Miss Louisiana April Nelson, 23, sang her way to the top talent performance score with “Climb Every Mountain” from “The Sound of Music” during Wednesday night’s preliminary competition at the 95th Annual Miss America Scholarship Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Nelson, who has been a fan of the renowned musical since first seeing it at the age of seven, dedicated her impressive and heart felt performance to Carson Shadrix, 11, a boy who has faced many difficult health issues in his young life. Nelson says she finds Shadrix a great inspiration, who shares her enthusiasm for “The Sound of Music.”
Miss Florida Mary Katherine Fechtel, 19, won the other top preliminary award announced Wednesday evening in Lifestyle and Fitness. Fechtel’s poised and striking presentation of her trimmed, toned physique was a stand-out among another field of strong contenders.
Fechtel certainly knows her color. Not only did she compete in a polar white swimsuit that helped rope in a $1,000 scholarship awarded for her preliminary win, but later appeared on stage in a stunning polar white evening gown for that competition.
Two other award categories were announced during Wednesday evening: The STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Award recipients are chosen from the contestants enrolled within one of these declared fields of study. The Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award recipients are chosen from the contestants who excel in their commitment to enhance the quality of life for others.
Those winning STEM Award scholarships of $5,000 were: Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson, Miss Mississippi Hannah Roberts, Miss Tennesee Hannah Robison, Miss Vermont Alayna Westcom and Miss Washington Lizzi Jackson.
To the delight of the multitude of local audience members who thundered with approval, Miss New Jersey Lindsey Giannini won The Jean Bartel Quality of Life Award and will receive a $6,000 scholarship. Also recognized were 1st Runner Up Miss Tennessee Hannah Robison, receiving a $4,000 scholarship and 2nd Runner Up Miss Alabama Meg McGuffin with a $2,000 scholarship.
By Joell Posey
