Chandler Mordecai Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Chandler Mordecai is passionate about bringing awareness to domestic violence, a talented clogger, and the current Miss Hamilton. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Chandler Mordecai visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Hamilton Crown?

Winning Miss Hamilton 2023 is a core memory that I will always treasure! My first title in the Miss America Opportunity was Miss Hamilton, so returning to this title is something that is very special to me! In the tradition of the first time I earned this title, I celebrated with many FaceTime calls to my friends and family! I also celebrated with some delicious chips, queso, and salsa! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Hamilton?

The biggest surprise has been the number of people who have reached out in support of Victory over Domestic Violence. Domestic violence isn’t always an easy topic to discuss and I’ve been blown away by the community support I’ve received! I truly feel at home serving as Miss Hamilton and I am grateful for a community that welcomes me and supports my initiatives! 

What is something that Lindsay Fincher is doing as Miss Alabama that you would want to emulate?

Lindsay Fincher is an incredible representative of our state and is doing many wonderful and admirable things! I especially admire the work Lindsay is doing with her Social Initiative: Catalyst: Arts for All. Lindsay works in school systems to educate about the benefits of arts education and I also want to work more in schools with VoDV! I want to emulate Lindsay’s passion and dedication to her social initiative! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Victory over Domestic Violence”?

In 2014, I began partnering with the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force as a means to process my family's personal experience with domestic violence. Inspired by the work I was contributing to, I created a social impact initiative, Victory over Domestic Violence. 

My mission is to bring awareness to the violence, but also to the success stories of those who have overcome the violence. Victory over Domestic Violence focuses on advocating for survivor-centered policies, empowering victims of abuse, and educating the public. I wanted to share my story in hopes that it might inspire others to become involved in domestic violence advocacy. Creating Victory over Domestic Violence has allowed me to develop connections and partnerships and increase awareness and resources beyond Marion County and throughout the state of Alabama and the United States.

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I love showcasing my energy and personality! Clogging is the perfect opportunity to do that! I perform a fast-paced, energetic routine that always leaves me breathless and smiling under the lights! 

You currently teach at the University of Florida while pursuing your doctorate. What are you enjoying most about that experience?

I love having the opportunity to teach undergraduates! Teaching is a passion of mine and being able to be a small part in many college students’ academic journeys is something I do not take lightly. I currently teach writing, literature, and digital rhetoric courses and it’s such a joy to form classroom communities from students across the country and from a wide range of backgrounds! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would love to be Princess Jasmine for a week! Aladdin has

always been my favorite Disney movie and I admire Jasmine’s independence and love for herself! It would also be nice to have a magic carpet to close the distance between Alabama and Florida! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Birmingham Barons play the Rocket City Trash Pandas, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my mother! We have a very close relationship and are always looking for opportunities to make new memories! We are also huge fans of both the Birmingham Barons and the Rocket City Trash Pandas! Both teams have such iconic names and we would be thrilled to support the teams! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I have always wanted to be featured on the Jumbotron, especially if it’s a dance battle! I think the stadium would love to see a few clogging moves on the screen! 

---

OK. Now I desperately need to see a jumbotron clogging battle! 

As always, I want to thank Chandler for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Alabama! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Chandler during her journey as Miss Hamilton. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. You should also be sure to check out the Victory Over Domestic Violence website to see all the valuable information shared there.

Thanks again Chandler, and good luck!

Lindsay Fincher Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lindsay Fincher is passionate about the Arts, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Alabama. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Lindsay Fincher visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Alabama crown?

The night that I won Miss Alabama was a whirlwind! This year was the 100th anniversary of Miss Alabama, so one of the most special parts of my crowning night was getting to celebrate with so many former Miss Alabamas who made the trip to celebrate the 100th anniversary and welcome me into their sisterhood! I was thrilled to finally get to hug my family and friends at the afterparty, and their reactions were priceless! I finished the night with an Alabama staple - a chick-fil-a sandwich! 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Alabama?

The outpouring of love and support I’ve received since winning Miss Alabama has been unbelievable! Miss Alabama is blessed to have incredible Board Members, Volunteers, and Sponsors, but I have been astonished by how many people are so invested in Miss Alabama’s year that have no involvement with the competition! I love getting stopped at the gym or grocery store when people recognize me and ask about what I’ve been doing. The Miss Alabama family truly extends across all corners of our state, and I love meeting new people almost everyday day! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Alabama competition that will help you at Miss America?

As I prepared to compete at Miss Alabama for a third time, I focused on being fully present and enjoying each moment at Miss Alabama. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive nature of the week, but I felt confident knowing that I had prepared as much as possible and could simply enjoy my favorite parts of Miss Alabama week! Instead of stressing about my performance, I had lots of fun, spent quality time with the other candidates, and soaked up every moment on stage. This mindset made a world of difference for me, and it’s one that I plan on bringing to Miss America. I’ll only have one Miss America experience, and I plan on living it to the fullest! This is a moment I’ve dreamed about for years, so I am working hard to prepare with 110% effort right now so that I can be fully present in the moment at Miss America and enjoy every second of this once in a lifetime opportunity! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Catalyst: Arts for All”?

The arts have played a key role in my life, but thousands of students across Alabama are missing out on the opportunity to experience the transformative power of arts education. Growing up in a Title I public school in rural Alabama, I witnessed this lack of artistic opportunity firsthand. Catalyst: Arts for All aims to make arts education accessible for students across Alabama (and now America) by creating educational arts curriculum, fundraising for scholarships, advocating for pro-arts policy, and sharing my children’s book, “ABC, The Arts and Me.” The arts have the unique power to spark creativity, foster connections among diverse people, and inspire lifelong learners, and I believe every child should be able to experience an arts education. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

The feeling that comes when the stage lights hit me as the curtain rises before a performance is truly unbeatable. I first stepped foot on a stage at 8 months old, and I haven't wanted to leave one since then! I genuinely have so much fun while performing for an audience, and I cannot wait to share my love for dance and the joy it brings me on the Miss America stage very soon. My Miss America talent is FUN, and I am having a blast preparing for my biggest performance yet! 

You recently graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in political science and dance. Where do you see those fields taking you?

I hope to perform professionally as a dancer/vocalist on stages across the nation before fusing my love for the arts and the law by attending law school to pursue a career as an entertainment attorney. 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

Peter Pan was my favorite Disney movie growing up, so I would definitely be Tinker Bell. I love Tink’s sassy spirit and truly believe that with “faith, trust, and pixie dust” anything can happen! Plus, being able to fly and spending a week in Neverland - Count me in! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Birmingham Barons play the Rocket City Trash Pandas, who would you take with you? Why?

My Grandpa was an avid baseball fan, and most of my memories at my grandparents’ house growing up are accompanied by a Braves game playing in the background. My Grandpa passed away in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I would love to spend one more baseball game with him in my new city - Birmingham, AL. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

When I was in the 4th grade I signed up to play softball and managed to only hit one ball the entire season. As Miss Alabama, I would love to throw the first pitch at a game and (hopefully) redeem myself by showing some improved skills!  

---

I'd love to throw out a first pitch as well! 

As always, I want to thank Lindsay for visiting with us.

As Lindsay continues her time as Miss Alabama, I encourage you to check out her title's Website, Facebook, and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Lindsay, and good luck!

Jordan Carraway Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Jordan Carraway is passionate about providing role models for girls, a talented twirler, and the current Miss Hoover. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Jordan Carraway visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Hoover crown?

I called my parents and talked to them (they couldn't come to Miss Hoover), and then I drove 2 hours back to Auburn because I had a 6 am class the next day. It's boring, I know, but so goes the life of an engineering student/ROTC cadet. 

What part of the upcoming Miss Alabama competition are you most nervous about?

I'm most nervous about talent because I'm now without a baton coach. She passed away 4 days before Miss Hoover and I just hope I'm making her proud. 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Hoover?

As Miss Hoover, I hope to get lots of time with young women

spreading the ideals of my social impact initiative. If I can touch the life of even one girl, I will consider my time as Miss Hoover as a success, but I want to reach as far as I possibly can.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Girls Can!”?

As a hopeful future astronaut, engineering student, and contracted Air Force ROTC cadet, there are not many people who look like me in any of those workforces. I realized that developing a program that provided young girls with a woman they could look up to in male-dominated career fields may increase interest in these fields. 

As a talented twirler, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I love doing the flashy fast performances because they always get audiences excited, and I feed off the crowd's energy.

At Auburn, you’re a cadet in the Air Force ROTC. What led you down that path?

I thought that maybe the military could be the career path I could take to one day become an astronaut when I was in middle school, so I gave Air Force JROTC a shot in high school. I fell in love with the program and the Air Force and knew from there that I wanted to do AFROTC in college. 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would

you choose? Why?

I would be Remy from Ratatouille because he's living his best life in France and also because I am a huge foodie and love cooking good food that makes others happy. 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Birmingham Barons play the Rocket City Trash Pandas, who would you take with you? Why?

Definitely a little cheesy, but I would take my boyfriend. We met in Huntsville and had it on our date bucket list to watch a Trash Pandas game but never got to in the time we lived and worked at the US Space and Rocket Center. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I think getting to throw the first pitch one day at a baseball game would be a really cool experience, and it's on my bucket list. 

---

I would love to do that!

As always, I want to thank Jordan for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Jordan continues her time as Miss Hoover, I encourage you to check out her official and personal Instagram accounts. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also want to wish Jordan luck when she competes for Miss Alabama! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Jordan, and good luck!

Lauren Bradford Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Lauren Bradford is passionate about unplugging, a talented violinist, and the current Miss Alabama. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I was also excited that she was the first visitor from the state of Alabama!

So, let's see what happens when Lauren Bradford visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Alabama crown?

I celebrated by thanking Jesus. This has been something that the Father has put on my heart for so long now, and for it to be a reality is 100% and unequivocally from Him. 

As a former Miss Alabama’s Outstanding teem, do you think that national experience will help you at Miss America?

I actually never got a “national experience” as a former teen titleholder. I was 1st Runner-Up to Jessica Baeder, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2017 who went on to win Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. Because of this (go Jess!) I was afforded the opportunity to step into the role of Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen. That time, though less than a year, was incredibly transformative and made me realize that I wanted to be Miss Alabama one day. I do believe that experience gave me a better understanding of what it means to be a titleholder and how to truly make a tangible impact. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Alabama competition that will help you at Miss America?

The biggest thing I learned during Miss Alabama week isto never doubt God’s plan for your life. As soon as I would begin to doubt, God provided affirmation in amazing and tangible ways. He has a plan. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “UNPLUG - The Digital Diet Plan”?

I began work with my Social Impact Initiative “UNPLUG: The Digital Diet Plan” when I was only 15. Growing up, it was a rule in my household that we (I’m 1 of 3 siblings) were not allowed to have a phone until we were going into high school. I spent a lot of time seeing how my peers began to overuse technology and what it was doing to their grades, communication abilities, and mental wellbeing. I wanted to spread the message about how we can use technology as a tool and integrate it into lifestyles in a healthy and balanced way. I believe connection with others is one of the most important qualities we can ever experience in this lifetime, and began to spread this message ultimately in an effort to help all ages seek and find true connection. 

As a talented violinist, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I love sharing violin on stage because I love sharing the heart behind music. Growing up, I played violin at nursing homes for residents that had lost their memory — but they remembered every word of songs that meant so much to them in their pasts. Because of so many experiences like this, I am a firm believer that music can connect us when words cannot. 

You’ve been able to do quite a bit of traveling. What is your favorite place you’ve visited?

A very special moment during my travels so far was returning to my hometown of Gulf Shores and being recognized there. I have loved growing up on the beach, and am the very first Miss Alabama from my town and my area. It has been such an honor to represent my hometown and state now on a national stage. It also meant a lot to me to travel to Montgomery and spend time with the Governor of Alabama, and discuss our shared experiences of both of our college education at Auburn University and both of our membership in the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority as sisters. 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would hands down be Princess Jasmine because she has a

pet tiger (goals) and a flying carpet (goals). 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Birmingham Barons play the Rocket City Trash Pandas, who would you take with you? Why?

I was Miss Jefferson County for almost 2 years before becoming Miss Alabama, and I would most definitely take one of my local directors Jarrod Landers because I have never met someone more invested in and obsessed with baseball. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I may not be very good at it, but I’ve always wanted to throw the first pitch for a baseball game. And of course, always the snacks ;) 

---

Oh, definitely the snacks! 

As always, I want to thank Lauren for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Lauren continues her time as Miss Alabama, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Alabama website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! You should also be sure to check out the UNPLUG website to find more resources about the impacts of the overuse of technology.

 
I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Lauren, and good luck!