Author: Angelena Castro
On September 9, 2018, Winston Salem native Nia Franklin was crowned Miss America. Franklin graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Nia then moved to New York City in 2017 and in June of 2018, was crowned Miss New York, she competed in the Miss America pageant under that title. Nia Franklin is the second North Carolina native to hold the title of Miss America.
As Miss America 2019, Nia took on a host of duties which included but not limited to traveling across the country for her year of service. Embarking on her national speaking tour about her social impact initiative “Advocating for the Arts” and serving as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals, which is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.
Through her social impact initiative, Nia brought her passion for music and performance to advocate for the inclusion of arts as an important part of education. For the talent portion of the competition, Nia chose a classical vocal performance.
Along with the coveted title of Miss America 2019, Nia won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education.
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