Cierra Giles, a junior from Gilbertown majoring in early childhood and elementary education, was crowned Miss University of Mobile on Feb. 5. She will compete in the Miss Alabama pageant June 8–11 at Samford University in Birmingham.
“As a little girl I dreamed of holding a title but never thought I would,” Giles said.
“I’m just very excited and very honored.”
Her main goal as Miss University of Mobile is to promote her platform, Volunteerism in America.
“We often use our time more for ourselves than others,” she said.
Giles plans to work with two organizations that improve the lives of children.
She will work in a mentoring program with Wilmer Hall in Mobile, which provides a home for children who have no home or who cannot live with their natural parents.
“I want them to know they aren’t alone,” she said.
Giles also plans to work with Camp Grace in Mobile, which hosts different camps for children with disabilities.
Giles, who was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 9 years old, said, “Since I have a disability myself, Camp Grace is very close to my heart. I want to let these children know that they can still have dreams. I want to be a support and encouragement to them.”
Giles said her epilepsy “has made me stronger as a person. It humbled me and challenged me.”
The first runner-up for Miss University of Mobile was junior Rebekah Clements, of Lacey’s Spring. Clements also won the talent portion of the competition.
The second runner up was sophomore Joanna Canning, of Irvington. Canning also won the swimsuit portion of the competition as well as Miss Congeniality.
The recipient of the Peoples Choice Award was freshman Alexandra McKinley, of Stone Temple, Ga. (UMobile)
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