SPOKANE, Wash --- Miss America is not just about a crown, it is an organization that can empower young women by giving them a voice to inspire change and help others.
Each contestant on a local, state and national level advocate for a personal charity platform. Ashlee Karras is Miss Columbia Basin 2017, and she uses her love of music to promote her platform, Empowering Youth Through Music Education. She visits classrooms, teaching them the importance of music and how it can impact their life in a positive way.
“I was realizing that music was becoming less and less of a priority for children and being able to advocate for those programs is what it’s all about for me,” said Karras.
The Miss America Organization is the largest scholarship provider for young women. It gives many opportunities to contestants like Karras to further their education.
“I am a first-generation college student. So, being able to go to college and get my degree in vocal performance is so exciting for me,” said Karras.
The lucky lady who takes home the crown of Miss America will receive a $50,000 scholarship.
The current Miss Washington, Nicole Renard, is a dancer and loves speaking about her platform, “You are Enough! Developing a Positive Body Image.” She will be representing Washington on the Miss America stage Sunday, September 10 at 9 p.m.