Chelsea Ingram, a 23-year-old from Saint Johnsbury, has been chosen as the new Miss Vermont 2012. Held at the South Burlington High School Performing Arts Center, the Miss Vermont Scholarship Competition featured ten contestants from around the state.
As Miss Vermont, Ingram receives $9,000 in scholarships, over $12,000 in prizes, and the opportunity to compete for the Miss America title in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 12, 2013. Currently a student at Lyndon State College, Ingram is enrolled in the school’s post graduate Electronic Journalism Arts program. She is employed by Burlington’s FOX44 as a weekend meteorologist and hopes to pursue a career full-time career in broadcast after fulfilling her year of service in the role of Miss Vermont 2012.
After being selected, Ingram shared her enthusiasm for winning the Miss Vermont title. “I am devoted to my platform, which is Accountable 2 You. Accountable 2 Me: Heart Disease Prevention & Awareness. I look forward to sharing it with the people of this wonderful state," said Ingram.
During her year as Miss Vermont, Ingram will travel throughout Vermont advocating her platform issue. "Raising a new generation of heart healthy adults has been a passion of mine ever since my dad was diagnosed with heart disease. It’s time for my generation, Miss Vermont and Miss America to lead a new generation; a generation where heart health is a priority, a generation where Vermonters are accountable for their health and the health of our children,” said Ingram. She will talk to various government representatives, business leaders, community groups and citizens-at-large, urging them to get involved in fostering heart health programs.
Susan J. Lackey, president of the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization, commented on the new Miss Vermont. "Chelsea is an excellent role model for young women and girls,” said Lackey. “She possesses so many wonderful qualities: leadership, intelligence, maturity, poise, and grace. We look forward to working with her.”
The Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization awarded a total of $19,650 in cash and in-kind scholarships to contestants receiving awards during the final and preliminary competitions. These include:
First Runner-Up /$5000: Jackie Croft of South Reading
Second Runner-Up /$2650 - Jeanelle Achee of Rochester
Third Runner-Up /$600 - Rylee Field of Montpelier
Fourth Runner-Up /$300- Alexandra Larrow of Vergennes
Miss Vermont Sisterhood Spirit Award /$100 – Jeanelle Achee of Rochester
Miss America Scholar Award /$1000 – Alayna Westcom of Bakersfield
Miss America Community Service Award /$1000 – Jeanelle Achee of Rochester
Children's Miracle Network Miracle Maker - Chelsea Ingram of Saint Johnsbury
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award - Jeanelle Achee of Rochester
Established in 1945, the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization provides opportunities for young women to achieve their personal and professional ambitions. Contestants also participate in community service activities and develop leadership skills that help them excel in their chosen career and life goals. A not-for-profit 501(c)3 affiliate of the Miss America Organization, the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization has made available more than $1 million in scholarships and in-kind funds to hundreds of young women throughout Vermont. Winners of the annual Miss Vermont Competition are eligible to compete in the Miss America Competition, held every January in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Each year, the Miss America Organization makes available more than $40 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance. Based in Linwood, New Jersey, the Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs. On an annual basis, Miss America state and local titleholders, along with the Organization’s network of volunteers, participate in more than 12,000 community-service projects, providing in excess of 500,000service hours to worthy causes.