When I think back on the year, which ends Sunday when a new Miss America is crowned, one moment in particular sticks with me: I was back at the Air Force Academy, visiting for Parents’ Weekend ...

The 16-year-old from Vestavia Hills was crowned ... Shoemaker will start a yearlong reign and move on to represent Alabama at Miss America’s Teen, the national competition linked to Miss America.

“The Rebel Athletic partnership with Miss America allows women to showcase the ways they stay ... For example, one of the winners this year, Julianne Rocke, who holds the title of Miss Los Angeles ...

“I am honored and overjoyed to be given this year of service and the opportunity ... to the University of Alabama through the Miss America Opportunity, valued at over $100,000.