Name: Brooklyn Holt
Age: 20 years old
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Major: Journalism and Political Science; Business Minor
How did you get into pageants?
I started competing in the Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen program when I was 15 years old. My voice teacher encouraged me to compete as a way to practice my vocal skills and gain scholarship money.
What is your platform?
My platform is “Raise Your Voice for Children,” which addresses impoverished children and their families’ needs. My platform centers on the costly consequences to society when children’s basic needs are not met. Also, my goal is for all children to realize that we cannot dwell on challenges, but that we can accept them, work hard and turn them around, making them become our strengths. I host “Raise Your Voice for Children” concerts with talent from across the Southeast and with all proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network. In addition, I have recorded a CD single, titled “Raise Your Voice.” I chose my platform because I have always dreamed of using my talents to positively impact the lives of others.
How do you prepare to go on stage?
The Miss Auburn University Pageant is an official preliminary to the Miss Alabama pageant. This will be my fifth year in the Miss America system, three in “Outstanding Teen” and now two in “Miss.” You could say I have been preparing for a long time. I will prepare for the Miss Alabama Pageant by staying updated on current events, practicing my vocal talent, working out, and a myriad of other things. The Miss AU team of directors will help prepare me by hosting mock interviews along with many other things.
Who in your life keeps you grounded?
My brother named Branson Holt keeps me grounded. He is one of my best friends and continually encourages me to do my best.
What is your favorite dress you’ve worn?
If you got one do-over for a pageant, what would it be?
The first pageant I ever competed in, I bombed my on-stage question. I wish I could go back and answer the question. At the time, it seemed like a hard question, but now I think I could answer it with ease. It had something to do with “how I balanced extracurricular activities with school.”
What have you learned from doing pageants?
I have learned the importance of staying updated on current events. Also, I have gained an abundant amount of knowledge and practice for interviews.
What would you want to say to younger girls interested in pageants?
Do it! The Miss America Program is a wonderful platform to showcase your talents, express your opinions, and impact the communities you love. Scholarship money and the relationships you make are also a great addition.
What would winning Miss Alabama mean to you?
Being crowned “Miss Alabama” would provide me with wonderful opportunities to continue my journey and make an impact on the lives of children and their families. As Miss Alabama, I would raise awareness for my platform through speaking engagements and appearances, host musical concerts with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Alabama homeless shelters, and collaborate with Alabama lawmakers to create legislation that would improve the lives of Alabama children. I know with my determination and hunger for change in Alabama, I am making an ever-lasting impact on children and their families in Alabama and across the country.