Plus-sized Sara Milliken crowned Miss Alabama for National American Miss 2024
Plus-sized beauty Sara Milliken was crowned the National American Miss Alabama 2024 during the state final held on May 27 at the Renaissance Marriot in Montgomery.
The 23-year-old model and mental health advocate from Atmore, Alabama is now expected to represent her home state at the National American Miss 2024 competition later this year.
"This is a dream that has been 8 years in the making for me," said the new National American Miss Alabama who first joined the state pageant when she was 15 years old.
After enduring bullying upon her return at the age of 16, she decided to take a break from joining for 7 years. However, this year, she mustered up the courage to give the crown another shot.
"I returned to the NAM stage to prove to myself I didn't give up. I could do this. I was more than the mean things that was said to me," Sara wrote online. "I was authentically myself. I had fun. I had the most genuine smile on my face. I wasn't perfect."
In response to the excessive online backlash she received after winning, she said: "I knew there would be hatred. That doesn't make it right but it is something I've mentally prepared myself for 8 years now. More than anything I just wish people could find something more interesting to do or something more interesting to talk about."
"The things that has been said about me is truly disgusting and I cannot fathom how people think it's ok to say these things. The easy thing would be to give up. I could hide my face. Stop posting on social media. Make no appearances. Stay low key until nationals. I could even give in and give up my title."
But Sara is determined to prove all her doubters wrong. She is driven to silence her critics by reaching her goals and chasing her dream. She is committed to using her platform to help her community, spread positivity, and dedicate herself to getting ready for the national competition.
"You are more than your body and more importantly... you are more than the evil things people say about your body. I gave this dream up for 6 years because of the hurtful things someone said about me. Never, ever again."
Photos: Sara Milliken / National American Miss Alabama / Instagram
