Gulf Shores’ Lauren Bradford named first runner-up in Miss America Competition

By Melanie LeCroy / melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 12/24/21

Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama 2021 was named first runner-up in the Miss America Competition Thursday, Dec. 16. Bradford won $42,500 in scholarships to further her education. The finals aired live …

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Gulf Shores’ Lauren Bradford named first runner-up in Miss America Competition

Posted

Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama 2021 was named first runner-up in the Miss America Competition Thursday, Dec. 16. Bradford won $42,500 in scholarships to further her education. The finals aired live from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.


During the live broadcast, the top 10 finalists were named, had an onstage interview and performed their talents. Bradford has been playing the violin since she was six and showed her versatility and perseverance live onstage when there were technical difficulties. There were issues with the sound of her electric violin, but she did not falter. After a commercial break she repeated her performance. Bradford was poised and well-spoken during each phase of the finals.


In the end, Emma Broyles, Miss Alaska, was crowned Miss America 2022, Bradford named first runner-up and Elizabeth Pierre, Miss Massachusetts, was awarded second place.


Bradford grew up in Gulf Shores skateboarding and enjoying the outdoors. The self-proclaimed tomboy never thought of entering a pageant until her freshman year at Gulf Shores High School where she was crowned Miss Gulf Shores High School 2015. On June 12, 2021, she competed as Miss Jefferson County and was crowned Miss Alabama 2021.


While she competed as Miss Jefferson County, she is proud of her Coastal Alabama roots and thankful for the support she has received.


"I am so thankful for all my hometown people. Leading up to this moment they have been so supportive, and I am so thankful. I know pageants aren't a huge thing down there, so I appreciate them sticking through with me with this crazy idea I had when I was younger and now supporting me as Miss Alabama. I have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for them and excitement to now represent Gulf Shores at Miss America," Bradford said.


Over the years, Bradford has competed and won the titles of Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen 2017, Miss Auburn 2019 and Miss Jefferson County 2020. Along with the titles she also won over $128,500 in scholarships and the ability to graduate from Auburn University debt free.


"The scholarship aspect of the Miss America program is so much fun to talk about because many people don't realize the incredible opportunities it presents to young women to further their education. I was able to graduate from Auburn University debt free. Now I will be attending Vanderbilt University and was really propelled to pursue a master's degree because of scholarships I knew I had," Bradford said.


Bradford has spent the year traveling the state making appearances, speaking, visiting schools and sharing her social impact initiative Unplugged: The Digital Diet Plan.


"Unplugged: The Digital Diet Plan is about educating people, no matter the age or generation you are from, about the harmful effects of the overuse of technology and how we can integrate technology into our lifestyle in a healthy and balanced way. Ultimately, technology is a tool that we should be using for our good and technology should not be controlling us. I would love to travel the state sharing this message," Bradford said.