Above: Miss Georgia 2014 Maggie Bridges with Miss America Betty Cantrell and newly crowned Miss Georgia 2015 Adeline Kenerly. Credit to Blane Marable Photography.
Former Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell has seen a whirlwind of cameras, people and events since winning the Miss America crown. To us, though, she’s still Betty Cantrell from Warner Robins, GA. She’s a regular Georgia girl finishing up her undergraduate education at Mercer University, with big dreams of getting onto Broadway. We were so excited to have the privilege to speak with her.
How did the pageant circuit in Georgia really prep you for Miss America?
After winning Miss Georgia, I was immediately in preparation for Miss America. The way that the Miss Georgia Pageant is run really helped me prepare for Miss America because it is so similar.
What about being Miss America scares you the most?
The Thing that scares me the most about Miss America is leaving no impact after my reign is over. I really want to leave a legacy of serving others and leaving some kind of positive influence on those that I encounter on this incredible journey.
Your platform is “Health Children, Strong America” what steps are you taking to bring that platform to life?
As Miss America I’m taking huge steps to promote my platform. Hopefully I will be able to parter with Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program! For now I will be spreading my messages throughout the country by visiting kids in schools and getting them excited about living a healthy lifestyle!
Favorite New Broadway musical and Favorite Old Broadway musical?
My favorite old Broadway musical is Les Miserables and my favorite new musical is Hamilton.
What advice do you give for young women in the state about pursing their passions?
No dream is too big or unattainable. If you can dream it, you can do it.
How has your education in Georgia helped you in your pursuit to Miss Georgia and then to Miss America?
My educations has helped me to handle all of the difficult task placed before me as Miss America. It has also helped me immensely in preparation for my talent because of training and voice teachers.
What’s the #1 thing that has changed from Miss Georgia to Miss America?
The traveling is the main difference! I’m on planes every week and I’m only home for major holidays.
Favorite New Broadway musical and Favorite Old Broadway musical?
My favorite old Broadway musical is Les Miserables and my favorite new musical is Hamilton.
What advice do you give for young women in the state about pursuing their passions?
No dream is too big or unattainable. If you can dream it, you can do it.
How has your education in Georgia helped you in your pursuit to Miss Georgia and then to Miss America?
My education has helped me to handle all of the difficult tasks placed before me as Miss America. It has also helped me immensely in preparation for my talent because of all my training and voice teachers.
What’s the #1 thing that has changed from Miss Georgia to Miss America?
The traveling is the main difference! I’m on planes every week and I’m only home for major holidays.
If there’s one thing that you could have happen while you’re Miss America, what would that be?
To pick on thing is so difficult for me. I have so many dreams that I want to come true from this job. If I had to choose just one, it would probably be that I would like to make the proper connections to ensure my future career on Broadway. It would be awesome if that could happen while I’m Miss America.
Who were you cheering for at the UGA/Alabama game?
If I had to choose a team, it would be UGA but honestly, although I do enjoy watching football, I’m not passionate enough about sports to worry about which
You can follow Betty’s journey as Miss America on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If you don’t want to follow on social media, just turn on your television! You’ll probably see her. On behalf of everyone here at GAFollowers, we are so excited to see Betty reach great heights as Miss America, and are excited to watch Adeline Kenerly take over as Miss Georgia. Both are great young women and will represent Georgia well!
