Born and raised in Birmingham, Abbie Stockard graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 2021 and is now a nursing student at Auburn University. She is also a dancer with the Auburn University Tiger Paws. In July 2023, Abbie was named the 2024 Miss Hoover and received a $5,000 scholarship from the City of Hoover. Here, she offers her gratitude upon winning this prestigious title and how she plans to give back to the community who has supported her.
How did you start competing with the Miss Alabama organization, and what titles have you won?
Although I have danced competitively since the age of 5, I never competed in a pageant until becoming involved with the Miss Alabama Organization. I had several friends that encouraged me to compete. With college expenses being so high, I figured why not try it and see if I could help my parents offset the expenses. Although I was intimidated, God equipped me with the courage and confidence to try something out of my comfort zone, which led to the ability to successfully compete. I’ve competed twice, and I was fortunate enough to place in the Top Five both years.
For the Miss Hoover competition, what platform did you run on?
My platform, also known as my community service initiative, is “Be The Change – Find a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness.” My goal is to increase awareness to further fund research so that “CF” will one day stand for “Cure Found.” My best friend Maddie has Cystic Fibrosis. Even though she faces a shortened life expectancy and has to take numerous medications daily, her positive outlook is an inspiration to me. Maddie chooses to live life to its fullest and embrace every day that God has given her.
What volunteer opportunities have you taken to serve your community?
I am actively involved in promoting my community service initiative. I utilize a platform that the Miss Alabama Organization has given me to raise awareness through my social media outlets and by making numerous public fundraising appearances. I also serve my college community by participating as a student recruiter, where I can share my love for Auburn with prospective students through guided tours and events. As a Tiger Paw, we have weekly community appearances, where I am able to serve and pour back into the Auburn community.
What do you hope to aspire to career-wise?
My dream career is to become a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. I have a particular interest in pediatrics, and I hope to one day work in surgery at Children’s Hospital. As a twin, I count my blessings daily that my brother and I were both born healthy, but I recognize not everyone is this fortunate. Working in pediatrics, I feel I will really be able to touch the lives of families who have young children with medical needs.
What do you hope to accomplish as Miss Hoover 2024?
I want to represent Hoover in the most positive light and hopefully bring home the Miss Alabama crown. I will be visible in numerous public appearances and hope to promote my community service initiative by partnering with Hoover businesses and leadership. In addition, I want to carry out the ultimate mission of the Miss Alabama Organization, which is to empower young women to dream big.
