What comes to mind when you hear "Miss America"? Maybe a swimsuit-clad beauty queen; maybe an accomplished, driven woman with influence; or maybe an FBI agent named Gracie Hart.

But what is Miss America, really?

Over the last few years the organization has been working to modernize while honoring its incredible 103-year history — and to understand the present, we have to look at the past.

The "Four Points" of the Crown

The Miss America Organization (MAO) symbolizes its mission with the Four Points of the Crown — from the national level all the way to the local titleholder:

  • Style
  • Service
  • Scholarship
  • Success

The base of the crown represents Sisterhood — the relationships that bind every delegate, every titleholder, every board member, every alumna into a network of support that lasts well beyond any year of service.

Scholarships — One of the Largest in the Country

The MAO has proudly given away millions of dollars as one of the nation's first and leading scholarship providers for young women. Many delegates and titleholders are even attending college on scholarship dollars earned through the program.

The 2024 Klamath Delegates

Miss Klamath County — Allyssa Defillipo (age 23) - Talent: Vocal - CSI: "Building Balance: Finding YOUR Wellness" - Miss Oregon 2024 Top 5; Miss Oregon 2024 Fourth Runner-Up

Miss City of Sunshine — Valerie O'Neill (Seaside, Oregon)

Miss Klamath County's Teen — Novalee Tubbs (age 16) - Talent: Dance - CSI: "Thrift, Style and Impact" - Miss Oregon's Teen 2024 Non-Finalist On Stage Conversation Award

Miss City of Sunshine's Teen — Seattle Trejo (age 15) - Talent: Vocal - CSI: "Save the Music: Promoting Music Education in Schools" - Miss Oregon's Teen 2024 Top 5; "Congeniality" Award

What the Program Really Does

Beyond the on-stage moments, the program provides delegates the tools to:

  • Make a difference in their community and state
  • Further their own Community Service Initiative
  • Network with other inspirational women and mentors
  • Set individualized goals for personal development
  • Refine and perform their talent

How the Local Board Makes It Possible

Klamath County's local board of directors works tirelessly to put on each year's production. The full 2024 board:

Ksandra Trailer, Patti Johnson, Jennifer Ketterman (honorary), Lynn Greenleaf (honorary), Cheryl Olguin, Grace Sherrill, Leslie Maxfield, Debbie Greenleaf, Wendy Steidle, Tracey Struble, Savannah Wieting, and Heidi Gaither.

These volunteers handle everything from scholarship fundraising to event coordination, headshot sessions, transportation, contestant care, and the dozens of small-but-essential tasks that turn pageant week into a meaningful experience for every delegate.

A Bigger Conversation

The program isn't about the swimsuit competitions of generations past. It's about scholarship dollars, community service, sisterhood, and a 103-year track record of helping young women build the kind of leadership skills, financial resources, and personal confidence that change the trajectory of their lives.

For Klamath Falls — and for the families of every local delegate — the impact is real. Watch for Miss Klamath County and Miss City of Sunshine appearances throughout the year, and consider supporting the program through ticket purchases, scholarship donations, or simply showing up.

Current Miss America Madison Marsh — the first member of the United States Armed Forces to hold the title (Air Force Second Lieutenant) — represents the legacy well.