By Erica Thomas, managing editor
BIRMINGHAM — Trussville native and former Miss Trussville, Madison Ward, is the new Miss Samford University. Ward was crowned in the Miss Alabama preliminary competition on Friday, Nov. 1.
“Being crowned Miss Samford University was a dream that I was thankful to God came true,” said Ward. “In the moment I was crowned and throughout the night, I just kept thinking about how grateful and humbled I was for this opportunity.”
Ward, a sophomore at Samford University, is also the captain of the dance team. Her social impact initiative is S.H.I.N.E. – Serving Him in Neighborhoods Everywhere. The organization promotes the importance of community service.
Ward’s talent for the competition was a jazz vocal. She sang “Orange Colored Sky” by Natalie Cole.
Madison and her sister MaKenzie will both be competing in the 2020 Miss Alabama competition. MaKenzie was crowned Miss Iron City 2019, in July. Miss Iron City is also a preliminary competition for Miss Alabama.
SEE RELATED STORY: Brains and Beauty: Trussville native crowned Miss Iron City 2019
The sisters said they are ready to enjoy the experience together and they are looking forward to meeting other motivated young women from across the state.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be going back to Miss Alabama this year, but this time, with my sister by my side,” said Madison Ward. “I am so proud of her. She has already worked so hard in the first couple of months of her year as Miss Iron City. Being able to experience Miss Alabama week with MaKenzie is going to be a dream.”
The Miss Alabama competition is a not-for-profit organization, which awards scholarships to outstanding young women.
“Miss Samford was a dream that I worked really hard for,” said Ward. “I had to do many different things throughout this semester like stay updated on politics, sing through my talent and make sure I was poised and ready for the competition … It is going to be an amazing year, and I am so honored to represent my university!”
