Heart for Service: Physical therapy student shines light on advocacy as Miss Central Alabama

When Auburn University physical therapy student Ellie Everett takes the stage at the Miss Alabama competition in June, she will be representing a heart project that has been years in the making – dating back to her elementary education days. In 5^th grade, Everett lost her father and began a lifelong grief journey that has transformed into a nonprofit organization called Lost but Not Alone.

“My community service initiative, Lost but Not Alone, is focused on grief support and advocacy for grieving children and families,” the Hoover, Alabama, native said. “I have seen firsthand how isolating grief can feel, especially for children. Through advocacy, education, and support for children and families, I hope to help others feel seen, loved, and never alone during their healing journey.”

A first-year physical therapy student at Auburn, Everett said choosing Auburn felt like home. She said she has always been an Auburn fan, but the genuine welcome she received from the faculty, staff, and students she met during the interview process sealed the deal.

“To me, healthcare is about remembering that what may feel like a regular workday for us could be one of the hardest days of someone else’s life, and Auburn’s program reflects that level of compassion and care I desire to execute throughout my career,” she said. “The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Auburn University supports not only my goals and passions, but also who I am as a person, and that is exactly why I chose Auburn." 

As Miss Central Alabama, Everett has received support from her physical therapy cohort as she prepares to compete for the title of Miss Alabama. 

“What I am most looking forward to about Miss Alabama is having the opportunity to share my heart for service and speak about Lost but Not Alone with others across our state,” she said “I am also excited to spend the week alongside such inspiring young women, many of whom I am lucky enough to call close friends.”

She said her role as Miss Central Alabama has given her tools that will serve her well in physical therapy.

“Serving as Miss Central Alabama has prepared me to become a great physical therapist because it has strengthened my heart for service and my ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” she said. “Getting to meet and serve so many groups of people and communities with various backgrounds has truly opened my eyes to the care and support that is needed not just physically, but emotionally as well.”

The role of Miss Central Alabama has taught her about time management, honest and present communication, being a light to others, and balancing multiple responsibilities, she said.

“Most importantly, it has reminded me that people need more than just physical healing; they need encouragement and someone willing to be a listening ear in what might be their most difficult moments. I believe my passion for physical and mental wellbeing truly meets in the field of physical therapy.”

Coming into Auburn’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Everett had a strong interest in acute care and the ICU setting, but the faculty and students have opened her eyes to the many possibilities within the profession.

“My goal as a future physical therapist is to provide the best individualized care possible to every patient I encounter,” she said. “One of my long-term goals is to find a way to connect my nonprofit, Lost but Not Alone, with the world of physical therapy and healthcare to better support patients and families navigating grief and hardship. Physical therapy is where I believe both of my passions come together.”