Amanda Higginbotham crowned fifth Miss Volunteer America 2027 in historical event at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tennessee
Amanda Higginbotham of Southlake, Texas, was crowned Miss Volunteer America 2027 on June 20th in Jackson, Tennessee. As the National Titleholder, Amanda serves as a National Ambassador for The Salvation Army and a National Brand Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, two organizations that have already played a significant role in Amanda’s life of service. She has dedicated over 120 hours of service to local Salvation Army corps across Texas and has personally raised more than $26,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Amanda created an afterschool series for her local Salvation Army chapter to provide children and young teens with academic assistance, mentorship, resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond!
A born-and-raised Texan with a passport full of stamps and a heart for service, Amanda brings an extraordinary combination of academic excellence, professional achievement, leadership, and volunteerism to her role as Miss Volunteer America. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Dakota, Amanda graduated with a 4.0 GPA while completing both a Bachelor of Aeronautical Science in Commercial Aviation and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a concentration in International Diplomacy, along with language certificates in Chinese and French. She was named to the Dean’s List, President’s List, and Athletics Director Honor Roll every semester she was in college and graduated as a Leader in Action student through the Honors Department.
While at the University of North Dakota, Amanda served as Captain of the UND Dance Team, President of the Honors Program Student Organization, President of the Chess Club, and an officer on the Student Aerospace Advisory Council. Her many honors include NASA Space Grant Rookie STEM Ambassador of the Year, the UND Athletics Department Spirit Award, Young Professionals Social Engagement Award, and a Top 15 Division I Pom finish at UDA Nationals. She received the Amelia Earhart Award, the Colonel George Boyd Award, the CAP Achievement Award three years, the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship, Klosterman Memorial Award, Curt Kriedman CFI Award and the Drugan Honors.
Currently, Amanda is a Dallas-Fort Worth-based airline pilot and holds an Airline Transport Pilot License—the highest level of aircraft pilot certification. Prior to becoming an airline pilot, she worked as a Certified Flight Instructor in single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument aviation and has earned a qualified job offer from Delta Air Lines through the competitive Delta Propel Program. Amanda has also served as a senior member of the Civil Air Patrol after reaching the rank of Major as a cadet. Her passion for aviation extends into service as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight South Central, helping transport patients to and from medical treatment.
Service has been a defining part of Amanda’s life, with nearly 5,000 lifetime volunteer hours. She is the Founder of Reach Out to Outreaches Inc., a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2017 that hosts volunteer scholarships, fundraising events, city festivals, and community initiatives. Amanda won the Top Fundraiser Award for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Miss Volunteer America and is a member of the St. Jude Dallas Walk Committee. She started The Spark Initiative Afterschool Series for local Salvation Army branches, providing support and opportunities for young people in their communities. Drawing from her experience as a NASA Space Grant STEM Ambassador and Aerospace Officer through the Civil Air Patrol, Amanda creates hands-on opportunities that introduce students to STEM, aerospace pathways, resources, and next-step opportunities. A classically trained pianist, Amanda has volunteered her time with God’s Country Children and served as Director of the Musical Melodies nonprofit performance troupe.
Whether she is in a cockpit, a Salvation Army afterschool classroom, or on a national stage, Amanda believes that leadership is best demonstrated through action and that big dreams often start with small sparks, and as Miss Volunteer America, she is committed to igniting those sparks in communities across the country.
Lauren Salimbene crowned Miss Volunteer America 2026
Lauren Salimbene of Centerville, Utah, was crowned Miss Volunteer America 2026 on June 21, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee, proudly representing the core values of Scholarship, Education, Responsibility, Volunteerism, and Empowerment. As the National Titleholder, Lauren becomes a National Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and serves as a National Brand Ambassador for The Salvation Army. Her passion for service is evident not only in her outstanding achievements, but her unwavering commitment to lead with purpose, serve with heart and inspire with action. She has personally raised over $13,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, earning the esteemed St. Jude Scholarship Award in honor of Amris Bedford for her advocacy and fundraising efforts. Lauren is a 20-year-old sophomore at Westminster University in Salt Lake City pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in International Relations at Westminster University’s Gore School of Business, where she has been named to the Dean’s List, 4.0 Honor Roll, and is a proud recipient of the Presidential Scholarship. Lauren is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, having served as both Chinese Class President and has been a dedicated language student throughout her academic career.
Lauren also strives to be a trailblazer, forging pathways for women in business. She is a Brand Ambassador for The Plunj Kaysville, is working with professors to establish Utah Collegiate Women in Finance and is an active member of 100 Women in Finance. As a Junior Achievement Financial Literacy Instructor, Lauren has traveled with the organization to teach post-graduate financial literacy to high schoolers in the Navajo Nation, helping bridge opportunity gaps in underserved communities. Lauren has been dancing since the age of two and her journey has been one of strength, discipline and resilience. She served as President of her school’s elite 3x State Champion Viewmont Drill Team and was an All-State and All-Region Drill Team Member. Lauren’s S.E.R.V.E. initiative is “Movement Has No Limits; Neither Do You” which stemmed from her passion for dance and its link to mental health advocacy. This initiative uses the power of movement to address the growing mental health crisis and build confidence, inclusion, and support emotional well-being—especially among youth and individuals with disabilities. She leads by example through coaching the Special Olympics Salt Lake Stars Dance Team and motivating athletes at the 2024–2025 Special Olympics High School Tournaments.
Berkley Bryant Crowned Miss Volunteer America 2025 in Spectacular Ceremony at Historic Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, TN!
In a stunning ceremony held this evening, June 22, 2024, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, TN, Berkley Bryant, the reigning Miss South Carolina Volunteer, captured the prestigious title of Miss Volunteer America 2025. The prestigious pageant, now in its third year, was streamed live globally on MissVolunteerAmerica.net.
Hannah Perrigin, the previous Miss Volunteer America, gracefully passed the torch to Berkley, crowning her as the new ambassador for the esteemed pageant.
The evening was hosted by Miss Volunteer America founder and CEO, Allison DeMarcus.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Berkley Bryant as Miss Volunteer America 2025,” said DeMarcus. "Berkley truly exemplifies the values and qualities that define our pageant system, and we are excited to have her represent the Miss Volunteer America organization in the coming year."
“Wow! Tonight was seriously a dream come true," said the new Miss Volunteer America 2025, Berkley Bryant, just minutes after her crowning. “I've worked so hard in my state of South Carolina to grow the Miss Volunteer America organization and to be rewarded for all of the hard work and dedication that goes into being a state title holder is just so exciting! I look forward to putting my skills to work this year as Miss Volunteer America. I want to say thank you to Allison DeMarcus, the national board for hosting us here in Jackson, TN as well as all of the amazing women I've met through this program.”
Berkley Bryant's outstanding achievement not only earns her the prestigious title but also opens the door to numerous exceptional opportunities. Along with $50,000 in scholarship funds, Berkley will have the chance to meet with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) Nashville, receive a Sherri Hill Designer package that includes a trip to New York City for NY Fashion Week, and engage in meetings with Big Machine Label Group and Red Street Records, among other exciting prospects.
Throughout the week, titleholders from all 50 states competed in preliminary rounds, leading up to the exhilarating finale. Over $125,000 in scholarship money and prizes were awarded, with these remarkable women representing their respective states during the national finals for Miss Volunteer America in Jackson, Tennessee. The entire week was a splendid celebration of glamour, talent, and the spirit of volunteerism.
The Miss Volunteer America Pageant is more than just a beauty competition. It honors young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work. This esteemed event highlights exceptional individuals who embody the values of service, compassion, and leadership.
The crowning of Berkley Bryant as Miss Volunteer America 2025 was an unforgettable moment for attendees. They experienced an evening filled with entertainment and inspiration, culminating in the well-deserved recognition of the new ambassador.
This year's pageant success would not have been possible without the generous support of the presenting sponsors: Jane Alderson, Delta Dental of Tennessee, Allison & Jay DeMarcus, Jackson Madison County Community Economic Development Commission, and Sherri Hill.
The spirit of service is at the heart of the Miss Volunteer America program. The organization partners nationally with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross.
Berkley Bryant’s Bio Click Here
Hannah Perrigin Crowned Miss Volunteer America 2024
In a dazzling ceremony held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, TN, Hannah Perrigin, the reigning Miss Mississippi Volunteer, claimed the coveted title of Miss Volunteer America 2024. The highly anticipated event, now in its second year, was streamed live worldwide on PageantsLive.com. Alexa Knutzen, the inaugural Miss Volunteer America, gracefully passed the torch to Hannah, crowning her as the new ambassador for the esteemed pageant.
The evening was hosted by Allison DeMarcus, and her husband, Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts).
Allison DeMarcus, founder and CEO of the Miss Volunteer America pageant system, expressed her excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to have Hannah Perrigin as Miss Volunteer America 2024. Hannah embodies the values and qualities that perfectly represent our pageant system, and we are delighted to have her as the face of the entire Miss Volunteer America organization throughout the upcoming year."
Hannah Perrigin's remarkable achievement not only brings her the prestigious title but also grants her a host of exceptional opportunities. Along with $50,000 in scholarship funds, Hannah will have the privilege of meeting with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) Nashville, receiving a Sherri Hill Designer package that includes a trip to New York City for NY Fashion Week, and engaging in meetings with Big Machine Label Group and Red Street Records, among other exciting prospects.
Throughout the week, titleholders from all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in preliminary rounds, leading up to the thrilling finale. Over $125,000 in scholarship money and prizes were awarded, and these remarkable women represented their respective states during the national finals for Miss Volunteer America in Jackson, Tennessee. The entire week was a splendid celebration of glamour, talent, and the spirit of volunteerism.
The Miss Volunteer America Pageant stands out as more than just a beauty competition. It goes beyond physical appearance to honor young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work. This esteemed event shines a spotlight on exceptional individuals who embody the values of service, compassion, and leadership.
The crowning of Hannah Perrigin as Miss Volunteer America 2024 was a truly unforgettable moment for attendees. They witnessed an evening filled with entertainment and inspiration, culminating in the deserving recognition of the new ambassador.
The success of this year's pageant would not have been possible without the generous support of the presenting sponsors: Jane Alderson, Delta Dental of Tennessee, Allison & Jay DeMarcus, Jackson Madison County Community Economic Development Commission, and Sherri Hill.The spirit of service lies at the very core of the Miss Volunteer America program. Miss Volunteer America partners with esteemed organizations such as the Salvation Army, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to make a meaningful difference in communities nationwide.
Alexa Knutzen crowned the First
Miss Volunteer America 2023
Alexa Knutzen of Mapleton, Utah, was crowned the inaugural Miss Volunteer America on May 7th, 2022. Alexa Knutzen is a 24-year-old graduate of the University of Utah with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Ballet Performance. She received a departmental scholarship from the University of Utah School of Dance, was appointed to the First Year Council, as well as the Ms. Barbara Barrington Jones Scholarships to Ballet West Academy.
Alexa has had the opportunity to perform, teach and choreograph professionally throughout the country. In addition, she had the honor of performing the principal role of Liz in the U.S Premier of Strictly Ballroom the Musical. Her prestigious education in dance pedagogy has led her to dedicate nearly a decade of her life serving the special needs community through dance. She has volunteered as a dance instructor with dozens of organizations around the State of Utah that provide empowering opportunities for individuals with special needs through the arts. During her year of service, Alexa looks forward to volunteering her time and talents nationwide to impact the lives in the community she loves deeply.
In addition to volunteering her time as a dance instructor, Alexa has been a Children’s Advocate at Primary Children’s Hospital and volunteered as Activity Coordinator for adults with mental disabilities at Turn Services.
Even though Alexa is a first-generation college graduate in her family, she went on to complete a second bachelor’s degree in Journalism and is currently working as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in their Preschool for Autism. Alexa plans to continue her education and obtain a master’s degree in Speech Pathology.
Outside of her professional and career ambitions, Alexa uses her voice to advocate for all of her passions. Including: the importance of investing in our youth, consent education, support of our military/veterans, community youth programs, higher education, and mental health awareness. She is particularly excited to be serving as a spokesperson for White Flag and joining the fight against mental health stigmas. Alexa hopes to leave a legacy of openness and love and is thrilled to partner with the Miss Volunteer America organization that emulates those qualities.
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