After that, I held a residency with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra! During their Parks Series, I performed the Star-Spangled Banner, Summertime, and America the Beautiful with their live orchestra. Wow!

After attending the Miss New York and Georgia Competitions (congratulations, ladies!), I’m looking forward to all of the state competitions and meeting the amazing women who will make up the remainder of the Miss America class of 2020. This time will be bittersweet, though, because once the new class is on board this means that my year does have an expiration date. I don’t want to think about that yet because this year has been much more than I could have ever imagined! However, I know that it’s important to continue soaking in the many exciting opportunities that still lie ahead.

Stay tuned!
-Nia

Source: Miss America Organization

http://www.pageantcast.com/2019/06/miss-america-updates/