5 minute read
Abbie Stockard Crowned Miss America
Abbie Stockard, Miss America 2025, is a 22-year-old dancer and choreographer born and raised in Alabama. She is a senior at Auburn University in the College of Nursing and a member of the Gamma Delta Chapter. Join us in an exclusive conversation touching on women’s health, sisterhood and making an impact.
As Miss America, how do you use your service initiative to impact the world?
When I was nine years old, I met my best friend, Maddie. She lit up my world with her energy and laughter from the first moment. We were just kids—third graders who became best friends, my partner in every childhood adventure. Maddie isn’t just my friend; she is my family. But even as a kid, I noticed Maddie had her struggles. She often went to the nurse’s office, took pills before meals, and sometimes had a cough that wouldn’t go away. I didn’t think much of it at first—but then came the day Maddie wasn’t in class. At nine years old, you don’t think much about hospitals or sickness until it stares you in the face. When I walked into her hospital room, my heart shattered. It was the first time I understood that Cystic Fibrosis wasn’t just something Maddie had; it was something she battled every single day. That moment changed me. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetically inherited, chronic, life-threatening disease that currently has no cure.
Maddie taught me what it means to be resilient, to fight even when the odds seem stacked against you. Maddie gave me more than friendship—she gave me purpose. As I stood on the Miss America stage this year, I thought of Maddie. For the little girl who taught me that even in the darkest moments, hope shines brightly. Maddie’s story is why I fight for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. She’s not just a statistic; she’s my why, my inspiration, my forever best friend. I have raised $200,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, spearheaded the largest fundraising event in Alabama, and lobbied on Capitol Hill for healthcare legislation. Upon being crowned Miss America, I became a National Ambassador for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, allowing me to amplify my impact further. Maddie has shown me that life on Earth is precious and every day is a blessing. Because of Maddie, I will continue my advocacy work beyond the years of wearing a crown and continue finding ways to get involved and touch the lives of others.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned about the spirit of sisterhood?
I define sisterhood as the affection and loyalty you feel because of the bond you share with other women. Whether through the Miss America Organization or Alpha Gamma Delta, I’m incredibly blessed to have found my forever sisters. Both have been pivotal in my journey, offering meaningful connections and lifelong bonds. There’s something truly powerful about having a group of women who support you and encourage you to grow and reach your fullest potential.
What does "to develop and prize health and vigor of the body" mean to you?
This line from Alpha Gamma Delta’s Purpose resonates with me as a reminder of the importance of physical and mental well—being. While every woman’s health journey is unique and personal to them, their body is worth investing in every day. “Health and vigor of body” isn’t just about fitness or physical appearance; it’s about pursuing a healthy lifestyle in order to feel strong and confident. As a member of the Auburn University Tiger Paws Dance Team, the official collegiate dance team for Auburn Athletics, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of a well-rounded, active lifestyle and gotten to share my passion for health and wellness through movement. My best friend’s fight with Cystic Fibrosis has fueled my commitment to advocating for people’s health and creating a world where individuals can grow up healthy and strong, no matter what challenges they face. I plan on using this position of influence to empower individuals to take control of their well-being so they, too, can experience a longer, healthier life.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Alpha Gamma Delta?
Alpha Gamma Delta became my home. As a freshman in college, I was nervous and filled with anticipation, unsure of the future. But from the moment I joined, these women became my family. Alpha Gam gave me a community of like-minded women, my roommates for the next four years of college, and the opportunity to dive deeper into my philanthropic efforts.
What makes my Alpha Gam experience even more special is the legacy I’m a part of. I'm honored to be the fourth in my family to call Alpha Gamma Delta home, following in the footsteps of my mom, sister and cousin. This sisterhood is not just something I was welcomed into—it’s something passed down through our family. Being a part of this legacy has made my time in Alpha Gam even more meaningful, reminding me that sisterhood truly spans beyond our college years. I am so grateful for the strong, inspiring women who helped shape my life and the sisters whose friendships I will cherish for years.
