In early January, the nursing student representing Alabama was crowned Miss America in Orlando, Florida. The 22-year-old is the fourth Miss Alabama to earn the coveted title.
“I am very driven by my faith,” Stockard told Fox News Digital. “Based on the morals and the values that my family taught me, I believe that every single person is called to make a difference.
“I believe we were all created on purpose, for purpose. And so, while it is so amazing to have this platform of influence and be an ambassador for the organization, my main mission is to use this title to serve others.”
Stockard said she’s eager to hit the road and connect with fellow Americans, offering them hope during turbulent time.
“I think our world is broken,” she shared. “I think it is polarized and divided, and I want to be a light. I want to be an inspiration, and I want to make every single person feel seen, valued and appreciated, because that is who the Lord is. That’s what He would want me to do. And I know that I was anointed to this position for a purpose, and that’s why I’m not going to take it for granted.”
Stockard credited her relationship with God for giving her the drive to become a positive role model on a public platform. She declared victory over 51 other contestants.
“The two words that I channeled the entire week of Miss America were peace and confidence,” she explained. “Peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that the Lord is taking care of my needs for me. He has a plan for my life, and His plan is good. Reminding myself that He is for me, and He is not against me. Why worry? Because he already knows the results of this competition.”
“The second word [was] confidence – confidence in the work that I’ve put in, but also confidence in His plan for my life,” she shared. “One of my favorite verses is ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your understanding and all of your ways. Acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.’ That is what I leaned on… the entire week.”
“I think that’s why I did so well,” Stockard continued. “I didn’t put this pressure on myself. Because at the end of the day, there was only so much I could control. He was taking care of all of it. That’s why I’m excited to have this position and to continue spreading my faith to people who need it.”
“Miss America is more than a title, it’s a movement of empowering young women everywhere to dream big, to insist that their voices be heard and to inspire change in the world around them,” the organization said on their site. “Of course, Miss America wears a crown – she rules.