HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (TENNESSEE VALLEY LIVING) - Nearly one year ago, Brianna Burrell was crowned Miss Alabama 2023. Within the last year, she’s accomplished countless goals, impacted so many Alabamians, and made many life-long memories.
As she prepares to pass on the crown within the next few days, she says her time as Miss Alabama has flown by. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and she knows she’ll treasure it forever.
During her time as Miss Alabama, she competed in the Miss America competition taking home a graphic design scholarship and winning the evening gown preliminary award. That scholarship, along with the scholarships she’ll receive from the Miss Alabama program will pay for her future schooling at The University of Alabama.
It was an amazing experience, going to Orlando and being around some amazingly brilliant young women who are making waves in their communities.
— Brianna Burrell
Her time on the Miss America stage was indescribable, and for her, it changed the trajectory of her life.
The Miss America Organization goes beyond the pageantry and dresses. It is so much more than that. For Brianna, she’s spent the last year dedicating herself to her community service initiative. SAVE-A-STEM focuses on equitable educational exploration through a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Alabama. On top of this, as Miss Alabama, she has been able to serve in partnership with Governor Ivey’s STEM Advocacy Council to ensure that Alabama students not only see STEM within their communities but also career opportunities that might not otherwise have access to.
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Brianna also partnered with the U.S. Army Golden Knights and was able to skydive with their parachute team. There, she was able to gain a deeper understanding of S.T.E.M. opportunities within our country’s armed forces. There were organizations present that encouraged students with hands-on learning opportunities to get involved in S.T.E.M at a young age.
It was amazing to face my fear of heights, honor our armed forces, and continue to increase the expansion of S.T.E.M curriculum and exploration in the state of Alabama.
— Brianna Burrell
As Miss Alabama, Brianna says she’s been able to sharpen so many personal skills. Being able to work with so many different people and network with individuals she might not have met otherwise has been incredible. All to solidify her non-profit work in the state of Alabama. She hopes to continue increasing and growing her impact after Miss Alabama 2024 is crowned.
She’ll be beginning a master’s program at UA for Instructional Technology all thanks to the Miss America Organization. She is forever grateful for the opportunity to further her education without any financial strain.
Brianna says beyond the educational opportunities that come alongside the title, being Miss Alabama was a year of finding who she is as a woman. She’s learned to love herself, accept herself for who she is, and to present that to the state and the nation.
It (Miss Alabama) is something where you learn to never question who you are. You’re always prepared and ready for any room you walk into. It always reminds you to have an attitude of gratitude...but it also reminds you to keep a pair of flats in your car.
— Brianna Burrell
To the young women out there who might be interested in competing in a preliminary competition, Brianna says this is a great way to challenge yourself, expand your community service, and further your education. The preliminary season in the state of Alabama will begin immediately after the Miss Alabama competition concludes later this month. Now is the time to prepare!
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It’s (Miss America) an amazing organization, a life-changing experience, and one that will make the ‘book of life’ very full in each chapter.
— Brianna Burrell
You can learn more about The Miss America Organization and The Miss Alabama Competition here. Be sure to follow Brianna Burrell on Instagram to watch as she navigates this next chapter of life.
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