Wedowee’s Fincher competes in Miss America

For many young girls interested in pageantry, reaching the Miss America pageant is a major dream. For Wedowee native Linsday Fincher, this dream came true as she represented the State of Alabama in competition in the Miss America Pageant over the week of Dec. 12.

Fincher says that ever since she was a little girl, competing in the Miss America pageant was an aspiration, and finally reaching this accomplishment has been a dream come true. “Just to be a part of this legacy, to be one of 51 women who are part of this organization, is incredible,” Fincher said.

Earlier in July, Fincher was named Miss Alabama after representing the University of Alabama in competition at Samford University. After graduating from the University of Alabama, Fincher went full steam ahead in preparation for the Miss America Pageant.

At Miss America, Fincher competed in categories including Talent, Evening Wear, Interview and Physical Fitness along with pitching her Social Impact Initiative platform to a panel of judges.

Fincher’s hardworking and focused characteristics gave her confidence to face and support 50 other Miss America state title holders. Fincher told AL.com before the Miss America Pageant that she felt prepared to represent the state of Alabama at Miss America.

“I will represent Alabama to the best of my abilities. … I feel ready. I feel at peace. I’m ready to show Miss America what Team Alabama can do,” she stated.

During the Miss America Pageant preliminaries, Fincher was named first runner up for the Jean Bartel Social Impact Initiative Award – previously called “Quality of Life Award”. For this award Fincher received a $5,000 cash scholarship. Fincher’s Social Impact initiative pitch, Catalyst: Arts for All, is her platform through which she advocates for the arts in school.

Fincher authored the children’s alphabet book “ABC – The Arts and Me” which was created as a gateway for her to share her passion for the arts with young students and encourage them to explore the arts that are all around them in their daily lives.

Fincher will continue as the Miss Alabama state title holder as the pageant year continues.