Recent Liberty University graduate Courtney Garrett was the first runner-up in the 2015 Miss America Competition, which aired on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 14. She graduated from Liberty in May after double-majoring in music, with a concentration in vocal performance, and communication, with a concentration in advertising and public relations.
Garrett was crowned Miss Virginia at the Roanoke Civic Center in June, which earned her a $17,500 scholarship and the opportunity to represent Virginia at the Miss America Competition, where she was awarded a $25,000 scholarship for being the first runner-up.
Just three days after the Miss America Competition, Garrett visited her alma mater and spoke to the student body — which she had been a part of only months before.
“It was an honor to be chosen as first runner-up, not only to represent Virginia, but to represent Liberty University,” Garrett said. “To have Liberty on my résumé was something I was so proud of because of what Liberty University stands for. We are unashamedly proud to share the Gospel of Christ.”
Earlier this year, Garrett, a native of Pamplin, Va., was crowned Miss State Fair of Virginia 2014. She was also a finalist in this year’s PRWeek Student of the Year competition. Sarah Corder, who also graduated from Liberty in May, was the winner of that award.
Garrett’s community service platform for the pageants was “Defying Disabilities,” which focused on raising awareness of and empowering the disabled community. Her brother, Austin, has cerebral palsy, autism, and epilepsy, making the issue a personal one for Garrett.
Her concern for the disabled is more than just a platform — she plans to start a nonprofit and devote her life to being an advocate for those with disabilities.
“I feel that it is God’s calling on my life to be a voice for that community as well as an advocate for their rights and respect in the community,” she said.
Garrett said Liberty prepared her well for her future career, and that faculty and staff encourage students to develop their unique passion.
“Liberty helps you hone that fire,” she said, “to identify what God has put in your heart and that this is where it starts. (So) let that fire grow. Liberty is where you get the tools and training to put it to work in the world … and truly make a difference.”
Following her reign as Miss Virginia, Garrett plans to pursue an M.B.A. at Liberty.
Graduates shine, win the crown in pageants
Kanika Davis
Jasmin Alexander
Alumna Kanika Davis (’11), of Lynchburg, Va., was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2014 in March, then went on to represent Virginia in the 2015 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, held Aug. 4-10 in Long Beach, Calif. Davis holds an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty and works as a transition counselor for the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Her platform, “Life Beyond Limits,” focuses on helping others with disabilities overcome obstacles, move forward, and live life to the fullest.
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jasmin Alexander (’13), an intelligence officer, won the 2014 Miss Black USA pageant in August. She was awarded a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to Africa. Alexander graduated in 2013 with an M.A. in Human Services Counseling with a cognate in Executive Leadership. She was selected as Miss Black Colorado USA 2014 on Aug. 1. While serving as Miss Black USA, Alexander will further the cause of the Heart Truth campaign, an initiative that raises awareness about the dangers of heart disease for women and offers healthy living and exercise tips.
