Everything Crowned

In addition to being a guest on Everything Auburn, Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard danced at an Auburn Men’s Basketball game, held a College of Nursing meet & greet and signed Auburn University’s iconic Samford Hall clock during her Auburn Homecoming celebration last month.

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 104^th 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. Although she didn't grow up competing in beauty pageants, Stockard always tuned-in to watch the annual Miss America pageant on television as a child. She fondly remembers idolizing past title winners from Alabama like Heather Whitestone (1995) and Deidre Downs (2005).

"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."

By all accounts, Stockard is handling her new-found fame with grace.

"I get asked at least once every single appearance if I'm the 'real' Miss America," joked Stockard. "Honestly, I don't know if people would recognize me, but when you put the crown and sash on, they come out of every which way."

Since winning the title in Orlando, Florida on January 5th, Stockard has been crisscrossing the country.  She's traveled to New York City twice and was in Washington, D.C. for the 60th Presidential Inauguration weekend. She’s also made appearances at major events in Dallas, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana and Salt Lake City, Utah.

"It's been crazy," Stockard said. "I feel like I've been all over the place."

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) and is using her platform to bring hope to the more than 15 million Americans impacted by CF, supporting initiatives like research, telemedicine for rural patients and access to specialty drug programs.

"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."

Stockard is working with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to implement several advocacy initiatives this year.

"A lot of people think being Miss America is just about wearing a crown and looking pretty, and it's just so much more than that," Stockard said. "I'm excited to expand awareness about CF and shed light on this disease."

Despite her busy schedule, Stockard found time to return to the Plains for a homecoming celebration in February. During her visit, she held meet & greets with the College of Nursing, Alpha Gamma Delta and the City of Auburn, plus danced on the court at an Auburn Men's Basketball game with her fellow Tiger Paws Dance Team members.

"I haven't been here in months, so it's honestly been one of my favorite things so far," said Stockard. "Getting to reunite with my Auburn Family is a memory I will cherish forever."

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. "I want to ensure that every person I have the opportunity to treat receives the highest and best quality of care."

It's only going to get busier from here on out for Stockard. Her calendar is filled to the brim with multiple appearances across the nation, including the upcoming Kentucky Derby. She's also gearing up for a busy May, which is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

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. To help expand Cystic Fibrosis awareness, visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website to find your state chapter and a list of fundraising events planned for this year.