Goals and Ambition

Auburn University student crowned Miss Alabama USA

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Auburn University senior and Miss Auburn-Opelika Kelly Hutchinson’s dreams came true as she was crowned Miss Alabama USA at the competition held earlier this month at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.

Hutchinson has been competing for this title since she was a freshman at Auburn and has dreamed of competing at Miss USA since she started competing in pageants in high school. Those dreams will come true next spring at the annual Miss USA competition.

“This title is the culmination of years of hard work,” said Hutchinson. “It is truly an honor to serve our state and to show other people that hard work and determination pays off.”

Hutchinson had the opportunity of representing the Auburn-Opelika community in this year’s pageant. When she visited the university for the first time to watch her brother play football, she immediately fell in love with the campus and the family atmosphere.

“The community of Auburn is so very special and filled with loving, intelligent and giving people,” said Hutchinson. “It’s one reason I fell in love with this school and the community…I look forward to the continued support of the Auburn Family.”

Hutchinson is majoring in communications and working toward a minor in marketing. She said some of her classes at Auburn have helped prepare her for her new title.

“As Miss Alabama USA, I will have to do a lot of public speaking, which I’ve been thoroughly prepared for thanks to multiple communication classes,” said Hutchinson. “Because of Auburn and the education I’ve received, I am now a more confident, outspoken and determined woman with huge goals and the ambition to make them happen.”

As an Auburn student, Hutchinson has been involved in many on-campus organizations including Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Tiger Paws and numerous honor societies. She is currently on the Panhellenic Cabinet and previously held the positions of director and assistant director of Miss Panhellenic.

Hutchinson will graduate in December and plans on staying in the Auburn area upon graduation to focus on her role as Miss Alabama USA while furthering her platform by raising money and supporting the American Cancer Society. She also plans to work with local schools, as well as schools across the state, to provide support for children who have a parent battling cancer. It’s a cause close to her heart—Hutchinson lost her dad to cancer when she was 15 years old and wants to create a way for children in these situations to provide support and fellowship for one another.

“While the national pageant will be incredibly exciting, I am really looking forward to serving and meeting so many people of the state of Alabama and hope to leave a positive and lasting impact after my time with the title is complete,” she said.

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