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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A childhood dream became reality for Chelsea High School junior Ali Mims when she heard her named called as Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024.

The Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024 pageant took place March 9-10 at Thompson High School’s Performing Arts Center.

“In that moment when they called my name, I honestly have no idea what was going through my mind other than, ‘Thank you, Jesus,’” Mims said.

Mims’ crowning achievement comes after three years of competing and a lifetime of training and learning.

“I have wanted this for so long,” Mims said. “To finally receive it at this time is such a good moment in God’s timing, and I’m so excited.”

Mims competed alongside 37 other candidates during the weekend-long competition for the coveted title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024.

“When I witness and I hear these contestants talk about the things that they’re doing at only 14, 15, 16 years old, I’m amazed at how developed they are,” said Ashlee Elliott, producer for Miss Alabama’s Teen. “I just feel very grateful and blessed to be in the presence of such young, amazing women with my opportunity to volunteer for this organization.”

The following seven Shelby County students participated in this year’s edition of the pageant:

• Ali Mims of Chelsea High School
• Addison Shoemaker of Briarwood Christian School
• Megan Malloy of Briarwood Christian School
• Charlee Reid of Helena High School
• Grier Feldman of Oak Mountain High School
• Belle Casey of Oak Mountain High School
• Madelyn Rasco of Pelham High School

According to Mims, one of the pillars of Miss America is sisterhood and she said it genuinely encompasses the meaning behind the program.

“We are all like-minded, driven and serviced-oriented women and so, to put us all in the same environment for an entire weekend is truly an experience that I’ve never had before and it’s so fun,” Mims said.

The pageant began on Saturday with two preliminary shows which included an initial round of judging and a personal interview with the judges. Afterward, candidates were narrowed down to a top 16 lineup which was announced on Sunday. Participants then engaged in another round of shows before being narrowed down to a top five that were each asked two onstage questions before the announcement of a winner.

“I think I walked into this weekend knowing about 15 of the girls and now I’m walking away being best friends will all 37 of them,” Mims said. “It’s so amazing because I’m broadening my friendships and relationships across the state of Alabama, and I will continue to, now as Miss Alabama’s Teen.”

During the pageant, the participants showcase various talents to the judges and audience, including abilities such as baton twirling, opera, piano and vibraphone. Mims won the preliminary talent award during the pageant for her performance of the piece “O mio babbino caro” by Giacomo Puccini.

“I’ve sang that song since I was eight years old, and so it was amazing to be able to perform it on the stage and win talent with it,” Mims said.

It also served to bring things full circle for Mims as her mother taught her to sing and had previously won the preliminary talent award multiple years herself.

“I think that’s why I cried like a baby onstage, because I genuinely wanted nothing more than to win talent,” Mims said.

Elliott discussed what it was like to watch the top five participants wait in anticipation of the final announcement of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024.

“It’s very bittersweet because I know that there’s going to be disappointment but then I also know for one girl her life changes literally in that moment that her name is called out,” Elliott said.

After being named as the newest Miss Alabama’s Teen, Mims was crowned onstage by Miss Alabama’s Teen 2023 Elaina Burt.

“It’s really such an amazing weekend, and it’s always the best weekend of my life,” Mims said. “I can’t wait to go back next year with all of the girls but this time as Miss Alabama’s Teen.”

As an overall winner, Mims received the following prizes alongside her title:

• A four-year renewable full-tuition scholarship to Auburn University
• A four-year renewable Chancellor’s scholarship to Troy University plus a $1,250 stipend to study abroad
• A four-year renewable full-tuition scholarship to the University of Montevallo
• A four-year renewable full-tuition scholarship to the University of North Alabama
• A one year tuition scholarship to Wallace State Community College in Hanceville
• $7,500 cash scholarship to college of her choice, sponsored by Deborah Wiggins of The Clothes Tree by Deborah

Elliott said the pageant is an amazing thing to witness and shared her biggest takeaway from the event.

“We crown one winner, but all of them are incredible,” she said. “The thing I continued to encourage them about this weekend was that all of them are there running an individual race—all of their races in life look different and the fact that they have arrived on that stage that weekend—they’re all a winner in some way.”

Now with her crown on and designation as Miss Alabama’s Teen for the next year, Mims will continue on to compete in Miss America’s Teen and will also continue her service initiative, “Joyful Noise.”

“It’s based off of the scripture in the Bible, Psalm 100 that says ‘make a joyful noise unto the Lord,’” Mims said. “I provide music education for the special needs community across schools and not only in Alabama or in America but across the entire world.”

Through her service initiative, Mims is able to raise funds to purchase instruments for special needs students so they can have a music class in their schools.

“When I play the instruments with these students, it really overwhelms me with joy and it overwhelms them with joy and so I can’t wait to continue to spread the joy across Alabama,” she said.