Alexis Meiklejohn ’22, a rising junior studying veterinary medicine at Virginia Tech, has been crowned the 2024 US American Miss, a prestigious title in a pageant system that celebrates authenticity, self-confidence, and personal growth. The US American Miss Scholarship Pageant encourages participants to "Be you. Be genuine. Be US American Miss," and Meiklejohn embodies this motto with her dedication to self-improvement and community service.The national competition, known for its emphasis on individuality and confidence, consists of three segments: evening gown, runway, and interview. The interview portion, which holds the most weight in the scoring, allows judges to delve into the goals and values of each contestant. Meiklejohn impressed the judges with her plans to implement "girl chats" during pageant week, offering support and encouragement to fellow contestants. She also highlighted her social media platform, "Crowns for Strength," which promotes positive thinking and mental health awareness.
As the youngest contestant in the 20-25 age division, Meiklejohn faced fierce competition, ultimately standing out for her poise, authenticity, and leadership qualities. Her on-stage response to the question about the qualities of a good role model—emphasizing leadership and the importance of inspiring others—resonated deeply with the judges.
"The pageant is about being yourself, giving it your all, and being proud of your growth and effort," Meiklejohn said, reflecting on her win. "I hope to inspire young girls to achieve whatever they put their mind to."
In addition to her crown, Meiklejohn received the Smile with Lauren Scholarship, awarded by the 2023 US American Teen, Lauren Sams, for her positivity and kindness throughout the competition week. Pageantry has been a part of Meiklejohn's life since she was five years old, and it has played a crucial role in shaping her self-confidence, public speaking skills, and resilience. As a woman diagnosed with ADHD, Dyscalculia, and low-level Autism, she has faced challenges but found unwavering support and empowerment within the pageant community. For the upcoming year, Meiklejohn plans to dedicate herself to community service, aiming to earn the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award by completing 500 hours of service.
She is currently collaborating with the Caroline County Humane Society on Project Paws, an initiative focused on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Additionally, she is preparing to launch a podcast with co-host Ainsleigh Pocock ’22, where they will discuss personal development topics while promoting mental and physical well-being. Meiklejohn is also focused on her academic and career goals as a student on the Pre-Veterinary Pathway at Virginia Tech, with a major in Animal and Poultry Sciences. She has gained valuable experience through internships at Choptank Equine and volunteering at Timber Grove Stables.
As she prepares for the upcoming veterinary school application process, she feels confident in her interview skills, honed through years of pageantry.To follow Alexis Meiklejohn's journey as the 2024 US American Miss, you can find her on Instagram @usamericanmiss and @miss.lexi.m, and on Facebook at Alexis Meiklejohn and US American Miss. For more information or to get in touch, you can email her at missleximj@gmail.com.Be on the lookout for updates on her upcoming podcast, where she will continue to inspire and lead by example.