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The Road to Miss America – Miss Alaska Kendall Rae Bautista

Photo Courtesy of The Miss America Organization

Our next contestant, as part of our series, “The Road to Miss America,” is Miss Alaska Kendall Rae Bautista.

Age: 24

Hometown: Eagle River, Alaska

Platform Issue: The Power of One – Making a Difference

Talent: Piano

Education: University of Alaska, Anchorage

Scholastic Ambition: Obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Relations

Scholastic Honors: Dean’s List, Presidential Scholarship Recipient, UAA School of Journalism Scholarships

My Inspiration: Maya Angelou, whose soulful, lyrical writing inspires me as both a writer and person. She overcame adverse life circumstances to become an accomplished writer and speaker whose words continue to inspire others that “nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”

My Proud Accomplishment: I’m most proud of being selected as the Director of the Alaska Chapter of the “For a Day Foundation,” which allows me to provide therapeutic experiences to children dealing with chronic illnesses at our local CMN Hospital in Alaska.

Kendall is a 24-year-old Journalism and Public Communications graduate of The University of Alaska Anchorage. Three years ago she founded the Alaska Chapter of the “For a Day Foundation” hosting tea parties at the CMN hospital with a team of volunteers who pamper and crown each of the patients. Putting smiles on their faces and giving them a welcome distraction from their illness is the inspiration behind her platform, “The Power of One – Making a Difference.” She believes it takes just ONE passion, ONE smile, ONE hour to, “…be the change you want to see in the world.” (Gandhi).

Don’t forget to vote for America’s Choice in the 2017 Miss America Pageant!