By Savannah Wieting
What comes to mind when you hear “Miss America?” Maybe a swimsuit-clad beauty queen; maybe an accomplished and driven woman with influence; or maybe an FBI agent named Gracie Hart.
But what is Miss America, really?
Over the last few years the organization has been working to modernize while honoring its incredible 103-year history, but to understand the present, we have to look at the past.
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| Historical photographs highlighting past eras of Miss America |
The first Miss America was crowned in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1921. This “Inter-City Beauty” contest was helping to transform the societally reinforced roles of women at the time, and though initially intended to boost tourism in the area, even the swimsuit became a progressive symbol of the changing times. It was a bold and rebellious statement to showcase freedom from 19th-century expectations of women, and publicly glorified the vivacious, “girl next door” instead.
The organization recently traded the swimsuit phase of competition for “Fitness” with the intent of better representing the modern woman of this era. Though this has been one of the most notable changes in the program in recent history, we’ve been evolving in many impactful ways from the start.
In 1935 the talent phase of competition was added to display the well-rounded nature of each young woman beyond her beauty. During World War 2, Miss America redefined her role again and became a national emblem of patriotism and pride—using her image and title to become a morale booster for American troops. In 1945, the program transitioned to a scholarship organization, and in the 1980s, made community service another pillar of the program. Through the establishment of this brand, the Miss America Organization (MAO) has adopted the mission of helping women reach their goals by providing priceless opportunities that will benefit them for a lifetime to come.
Scholarships are one of the main focuses of the MAO, which has proudly given away millions of dollars as one of the nation’s first, and leading scholarship providers for young women. Many delegates and titleholders are even able to graduate completely debt-free as a result!
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| All of Klamath’s representatives after preliminary night one competition (from left to right: Allyssa Defillipo, Anna Edwards, Valerie O’Neill, Bridget Vargas, Seattle Trejo, Melanie Potter and Novalee Tubbs), Manzanita Photography |
“I have earned $7,200 from the Miss America Opportunity, helping me to earn my associate’s degree and continue on at Arizona State University for my bachelor’s! I could not be where I am today without the generous sponsors, donors, and support of all of the women paving their futures through education and this experience of a lifetime!” said Miss Klamath County, Allyssa Defillipo.
Miss America is not a beauty pageant, however—in fact, appearance is no longer part of the judging criteria. Our program is set apart in the ways we amplify individuality and encourage inner beauty to shine the brightest. We foster integrity, philanthropy and intellect while also embodying poise and confidence. We are women building up women in preparation for each diverse future ahead while celebrating the little victories along the way.
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Miss Klamath County’s Teen, Novalee Tubbs holding her crown, Manzanita Photography |
One of the most recognizable emblems of Miss America’s success is her crown. Each point symbolizes our mission from the national level to the local. The “Four Points” represent: “Style,” “Service,” “Scholarship” and “Success,” while the base represents “Sisterhood.” Though these are foundational pillars of both the crown and the program, other goals of the MAO include supporting the personal, educational and professional endeavors of young women by giving them the tools to:
-Make a difference in their community/state
-Further their own Community Service Initiative
-Build professional interview and speaking skills
-Network with other inspirational women and mentors
-Set individualized goals to help achieve personal development
-Refine and perform their talent
-Represent their local community at the state or national level as a titleholder
Miss America is a powerhouse for change and a role model for aspiring leaders so far beyond one night under the stage lights. Her iconic legacy is carried out on the national stage, but it all starts on a local one, just like this.
Who are we at a local level?
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| Former 2023 titleholders welcoming in the new 2024 winners (from left to right:
Ashten Helms, Shelby Johnson, Allyssa Defillipo, Novalee Tubbs, Seattle Trejo,
Valerie O’Neill, Makina Start, McKenzie Simono), Stephanie Carine Photography |
Founded in 1967, Miss Klamath County is a preliminary competition available to young women, ages 13-28. We give away four titles each year, earning them the opportunity to represent our area at Miss Oregon every summer in Seaside:
Miss Klamath County, Allyssa Defillipo
-Age: 23
-Talent: Vocal
-Community Service Initiative: “Building Balance: Finding YOUR Wellness”
-Miss Oregon 2024 Top 5, Miss Oregon 2024 Fourth Runner-Up
“As a Nutritional Sciences major at Arizona State University Online, Allyssa is driven to achieve a double major in Nutritional Sciences and Kinesiology. Her dreams include expanding her nutrition coaching and personal training business, aiming to serve 20+ clients by 2025 and placing nationally at an NPC show within the next three years.”
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| Allyssa Defillipo vying for Miss Klamath County during the “Fitness” portion of
competition in her Rebel Athletic attire, Stephanie Carine Photography |
“YOU, the real you, is what makes you beautiful. People remember you for your kindness, your heart, your actions—not just for being a pretty face. Physical appearance and loving your external body is important, but being self-assured, knowing your value beyond your looks and being your number one advocate is what will push you to succeed and thrive in the end.” Allyssa said.
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| Allyssa Defillipo, Manzanita Photography |
Miss City of Sunshine, Valerie O’Neill
-Age: 21
-Talent: Sign Language
-Community Service Initiative: “Empowering Through Education: Unmasking Eating Disorders”
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| Valerie O’Neill performing a song in sign language during the Miss Oregon
“Talent” phase of competition, Manzanita Photography |
“As a Business and Criminal Justice major at Klamath Community College, Valerie's on a mission to make a difference. She hopes to join the police force and plans to shadow various positions to find her perfect fit.”
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| Valerie O’Neill in Seaside, Oregon |
Miss Klamath County’s Teen, Novalee Tubbs
-Age: 16
Talent: Dance
-Community Service Initiative: “Thrift, Style and Impact”
-Miss Oregon’s Teen 2024 Non-Finalist Onstage Question Award
“Currently attending Klamath Union High School, Novalee is focused on cultivating her creativity while gaining a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and retail strategies. She aims to study merchandising, visual arts, business, marketing and communication within the framework of sustainable fashion practices. Her ultimate career goal is to become a stylist, specializing in expanding individuals' visual dimensions through fashion or creating captivating looks for media projects by utilizing second-hand pieces to their full potential.”
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| Novalee Tubbs’ performing her silk veil dance during the local
“Talent” phase of competition, Stephanie Carine Photography |
Novalee said, “I was incredibly grateful to win the Onstage Conversation Award. When asked how I work to change the stigma around thrifting, I said, 'By being honest and proud. When people ask where I get my clothes or how I style them, I proudly tell them I found it at the thrift store! I love the idea of giving a piece of clothing a new life. Someone else once loved it, now I love it, and eventually, someone else will love it even more. I think that’s amazing.’”
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| Novalee Tubbs, Manzanita Photography |
Miss City of Sunshine’s Teen, Seattle Trejo
-Age: 15
Talent: Vocal
-Community Service Initiative: “Save the Music: Promoting Music Education in Schools”
-Miss Oregon’s Teen 2024 Top 5, Miss Oregon’s Teen 2024 “Congeniality” Award
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Seattle Trejo at the 2024 Friends of the Children - Klamath Basin “Friend Raiser” event, Manzanita Photography |
“Currently attending Klamath Union High School, Seattle plans to major in Musical Dance Theater at Brigham Young University. Her ultimate career goal is to perform on Broadway and potentially teach music in schools, sharing her love for the arts with future generations.”
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| Seattle Trejo, Manzanita Photography |
As an influential part of the Miss Klamath County-Miss City of Sunshine program, we are also active participants in local fundraising and charity events as well as other exciting appearances.
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| 6th Annual CASAblanca Gala, Manzanita Photography |
To make all of this possible, our local board of directors work tirelessly to put on each year’s production, as well as facilitate weekly practices, and assist with talent, wardrobe, paperwork, mock interviews, etc. They also organize appearances and provide opportunities for networking and mentorship within our community; as well as recruiting delegates and annually acquiring funding for all of the scholarships that our program provides—funding that assures every delegate on our stage receives a scholarship whether they place or not, and keeps our lights on!
As a non-profit, these are not paid roles, but because of these passionate and committed individuals, and through the generous support of our community and sponsors, our program has remained a beacon of opportunity to local, young women for decades.
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| Miss Klamath County Board of Directors and other *honorary volunteers in Seaside for Miss Oregon 2024 (from left to right: Ksandra Trailer, Patti Johnson, *Jennifer Ketterman, *Lynn Greenleaf, Cheryl Olguin, Grace Sherrill, Leslie Maxfield, Debbie Greenleaf, Wendy Steidle, Tracey Struble, Savannah Wieting; not pictured: Heidi Gaither), Manzanita Photography |
What goes on during a competition?
30% of each delegate’s total score is determined by their private interview with a panel of judges where any question is game.
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| Novalee Tubbs and Valerie O’Neill take on the state-level interviews |
10% consists of the On Stage Question where the above details apply.
20% is Fitness where they compete in activewear while highlighting what being #MissAmericaFit means to them.
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| Valerie O’Neill at the 6th annual CASAblanca Gala, Manzanita Photography |
“Fitness is a big part of my everyday life, why? Because what you think, you become, what you feel, you attract, and what you imagine, you create. So create the best version of you—and you can do that by taking care of yourself and staying healthy.” said Valerie.
20% is Evening Gown where they demonstrate their personal style, poise and confidence.
20% is Talent/HER Story which is another step toward modernization that also allows the delegate to share a “HER Story” (similar to a TED Talk) in place of more traditional performances.
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| Seattle Trejo singing the National Anthem at the 2024 Klamath
Community College graduation ceremony, Manzanita Photography |
“For the talent portion of the competition,” Seattle said, “I practiced my talent song over and over. I performed Journey to the Past at every opportunity that was presented. I sang it at noontime concerts, recitals, local events, and many more. This built up my confidence to the point where I no longer had to think about it when I was performing on the Miss Oregon stage.”
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| Allyssa Defillipo, Manzanita Photography |
“I will never forget the tears running down my cheeks after my first time singing on the Miss Oregon stage.” Allyssa recalled, “I was so fearful that I wasn't good enough, that singing wasn't for me even though it's been one of my biggest dreams since I was a child. The biggest thing I have gotten from [this organization] is the opportunity to grow, learn who I am, what I stand for, and become a more confident version of myself.”
What goes on behind the scenes?
First and foremost we strive to teach respect for others, as well as for oneself, while prioritizing integrity and service along the way. As volunteers, we come back year after year to witness the transformations that happen in the in-between. Sure, the crowning moment is exhilarating, but to watch women persist through the hard work and discomfort that precedes growth, and in turn, get to witness their newfound grace and confidence, this is the real crowning moment.
“The Miss America Organization is so much more than just getting on stage in a pretty gown, it's everything that comes before, after, and in between. It is the preparation, the relationships, the hardships and the journey.” Allyssa explained.
We hit the ground running with weekly practices and mock interviews prior to competition. In these preparatory months, each delegate must also choose a Community Service Initiative to focus on promoting throughout their year of service.
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Seattle Trejo performing at her 2024 collaborative Benefit Concert, Manzanita Photography |
“My CSI is prioritizing music education at schools. Because I love music so much, I want to share my love of music with others and allow other students to have the same opportunities that I've had. In order to do this, I hosted and performed in a benefit concert raising $1,500 that went both to the musical department at my local high school and also to two musical theater scholarships for two students.” Seattle highlighted.
Closet day is a fun day of fashion hosted by the Miss Klamath County Board of Directors where each delegate can borrow a gown, interview outfit or talent attire from this curated wardrobe—making our program more accessible to all. Then it’s local competition time with a week of mandatory dress rehearsals prior. These are often emotional and late nights, but critical to fully understanding the impact and legacy of an organization like Miss America.
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| Air Force Second Lieutenant, Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh |
One, recent Miss America represents this legacy well: Madison Marsh is the first member of the United States Armed Forces to hold this prestigious title (Air Force Second Lieutenant to be exact). Additionally, she has a black belt in Taekwondo, received her pilot’s license at 16, attended Harvard, has a degree in astrophysics—and if that isn’t enough—she also founded The Whitney Marsh Foundation in honor of her late mother whose mission is pancreatic cancer research, awareness and early detection.
Accolades like these are not unfamiliar in this program. But what the audience doesn’t see are the countless hours of behind-the-scenes dedication and grit that get them to the stage. Through months, and even years of refinement, each delegate encounters pivotal moments of growth as they ready themselves for competition. Along with practice and performance, entire days, weekends and otherwise dedicated free time are spent within their communities putting action behind words through volunteerism and advocacy work. Not to mention, this all is in between the full-time school and work schedules that they also maintain.
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Allyssa Defillipo with Valerie O’Neill and other Miss delegates doing promotional media work in Seaside, Oregon |
Yet another part of this often unseen journey, and what many of these women will highlight as a formative part of the program, are the relationships gained through participating. These are women who support each other through life’s ups and downs beyond the years of eligibility, through graduations, weddings, promotions and retirements. Many of these cherished bonds last a literal lifetime.
“…there were so many opportunities to get to know the girls and understand their reasons for being there,” said Novalee, “I felt truly grateful to learn about women from all walks of life and their ambitions. I met future politicians, space explorers, lawyers and many other inspiring individuals.”
Mentorship and networking are at the core of what the MAO provides. Former competitors, titleholders and those greatly impacted by this organization return as volunteers in hopes of furthering the legacy of Miss America by giving back through their wisdom and expertise; and in turn, create a confident and capable new generation of women equipped to achieve their dreams—not just chase them.
What happens during their year of service?
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| Miss Oregon and Miss Oregon’s Teen delegates at Workshop in Coos Bay, Oregon |
Next, they head to the Miss Oregon Workshop in Coos Bay, Oregon where titleholders statewide meet each other, finalize paperwork, learn the details of Miss Oregon week and get their official headshots done while doing promotional media work. This weekend was also the digital/regional competitions that allowed applicants a chance at a title, giving them the opportunity to also compete at Miss Oregon. Some of our Klamath girls even won a few titles:
-Miss Tri-Valley, Anna Edwards (Miss Oregon 2024 Top 11)
-Miss Northwestern, Melanie Potter
-Miss Southern Jewel, Bridget Vargas
Miss Oregon week arrives in a hurry and is the culmination of all their hard work. It’s the best of the best from around the state, yet the environment isn’t one of competitiveness, rather, it’s a supportive air of sisterhood and service. This year the Teens were back in Seaside with the Miss and formed lasting memories and bonds during this fun and intensive week.
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| Novalee Tubbs, Seattle Trejo and other Teen delegates with former Miss Oregon’s Teen 2023, Lena Larecy at the Seaside carousel, Manzanita Photography |
Seattle said, “I made so many friends and met with so many different people at Seaside, it was such a fun and exciting experience for me. I learned what it was like to have a good competition but still also have fun.”
In between interviews and preliminaries, the girls participate in numerous events highlighting community service while building relationships with the businesses and sponsors of Seaside. They also attended a Tea Party with our Shining Stars (a program that introduces elementary-aged girls to our program non-competitively) and rode in the Rose City Corvette Club corvettes during the annual Miss Oregon Parade!
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Valerie O’Neill (middle) with fellow Miss delegates posing under a mural after a local, sponsored lunch in Seaside, OR |
Miss America is so much more than sparkling crowns, satin dresses and world peace. This is a place where women get their hands dirty and build up other women on their own journeys too. These are future world changers, movers and shakers—glass ceiling breakers. Even after their year of service ends, the title passes on, and the lights on the stage go dim, it’s the intangible experiences and authentic connections that remain a part of a legacy untouched by time or distance.
We challenge our community to engage with us next time you see our titleholders at an event and allow us the opportunity to share what it means as ambassadors of Klamath County—to be more than just seen—to serve our community and leave a positive impact with the very people we represent in mind. We’re here to break stigmas and change the world around us, one person at a time.
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| Allyssa, Novalee and Seattle speaking to over 800 of Klamath County’s first-graders at the 24th Annual Klamath Cares, Klamath Reads event, Manzanita Photography |
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This article was originally writen in July 2024, and is shared here with the author's permission.
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