MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Betty Thompson (Oklahoma)

Betty Thompson
Davenport, Oklahoma
Age: 23

Education:
Davenport High School

Oklahoma State University

Platform Issue: Milk, It Really Does A Body Good!

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters Degree in Education

Talent: Irish Step Dance

Scholastic Honors: OSU President's Honor Roll; Oklahoma Academic Excellence Scholarship; TCC & OSU Dean's Honor Roll

Career Ambition: To become an Upper Elementary Teacher, as well as a TCRG-certified Irish Dance Instructor

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Oklahoma State University Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Organization


Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Ellen Bryan (Ohio)

Ellen Bryan
Celina, Ohio
Age: 23

Education:
Celina High School
Ball State University

Platform Issue: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors - Promoting Lightning Awareness

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: John R. and Aline B. Emens Scholar; Perham Scholar Women of Achievement; Harry S. Truman Scholarship Finalist

Career Ambition: To become a TV news anchor and reporter

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Clayland Scholarship Program

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Ohio Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Ariana Walker (North Dakota)

Ariana Walker
Bismarck,


Age: 20

Education:
Bismarck High School
University of Mary

Platform Issue: Ronald McDonald House of Charities: Raising Awareness, Funds & Hope

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, specializing in Pediatrics

Talent: Contemporary Lyrical Dance

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Harold Schafer Leadership Program; Early Acceptance into Physical Therapy Program

Career Ambition: To open a pediatric physical therapy clinic

Local Competition Sponsor: Bismarck-Mandan Preliminary Scholarship Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss North Dakota Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Hailey Best (North Carolina)

Hailey Best
Goldsboro,


Age: 21

Education:
University of NC School of the Arts
Meredith College

Platform Issue: The Live On Foundation

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Education

Talent: Operatic Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Meredith College Dean's List; Meredith College Honor Council Representative; Meredith College Choral Member

Career Ambition: To perform professionally and teach music at the college and university level

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Durham County Scholarship Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss North Carolina Scholarship Program

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Sarina Turnbull (New Mexico)

Sarina Turnbull
Alamogordo,


Age: 24

Education:
Alamogordo High School
New Mexico State University

Platform Issue: Turn the Page to a Lifetime of Reading

Scholastic Ambition: To earn a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction

Talent: Ballet en Pointe

Scholastic Honors: New Mexico State University Crimson Scholar; New Mexico State University Dean's List; New Mexico State University Magna Cum Laude Graduate

Career Ambition: To teach High School Language Arts

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Alamogordo

State Competition Sponsor: Miss New Mexico Scholarship Program

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Katharyn Nicolle (New Jersey)

Katharyn Nicolle
Wenonah, New Jersey
Age: 20



Education:
Gateway Regional High School
Dickinson College

Platform Issue: Reading For the Right Reasons

Scholastic Ambition: To receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies concentrating in Security Studies

Talent: Dance

Scholastic Honors: Accepted to study at the University of Bologna, Italy; Recipient of Dickinson College Founders Merit Scholarship; Recipient of Gateway Regional High School Senior Award Scholarship

Career Ambition: To become a Foreign Diplomat

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Coastal Shore

State Competition Sponsor: Miss New Jersey Education Foundation

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Regan Elizabeth Hartley (New Hampshire)

Regan Elizabeth Hartley
Dover,


Age: 20

Education:
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Suffolk University

Platform Issue: Stand Up: Bullying Awareness in Our Community

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Masters Degree in Advertising

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Broadcaster's Association 2009; Dean's List; President's Scholarship

Career Ambition: To own a large and prestigious advertising firm

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Keene Area Scholarship Program, Inc.

State Competition Sponsor: Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program, Inc.

Speial thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Alana Lee (Nevada)

Alana Lee
Las Vegas, Nevada
Age: 22



Education:
Mojave High School
Dixie State University

Platform Issue: Patriotism: Rock the Vote

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dixie State College Top 5 Female Student of the Year 2010, Dean's List Fall 2008 - Spring 2011, Graduated with Associates Degree Magna Cum Laude

Career Ambition: To become a News Anchor on a national television station, or have my own political talk show

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Clark County Scholarship Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Kayla Batt (Nebraska)

Kayla Batt
Alliance, Nebraska


Age: 21

Education:
Alliance High School
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Platform Issue: Make Music Rock: The Importance of Music Education

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Doctorate Degree in English with a minor in Piano

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Scholarship Recipient from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications for superior academic achievement

Career Ambition: To teach English at a collegiate level while teaching piano lessons

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Omaha/Douglas County Scholarship Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Veronika Ohlinger (Montana)

Veronika Ohlinger
Cooke City, Montana
Age: 23

Education:
Wahama High School
West Virginia Wesleyan

Platform Issue: Inspiring America: Dare to Dream

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Who's Who Among College Students; MAOT Academic Scholarship; Academic Scholarships

Career Ambition: To become a successful television host and establish a non-profit organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Montana Scholarship Program

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Sydney Friar (Missouri)

Sydney Friar
El Dorado Springs,


Age: 22

Education:
El Dorado Springs High School
Evangel University

Platform Issue: Reconnecting the Family Unit

Scholastic Ambition: To earn a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List 2008-2011, Academic Competitiveness Scholarship, Leadership Scholar

Career Ambition: To work on community and leadership development for small and rural communities

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Branson Scholarship Program

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Mary Margaret Roark (Mississippi)

Mary Margaret Roark
Cleveland,


Age: 21

Education:
Bayou Academy High School
Mississippi State University

Platform Issue: J.E.W.E.L.S. for Alzheimer's

Scholastic Ambition: To graduate with honors and attend law school

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: Shackouls Honors College; Phi Kappa Phi; President's Scholar

Career Ambition: To practice law in the entertainment industry

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss North Central Mississippi

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Mississippi Scholarship Organization

Spcial thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Natalie Davis (Minnesota)

Natalie Davis
Dassel,


Age: 22

Education:
Dassel-Cokato High School
St. Olaf College

Platform Issue: Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and a Medical Doctorate

Talent: Vocal Performance

Scholastic Honors: St. Olaf Presidential Scholar; St. Olaf Community Scholar; Blue Key Honor Society

Career Ambition: To become a pediatrician

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Mankato Organization

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Minnesota Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Elizabeth Ann Wertenberger (Michigan)

Elizabeth Ann Wertenberger
Dundee, Michigan
Age: 22

Education:

Dundee High School
Kendall College of Art & Design

Platform Issue: Continue to Dream: Giving Hope to Children With Chronic Illnesses

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain NCIDQ accreditidation, as well as become an accredited LEED AP designer

Talent: Jazz Dance

Scholastic Honors: Graduated with Honors

Career Ambition: To own and operate my own design firm specializing in branded design

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Southwest Michigan

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Michigan Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Molly Whalen (Massachusetts)

Molly Whalen
Middleboro,


Age: 21

Education:
Coyle and Cassidy High School
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Northeastern University

Platform Issue: Smart Smiles: Promoting the Importance of Oral Health

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master of Science degree in Applied Nutrition

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene Merit Scholarship; President's Award for Academic Science

Career Ambition: To teach Dental Hygiene at the collegiate level

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Taunton

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Carlie Colella (Maryland)

Carlie Colella
Hagerstown, Maryland
Age: 21

Education:
North Hagerstown High School
Hood College

Platform Issue: Empowerment of Women: Creating an Equal Opportunity for Success

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing

Talent: Contemporary Dance

Scholastic Honors: Dean's Scholarship; MD State Senatorial Scholarship; The J. Harold Hooper Scholarship

Career Ambition: To become an event planner

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Central Maryland

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Maryland Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Julia Furtado (Maine)

Julia Furtado
Dayton,


Age: 20

Education:
Catherine McAuley High School
University of New England

Platform Issue: Leadership Among Our Youth

Scholastic Ambition: To earn a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy

Talent: Vocal

Scholastic Honors: Dean's List; Applied Exercise Science Student of The Year in 2009

Career Ambition: To become a pediatric physical therapist

Local Competition Sponsor: N/A

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Maine Scholarship Pageant

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Hope Anderson (Louisiana)

Hope Anderson
Monroe, Louisiana
Age: 23

Education:
Ouachita High School
University of Louisiana at Monroe

Platform Issue: Pilots for Patients

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Master's Degree in Health Communications from Johns Hopkins University

Talent: Contemporary Pointe Dance

Scholastic Honors: Summa Cum Laude Graduate; Student Involvement Scholarship; Mass Communications Student of the Year

Career Ambition: To be an anchor on the "Today Show"

Local Competition Sponsor: Spirit of Ruston Scholarship Pageant

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Louisiana Scholarship Organization


Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Ann Blair Thornton (Kentucky)

Ann Blair Thornton
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Age: 22

Education:
Bowling Green High School
Western Kentucky University

Platform Issue: Alzheimer's Awareness Research

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a law degree

Talent: Piano

Scholastic Honors: N.O. Taft Economics Scholarship-2010 & 2011; Presidents List 2008-2011; National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Career Ambition: To become a practicing attorney

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Bowling Green

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization

Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com

MISS AMERICA 2012 CONTESTANT - Carissa Kelley (Kansas)

Carissa Kelley
Winfield, Kansas
Age: 24

Education:
Home Schooled/Winfield High School
Cowley College

Platform Issue: No Kid Hungry

Scholastic Ambition: To receive a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition

Talent: Dance

Scholastic Honors: Dean's Honor Roll; Full Scholarship for every semester attended

Career Ambition: To own my own Dance Studio, and become a dietitian

Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Wooded Hills/ Sarah Jump

State Competition Sponsor: Miss Kansas Scholarship Organization


Special thanks and credits to http://us-beauty-pageant.blogspot.com