While beauty pageants are often known for the glitz and gowns, Miss Earth USA is distinguished by its commitment to environmental awareness and social responsibility.
This year the regional division, which includes Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama, chose to have its Junior, Miss and Teen crowning event in Roswell at the Doubletree by Hilton.
“Since 2001, the Miss Earth USA organization has created a platform for young girls and women across the country to experience the beauty pageant industry, while making an impact on our community and the environment,” says Nic Blaize, regional executive director. “Roswell has hosted our state competition for several years. We picked this beautiful city for its historic landscape, community support and convenient location.”
Roswell High School student and Little Helpers co-founder Ava Huyen Smith ended her reign as Teen Miss Georgia Earth 2022 and crowned her successor.
“Miss Earth stands apart from traditional beauty pageants because it shows that beauty is more than just how you look or what you wear. It’s also about purpose, awareness and kindness,” Ava says. “I was only 14 years old when I received this honor. The Miss Earth family immediately embraced me and my community, which includes Roswell City Lifestyle magazine. I am truly grateful.”
The event included a charity gala, The Canary Ball, hosted by the nonprofit Dorothy’s House and sponsored by Inspire Gravity Consulting and Beauty Queens Galore.
“I started Dorothy’s House when I was 15 years old as a way to support a friend and continue the legacy of my great grandmother,” added founder Ariana Blaize, Miss Georgia North USA. “The community answered the call and today we’ve touched many lives globally. Haiti continues to be rocked with violence, so that’s why I chose to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Haiti Teen Challenge. No child should be denied access to education and resources even when their country is in turmoil.”
Also in attendance were Miss Earth USA Danielle Mullins, Mrs. USA Earth Fire Lindsay Shockey, Miss Earth USA Eco Gracie Pfaff, Miss Earth Georgia 2022 Tram Mai, Miss Grand Georgia 2023 Kennedy Thomas, Teen Miss Louisiana Earth 2022 Taty Lopez and Mr. United Prentice Ahmad.
Regional titleholders were crowned, including Little Miss Georgia Earth Vitalia Collins, Little Miss Florida Earth Cora Williams, Junior Miss Florida Earth Camille Buss, Teen Miss Georgia Earth Courtney Smith, Teen Miss Alabama Earth Juliana Golden, Teen Miss Tennessee Earth Clover Pfaff, Miss Florida Earth Valentina Delgado and Miss Alabama Earth Samantha Chaplin.
Founded in 2001, Miss Earth is the second-largest international pageant with multiple age divisions for women and girls. It also formed a nonprofit organization called Beauties for a Cause.
A reminder that beauty transcends aesthetics.