Congratulations to Nicole, First Runner-Up to Miss America 2008 in Las Vegas and Top 3 on Miss America Reality Check! Catch all the photos of Nicole on her Miss America journey. Not only was Nicole the first runner-up to Miss America but she was also named in the Top 3 in TLC's Miss America Reality Check. From both events, Nicole won $35,000 in scholarships and a shopping spree at shopintuition.com Tuesday Photos • Wednesday Photos • Thursday Photos • Friday Photos • Saturday Photos
Local Title: Miss Ball StateUniversity Hometown: Plymouth, IN
Education: Ball State University – Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design
Platform Issue: “Get on the L-B.U.S.” to break Language Barriers in the United States
Scholastic/Career Ambition: Acquire a Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Design, and Spanish. Own a women’s formalwear boutique where I would sell my original designs
Talent: Popular Vocal in Spanish – “Bandido” by Ana Barbara
Scholastic Honors: Member of Golden Key International Honor Society, Alpha Mu Gamma Foreign Language Honor Society, Fashion Merchandising Association, Fashion Design Society, & National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Recipient of Presidential Scholarship; Ball State Dean’s List with a 4.0 grade point average
Leadership Roles: President of Alpha Mu Gamma Foreign Language Honor Society; Coordinator of the Latino Festival ‘Baby Beauty Contest’; First Spanish-English Interpreter at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center – Plymouth; Created and implemented a mentorship program for foreign language clubs in high schools
Accomplishments: Chosen for Student Voluntary Services “Alternative Spring Break - 2007”; Student Reporter for ‘NewsWatch’; Ball State representative for the UNIACC-BSU foreign exchange program in Chile, South America; Exchange student in Bolivia; Plymouth Junior Miss 2003; Plymouth Track & Field high jump record holder
Interesting Facts: I am fluent in Spanish; I have recently passed my ABATE motorcycle safety course; I make children’s books; I designed some of my Miss America wardrobe; I am told I do funny impersonations
What impact can the Miss America Organization and its contestants have on society through the partnership with Children’s Miracle Network? The Miss America pageant has been a leader through the years by showing the importance of community service. By serving as positive role models and emphasizing the importance of helping others, the Miss America Organization and its contestants can make a huge impact by helping to raise funds and awareness through leading by example and showing the population how, as individuals, they can make a difference.
What is the best way to make Miss America more relevant to people your age? Miss America is very relevant as a goal oriented, education driven, and passionate young woman with the same aspirations as any other person my age. However, it is important to relay the fact to the general public that Miss America is a genuine person with talent, intelligence, and the desire to help others beyond the beauty. Miss America needs to be involved in popular media events beyond the pageant that shows someone who is multi-faceted, relatable, & approachable by everyone.