Abbie Stockard realized the dream of a lifetime when she was crowned Miss Alabama 2024. A nursing student at Auburn University, Stockard chose Auburn’s Nursing Program for its high NCLEX passing rates and overall reputation. Her family’s legacy in healthcare, including a grandfather who is a surgeon and multiple relatives in the field, deeply influenced her path.
Her passion for nursing stems from a heart of compassion and a desire to serve others. “I believe that I have a heart of compassion and empathy, and I am at my personal best when I am serving others,” she explains. As a nurse, she looks forward to providing quality care and forming meaningful relationships with patients.
Stockard’s interest in beauty pageants was inspired by her mother, who had competed in the Miss Alabama pageant. Initially drawn by the scholarship opportunities, Stockard fell in love with the mission of the organization. After competing for three years since starting her freshman year at Auburn, she was finally crowned Miss Alabama 2024. Her journey included titles like Miss Cahaba Valley 2021, Miss Trussville 2022, and Miss Hoover 2023.
The Miss Alabama title has significantly impacted Stockard’s life. She has received over $39,000 in scholarship money paving her way through college debt-free. The Miss America Organization has also equipped her with skills essential for success beyond the crown. Stockard aims to earn a doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice and become a pediatric nurse anesthetist.
According to Stockard, Miss Alabama is the face, the voice, and the chief spokesperson for the Miss Alabama Organization. Her role as Miss Alabama includes various responsibilities such as being a role model, engaging with diverse communities, utilizing social media, and promoting the organization. Stockard is committed to making a positive impact, focusing on building partnerships, empowering young women, and increasing awareness and funding for Cystic Fibrosis through her Service Initiative, “Be the Change - Find a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness.” She created her Initiative because of a childhood best friend who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis (CF). “At the young age of nine, I decided to become a lifelong advocate to fight Cystic Fibrosis. I promised Maddie that I would be by her side forever and never stop until one day CF stands for Cure Found.”
Balancing her advocacy work with personal commitments has required careful planning. Stockard’s personal commitments include being a member of the Auburn University Tiger Paws Dance Team and a Student Recruiter. Her dedication to her Service Initiative, which raised over a (historic) $190,000 in one day, and her busy schedule as a nursing student highlight her exceptional time management and organizational skills.
For young women aspiring to participate in pageants, Stockard advises staying true to themselves and being authentic. Preparation and genuine passion for the Miss Alabama Organization can set them apart.
Reflecting on her nursing education, Stockard values the knowledge and practical experience gained through her coursework and clinical rotations. Her education has strengthened her critical thinking skills and prepared her to provide high-quality patient care.
As Stockard takes a year off from school to focus on her role as Miss Alabama and prepare for Miss America, she will be traveling across the state and continuing her advocacy work. Despite her busy schedule, she plans to stay connected with Auburn University and return to her studies afterward.
AUCON wishes Abbie Stockard the best of luck as she competes for the title of Miss America in Orlando in January 2025.
