Piper Grace England, an 8-year-old from Priceville, recently finished 2nd runner-up in a national pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas, after being named Miss Alabama 3rd Grade 2022. After failing to make the top 10 in 2021, her goal was to achieve at least that level, and she knocked it out of the park.
The girls must compete at the state level, and the winner in each division advances to the national competition. There are three categories of competition, a 3-minute panel interview, evening gown, and fashion runway. The most important part of the competition is the community service aspect. Each contestant is required to complete community service hours prior to the competition.
Piper’s Platform- A Kid Like Me Can_________.
An idea that no matter your age or size, you can do small things that make a big difference. A Kid Like Me Can….. be kind…..be B.R.A.V.E…..be a friend….. be the president…… be an Astronaut… etc. All of Piper’s community service projects are tied to her platform.
Community service projects in 2021-2022:
-Prepped and served food at Manna House in Huntsville.
-Collected food and supplies for the Morgan County Animal Shelter.
-Collected over 5,000 items for the Save-A-life Pregnancy Resource Center.
-Donated snacks to her school’s backpack buddies program
-Organized an item drive for Hearts for Homeless with her first-grade class in 2021 and then again in 2022 with the entire second grade at Priceville Elementary. Over 1000 items were donated combined.
-Organized a free pageant Bootcamp for girls to help promote confidence and kindness.
-Painted windows for Morgan County DHR to brighten family meeting space.
-Provided meals for medical volunteers at the community free clinic.
“Community service is a huge part of the competition. I enjoy helping others in need while seeing the smiles on their faces,” said Piper. “Pageants are about growing and gaining confidence. Learning to support other girls and cheering for them to succeed. We are more than just pretty girls! We are future leaders, teachers, mothers, scientists, artists, public servants, blue-collar workers, and EVERY SINGLE THING in between. After all, “A Kid Like Me Can Be…..Anything I want to be!”
When Piper is not competing in pageants, she enjoys playing basketball, twirling baton, playing with her dog Luna, and reading. Her ultimate goal in life is to be an Astronaut. “I want to win Miss Universe, and then I will spend my time exploring the Universe.”
Piper will be entering the 3rd grade this year at Priceville Elementary. She has a heart of gold, a passion for people, and a smile that lights up the room. Her dreams are big, but she can certainly do anything she strives to do in life. She will be competing again in the state competition this November for another shot at being crowned Miss America at the national level. Her new goal after finishing 2nd runner-up is to bring the top crown back to Alabama.
