Addison Garner, a sophomore from Opelika majoring in musical theatre, was crowned Miss University of Mobile (UM) on Feb. 4.
Garner, who attends First Baptist Church, Opelika, will go on to compete in the Miss Alabama pageant in June at Samford University in Birmingham.
“I am so proud of all of the contestants and feel so blessed and privileged to get to represent them as well as the University of Mobile,” Garner said.
In addition to being crowned the winner, Garner was the recipient of the talent, swimsuit and People’s Choice awards. Her main goal as Miss UM is to promote her platform, “The Power of a Mentor.”
“I want to bring awareness to the true power and impact that we have on the lives of children and how important it is that we become mentors in these kids’ lives,” Garner said.
Garner plans to continue her work with the Music in Action program affiliated with the University of Mobile and its RamKids and Center for Leadership programs. Through Music in Action, Garner and 12 other students teach children in Mobile-area schools how to sing and dance as well as introduce them to a variety of forms of music.
“Being a musical theatre major, I have enjoyed seeing the light in these kids’ eyes as we teach them and introduce them to the arts as well as open doors for opportunities that may help them in succeeding in life,” Garner said.
Garner strives to live by this quote from Marcia Wieder, founder of Dream University: “Fill your life with as many experiences of joy and passion as you humanly can. Start with one and build on it.”
“I have always tried to leave my little corner of the world better than I found it, and that is exactly what I intend to do as I work with these children as well as during my time as Miss UM,” she said.
The first runner-up for Miss UM was Kimberly Smith, freshman communication and vocal performance major from Mobile.
The second runner-up was Brooke Sanders, freshman sociology major from Headland.
The recipient of the Miss Congeniality award was Malory Green, junior intercultural studies and English major from Priceville.
(UMobile)
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