2024 America's Ideal Miss
Jahnai
Elder
Jahnai Jah-(nye) Elder is an incredibly motivated and ambitious young woman from Central Virginia, where she resides with her mother, grandmother, and her beloved dogs. Growing up in a close-knit family environment, she has learned the importance of family, support, and community. As a student-athlete at Virginia State University, she is not only dedicated to excelling in her studies but also to making a significant impact on the field as a Division II lacrosse player. Her commitment to her athletic pursuits and academic achievements reflects her strong work ethic, determination, and time management skills. In addition to her athletic and academic pursuits, Jahnai is a proud Spring 23 Initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, an organization that has long been known for its commitment to public service, sisterhood, and scholarship. As a member of such a prestigious sorority, she embodies the values of empowerment and leadership, always striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through Delta Sigma Theta, Jahnai has found a platform to further her passion for community involvement, and she is always looking for ways to give back.
Academically, Jahnai is a biology major with a focus in pharmacy, and she is determined to one day become a Doctor of Pharmacy. Her dedication to her studies is evident in her commitment to mastering the complex subjects related to her field, and her career aspirations reflect her desire to help others through healthcare. Jahnai’s goal of becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy isn’t just about achieving a career for herself; it’s about using her knowledge and skills to improve the lives of individuals and communities in need of quality care.
One of the most inspiring qualities about Jahnai is her love for volunteering and encouraging others to give back as well. She understands the importance of using one’s resources and time to help those who are less fortunate, and she makes it a point to encourage others to do the same. Whether through her academic, athletic, or sorority endeavors, Jahnai always looks for ways to contribute to the betterment of her community, demonstrating leadership and compassion in everything she does. Jahnai’s journey is one of ambition, resilience, and a deep
desire to positively impact the world. With her focus on academics, athletics, community service, and leadership, she is poised to achieve great things in the future.
2024 America's Ideal Miss Teen
Kalin
Moultrie
Kalin is a passionate and driven freshman at the University of Alabama. She is majoring in Sport Marketing and Social Media Management, two fields that align with her passion for connecting people and brands. Her love of marketing and entrepreneurial spirit have led to numerous brand ambassadorships on her TikTok @_kalinmoultrie. Originally from Georgia, Kalin is now thriving at Alabama as an active member of the Alpha Phi sorority, where she has made lasting friendships and developed valuable leadership skills. She has a deep love for travel, hiking, and
culinary exploration, often finding joy in connecting with nature and creating delicious meals for friends and family.
Because of her learning disability, school has always been a challenge. Kalin knew that with determination, resilience, and the knowledge of the power of setting goals, she could do anything. Her mission was simple yet powerful: make the honor roll just once. When Kalin finally saw that honor roll on her report card, it wasn’t just a mark of academic success — it was a symbol of her strength, perseverance, and growth. Building on that success, Kalin made a new goal: to graduate high school with honors. And she did it. Now, as a student at Alabama, she’s earned a spot on the President’s List.
Kalin is deeply committed to community service and helping those in need. Kalin is most passionate about combating bullying and fostering kindness among young people. Three years ago, she created her own coloring book aimed at educating children about the effects of bullying and promoting empathy. The project has been a tremendous success, reaching over 2,500 students across the U.S. and even as far as Guam. Kalin believes that tackling bullying in childhood will help eliminate its harmful effects as children grow older. She feels that connecting her message with something tangible is a unique way to make a difference in children’s lives.
Kalin’s journey from overcoming challenges in school to excelling in multiple areas, like social media and community service, showcases her dedication and passion for making a positive impact and led her to be crowned America’s Ideal Miss Teen, a title that she wears with pride. She is determined to use her platform to be a positive role model for others, just as the pageantry community’s mentors have inspired her throughout her journey. Kalin hopes to continue growing as a leader, inspiring the next generation to make a difference and follow their dreams.
This was not Kalin’s first experience with America’s Ideal Miss. It was her third attempt at this amazing title. Kalin’s story is proof that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, you can overcome any obstacle. What started as a simple goal to make the honor roll transformed into a life-changing journey of growth and achievement. She now stands as an example of how setting goals — no matter how big or small — can lead to unexpected and extraordinary results. Kalin’s success shows that no matter where you start, it’s where you decide to go that truly matters.
2024 America's Ideal Miss Jr. Teen
Amelia
Hussong
Amelia lives in Acworth, Georgia, and is a sophomore in the magnet program for international studies at North Cobb High School. She plays an active role in her school as the sophomore class Vice President, secretary of Speech and Debate, and a member of the Black Student Union, Interact, and ASL club. Amelia aspires to pursue broadcast journalism at New York University to further her passions for writing, research, and public speaking. Amelia’s interests include immersing herself into literature, mastering both ballet and hip-hop dance, exploring Universal Studios, and cherishing time with her loved ones.
From a young age, Amelia has been passionate about making a difference in her community. At just 7 years old, she founded “Live to Give,” a platform dedicated to providing food and clothing to the homeless across the United States and offering support to people in need from all walks of life. Growing up as a multicultural and biracial individual, Amelia faced challenges with confidence and self-identity, which inspired her to create the initiative “Less Perfect More Authentic.” She also founded the club “Project Be Your B.E.S.T.,” a chapter of Girl Talk Inc., a girl-centered organization. The acronym ‘B.E.S.T.’ stands for Be Authentic, Embrace Diversity, Support One Another, and Think Positively. Her mission is to empower girls and young women to build self-confidence while training them to become impactful leaders and role models in society. Amelia believes it’s essential to be not only a mentor but also a friend to the girls she supports.
With over a decade of pageant experience and numerous titles, Amelia is grateful to serve as your 2024 America’s Ideal Miss Jr. Teen.
2024 America's Ideal Miss Preteen
Selima
Ortiz
America’s Ideal Miss Preteen, Selima Ortiz, is a spunky, fun, and warm-hearted tween dedicated to making a difference in her community. Through her positivity project, “Smile with Selima,” she has reached thousands across the globe, promoting self-love and authenticity. She is also an author, having written Love Starts With You: A Journey to Self-Acceptance.
When she’s not volunteering in her community, wherever a hand is needed, she’s a friend to all. Selima enjoys hanging out with friends and playing Roblox with them. A lacrosse lover and a dancer since the age of 3, Selima loves trying new things, even playing volleyball for the first time!
Being from New York, she is a SoHo lover, often going downtown to shop and have lunch at Uncle Lou’s. A skincare and makeup enthusiast, Selima shares tips on cosmetics that are safe for young skin while discussing her bedtime routine on her podcast, Real Queens; Real Chat. A seventh-grader and honor roll student, her favorite class is English.
2024 America's Ideal Miss Princess
Kairi
Duncan
Kairi is a passionate young leader dedicated to making a difference in her community. As a three-time Presidential Service Award recipient, Kairi has impacted lives globally through her platform initiative, “All Around the World.” She regularly volunteers at the Lovelady Center, where she has organized donation drives, including providing Easter baskets, school supplies, and over 900 pairs of pajamas to families in need. Kairi’s multicultural background plays a big role in her life, and she loves celebrating different cultures. Through her Ori Tahiti dancing, she proudly shares her Polynesian roots, and her involvement in Peaceful Penpals has allowed her to connect with and learn from people across the globe. Whether she’s serving as a Chalk the Walk ambassador or participating in Color A Smile, Kairi is committed to making the world a brighter place.
Along with her passion for service, Kairi is a talented Level 4 tumbler and competitive cheerleader, putting her energy and focus into both her athletic and academic pursuits as a Gifted Education Program student.
Kairi is also a skincare and makeup enthusiast who loves exploring the latest trends on her trips to Sephora. In her free time, she can often be found singing karaoke, especially her favorite Taylor Swift songs. Kairi is ready for a year filled with excitement and new opportunities, knowing that she’s going to “shine like it’s 1989.”
2024 America's Ideal Miss Jr. Princess
Hadley
Emmons
Hadley is an energetic 7-year-old from Northeast Arkansas with a heart for giving back to her community. She strives to make Jonesboro a better place by stuffing the blessing boxes all over town with non-perishable food items! She loves going to the lake and to Disney World, but her favorite thing to do is play with her 3-year-old sister, Phoebe Kate. She enjoys gymnastics and dance, and when she grows up, she wants to be a hairstylist. Hadley is honored and excited to represent America’s Ideal Miss as the 2024 National Junior Princess!
America's Ideal Miss
Haleigh
Ryan Hurst
Haleigh is a published children’s book author, blogger, vlogger, and podcast host. Haleigh is a junior pursuing a pre-law dual degree in Political Science and Public Relations with Honors at the University of Oklahoma. After college, Haleigh plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate in Constitutional Law and work on Capital Hill as a political advisor. She currently works at a Political Campaigns Advocacy Group called Team Thrive in Oklahoma City, running campaigns, social media, and direct mail handouts for candidates all over the nation. Haleigh is a member of Pi Beta Phi at Oklahoma Alpha and serves on the executive council as Vice President of Risk Management and Director of Social Events. Outside of her sorority, Haleigh serves on-campus as the Director of External Recruitment for Gaylord College of Mass Communications, Director of Public Relations for the Glasscock & Mortazavi Student Government Presidential Campaign, a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, Women in Gaylord, and Girls Club.
After growing up with a speech impediment, she learned the value of hard work and dedication when it came to correcting her speech. Now Haleigh talks to whoever will listen, and that’s why she launched her podcast, “Hangin’ with Haleigh”! She has also hosted a national leadership conference called “Shine Your Light” which empowered 135 young women from across the nation and equipped them with the necessary skills to succeed in life, pageantry, and the workplace. Haleigh loves traveling all over the nation, sharing her expertise, and creating intentional relationships with young women.
Haleigh has also been in the pageant industry for over a decade, holding numerous titles and serving as the current 2023 America’s Ideal Miss. She has become very passionate about her education reform initiative, “Teach Next Gen,” and has written two public policies in the state of Oklahoma. In her free time, she loves to read, learn how to cook, and travel around the world.
America's Ideal Miss Teen
Siara
Caspari
Siara resides in Georgia and is a senior at Cass High School, where she will be graduating with a 4.0. She is a current honors student with plans to attend the University of Alabama and pursue a career in healthcare. Siara currently serves as a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). She also serves as the captain of the varsity cheerleading team. Siara has modeled for various fashion designers, including Sherri Hill, and in her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, and trying new cuisine.
She enjoys serving the community through various volunteer opportunities and is passionate about being able to help those in need. Five years ago, Siara began her own initiative called H.E.R.O. (Helping Everyone Respect Others), where she has been able to spread her anti-bullying message throughout classrooms to more than 500 kids and counting. Siara is honored to represent the title of America’s Ideal Miss Teen, and her goal is to be an impactful leader throughout her reign.
America's Ideal Miss Jr. Teen
Alana
Dixon
High school sophomore Alana lives in Dallas, Texas with her mother and older brother. Alana is active in her local community and has volunteered with local nonprofits since she was 7. Alana’s platform is the loveheALSmovement which raises awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Unfortunately, Alana lost her dad to this disease in 2020, but she continues his legacy by teaching others about the disease. The movement also encourages the world to spread love through random acts of kindness.
An honor roll student, Alana enjoys participating in school activities, including student clubs and track. She was recently honored as her school’s 2023 Sophomore Homecoming Princess. Outside of school, Alana enjoys playing volleyball, reading, traveling, modeling, and hanging out with friends and family. One of the prizes Alana won at the National America’s Ideal Miss pageant was the Sherri Hill model search, where she became a Sherri’s Girl! Alana aspires to attend a top university to study broadcast journalism and then attend law school with the hopes of becoming a sports agent. Alana is thrilled to be your America’s Ideal Miss Jr. Teen and plans to use this opportunity to showcase the benefits of pageantry and encourage others to participate in the America’s Ideal Miss pageant system where dreams do come true.
America's Ideal Miss Preteen
Haylee
McCarthney
Haylee is a vibrant 5th grader from the heart of Georgia with a passion for adventure and a heart full of kindness. If you don’t find her in the city, you might find her shopping with her 2 big sisters or around her family farm. Where she is known as the “Cow Whisperer,” spending countless hours bonding with her animals and a fearless 4-wheeler adventurer with family and friends.
But Haylee’s talents don’t stop there. She’s a blue belt in Karate, teaching her peers valuable self-defense skills while boosting their self-confidence through her “Karate Queen Tour.” She’s also the driving force and founder of “S.A.F.E. Cuddles, LLC,” an organization that brings stuffed animals to foster children, offering them endless comfort and companionship.
In her quest to make the world a better place, her compassion extends beyond leading initiatives close to her heart like The Sandwich Project, ensuring no one faces food insecurity alone. Linked Together, now a nationwide campaign co-founded by her and a few friends, where plastic grocery bags are collected and transformed into mats for the homeless a testament to her commitment to community and sustainability.
She believes in serving her community and having fun while doing it!!
America's Ideal Miss Princess
Lila
Truex
Lila is an ambitious 4th Grader who strives to serve others. She is honored to represent America’s Ideal Miss Princess and wear its prestigious crown. Her mission is to influence other kids to know they can make a big difference from right where they are.
Lila works closely with the Jambos organization. Jambos provides brand-new pajamas to kids in foster care. Lila hosts pajama collections and has donated more than 500 pairs of pajamas to Jambos. Her goal is to double that number during her America’s Ideal Miss Princess reign. Lila enjoys spending time at the Jambos headquarters preparing and inventorying the pajamas before they are sent to foster agencies and families. Lila and her friends began the Linked Together Project. What began as a simple activity for Earth Day grew into a national initiative drawing participation from all over the country. Linked Together repurposes grocery bags into cozy sleeping mats. These mats are given to people experiencing homelessness. They are light to carry, easy to clean, and surprisingly comfortable! The resources for these mats are readily available and easily accessible. Lila and her friends host Zoom calls and Plarn Parties to teach others how to fold, cut, and weave the bags into the mats. Linked Together’s initiative helps the planet by keeping plastic bags out of landfills and shows care for others by providing a soft surface to rest on.
Lila is an all-A Honor student and active athlete. She enjoys tumbling year-round and swimming in the summer. Lila sets big goals and works hard to achieve them.
America's Ideal Miss Jr. Princess
Lakin
Dunnington
Lakin lives in North Florida with her parents Chris and Amanda and little sister Lucy Kate. She is 5 years old and in Kindergarten, where she is excited about learning to read. She loves promoting her platform, Lakin’s Little Libraries. She has collected and donated over 1,000 books to schools and placed them in little libraries around her hometown. Lakin loves to play with her sister, swimming, and doing gymnastics. Her favorite place to go is Disney World. Lakin always gives her all and she strives to do her best. She lives by her quote, “Little girls can be role models, too!”
