Abbie Stockard believes her new title was heaven-sent.
In early January, the nursing pupil representing Alabama was topped Miss America in Orlando, Florida. The 22-year-old is the fourth Miss Alabama to earn the coveted title.
“I’m very pushed by my religion,” Stockard advised Fox Information Digital. “Primarily based on the morals and the values that my household taught me, I consider that each single particular person is known as to make a distinction.
“I consider we have been all created on function, for function. And so, whereas it’s so superb to have this platform of affect and be an envoy for the group, my important mission is to make use of this title to serve others.”
Stockard mentioned she’s desperate to hit the highway and join with fellow People, providing them hope throughout turbulent instances.
“I believe our world is damaged,” she shared. “I believe it’s polarized and divided, and I need to be a light-weight. I need to be an inspiration, and I need to make each single particular person really feel seen, valued and appreciated, as a result of that’s who the Lord is. That’s what He would need me to do. And I do know that I used to be anointed to this place for a function, and that’s why I’m not going to take it as a right.”
In keeping with the annual competitors, Stockard will spend the 12 months touring the nation as she pursues her degree at Auburn University.
“I need to use [my title] to the touch the lives and the hearts of the individuals throughout our nation,” she mentioned.
“I believe our world is damaged. I believe it’s polarized and divided, and I need to be a light-weight. I need to be an inspiration, and I need to make each single particular person really feel seen, valued and appreciated, as a result of that’s who the Lord is.”
Stockard credited her relationship with God for giving her the drive to turn into a constructive function mannequin on a public platform. She declared victory over 51 different contestants.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
“The 2 phrases that I channeled the entire week of Miss America have been peace and confidence,” she defined. “Peace that surpasses all understanding, understanding that the Lord is caring for my wants for me. He has a plan for my life, and His plan is nice. Reminding myself that He’s for me, and He’s not in opposition to me. Why fear? As a result of he already is aware of the outcomes of this competitors.”
“The second phrase [was] confidence – confidence within the work that I’ve put in, but additionally confidence in His plan for my life,” she shared. “One in every of my favourite verses is ‘Belief within the Lord with all of your coronary heart and don’t depend on your understanding and your whole methods. Acknowledge him and he’ll make your path straight.’ That’s what I leaned on… all the week.”
“I believe that’s why I did so nicely,” Stockard continued. “I didn’t put this stress on myself. As a result of on the finish of the day, there was solely a lot I may management. He was caring for all of it. That’s why I’m excited to have this place and to proceed spreading my religion to individuals who want it.”
WATCH: MISS AMERICA 2025 ABBIE STOCKARD IS ‘DRIVEN’ BY FAITH
Stockard, who comes from “a giant medical household,” additionally needs to lift consciousness of well being.
She can be advocating for the American Coronary heart Affiliation’s Go RED for Ladies initiative, in addition to cystic fibrosis analysis. The Miss America group confirmed to Fox Information Digital Stockard raised over $200,000 for cystic fibrosis in Alabama. She was named the “Hero of Hope” by the Cystic Fibrosis Basis, and a nationwide ambassador.
In keeping with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s website, the genetic dysfunction impacts the lungs, pancreas and different organs. There are near 40,000 kids and adults residing with it within the US alone. An estimated 105,000 individuals have been identified with CF throughout 94 international locations.
The trigger hits near dwelling.
“My finest buddy – she isn’t simply my finest buddy, she [has become] my function,” mentioned Stockard. “We have been inseparable because the age of 9. I really consider that on this lifetime, a remedy can be discovered for this illness. And I’m excited to make use of this place of affect to proceed growing consciousness, fundraising efforts and training in order that we will get nearer and nearer to discovering that remedy.”
The Miss America competitors additionally highlights a health part. Stockard, who has been a dancer since age 2, needs to assist increase consciousness about kicking off well being objectives for the New 12 months. She famous that coronary heart illness is “the primary killer of girls.”
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
“It’s time that the world takes maintain of our well being so we will fight these statistics,” she mentioned. “I believe that bodily well being is extraordinarily essential as a result of we’re seeing an increase in weight problems charges, and that’s resulting in power ailments. These numbers are rising… every year.”
“It’s mentioned by the American Coronary heart Affiliation that you have to get at the least 150 minutes of some kind of motion each single week,” Stockard identified. “For me, I love going to the gym, however I like dancing. One in every of my favourite issues to do is go on an extended stroll all through the day. That additionally permits me to… reset and prioritize my psychological well being as nicely.
“It isn’t simply bodily exercise. It’s ensuring that you simply’re managing your stress appropriately [and] getting an sufficient quantity of sleep. That every one goes into what it appears wish to reside a wholesome and well-balanced life-style.”
For these struggling, Stockard advised some easy consuming habits she swears by to assist her feel and appear her finest.
“I’m a giant protein woman,” she shared. “If I’m not fueled by some kind of protein, I’m going to be drained all the day. For breakfast this morning, I had scrambled eggs with cheese, after which I had some Greek yogurt. I like granola… My mates make enjoyable of me as a result of they are saying it’s not yogurt with granola, it’s granola with yogurt as a result of I put a lot granola in my yogurt. After which typically I’ll drizzle honey too.
“For lunch, I normally have some kind of sandwich. I wish to hold it easy with turkey and cheese. Generally I put lettuce and tomato in there. For dinner, my favourite meal is grilled salmon. I may eat it each single day. My go-to can be grilled salmon with rice. After which you must have your greens in there someplace. I wish to put broccoli within the oven and Brussels sprouts.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On days when she seems like indulging, Stockard has one factor in thoughts.
“Cookie two step,” she boasted. “It’s half cookies and cream, half cookie dough ice cream. I’ve a gallon in my fridge. The evening I received, they requested me what I used to be going to eat. That’s the very first thing I mentioned.”
Stockard insisted there’s extra to the crown than only a fairly face. As a part of her victory, she earned a whopping $50,000 in tuition scholarships.
“One in every of my largest pet peeves is when individuals call Miss America a beauty pageant,” she defined. “I believe that’s the largest stereotype this group will get. It’s a lot greater than that. By my three years of competing, I’ve acquired over $89,000 in tuition scholarships… It permits me to graduate utterly debt-free.”
“Miss America is a power,” she mentioned. “She represents a change locally… I believe that’s why this group has been standing for the previous 100 years.”
Source link