Freshman Andi Kaufman is America’s Homecoming Queen

Many pageant queens prepare themselves to win the crown from the day they are born, but the preparation for 18-year-old Andi Kaufman wasn’t quite the same. She applied for the America’s Homecoming Queen competition on a whim and won. Her involvement in high school activities – cheerleading, dance, tennis and student government – might have helped her excel in the pageant. But it was the numerous community service hours done out of the kindness of her heart that led her to capture the title. This Mason City, Iowa, native proves that you can win a crown when you least expect it. 

 
Her Campus Mizzou: How did you apply to become America’s Homecoming Queen?
Andi Kaufman: After I won homecoming queen at my high school, I got a letter in the mail inviting me to compete for Iowa’s homecoming queen. I competed and won, and I went on to compete at nationals in Disneyland.
 
HC: Was that your first time participating in a pageant?
AK: Yes. I’ve never done anything like it. It was definitely a new experience.
 
HC: What was the experience like?
AK:It was awesome. It was a little intimidating at first because the other girls had experience. I met new friends while I was there and found out that Missouri’s Homecoming Queen, Holly Hinderman, goes to Mizzou as well.
 
HC: Why were you sure the other girls had experience?
AK: Because when we first got there, the directors gave us crowns to wear for the whole week, and they wanted us to assemble the crowns ourselves. All the other girls started to put their crowns together right away, and I didn’t know what to do. I just remember being in my room and telling my mom I wanted to go home, but I got the hang of it.

 
HC: How did you apply?
AK:  For the state competition you have to raise $300 from businesses in your hometown and state to sponsor you, and you also have to send in a résumé and a profile. Once you’re in the state competition, you go through an evening gown round and an interview, and if you make it to the top five, you are asked a final question.
 
HC: Describe your evening gown.
AK:  It was off-white with a ruffled, sweetheart top, and corset-like body made of sheer material.  I wore the dress for both the state and national competition.
 
HC: How did the state and national competitions differ?
AK:  For the national competition you have to give a speech on your hometown and why people should visit your state. You have to turn in an essay, a résumé, a profile, a community service video, and you have to take a government history test. If you make it to the top 10, you have an evening gown round and answer a final question.
 
HC: What was your community service video about?
AK:  I did a program called Silver Cord in high school, and throughout the years I fundraised at my church. I also participated in the Best Buddies program and Relay For Life. I got my hair cut during a school assembly and donated it to Beautiful Links, which is like Locks of Love but free.
 
HC: How did you feel when you were announced the winner?
AK:  I was so shocked when I heard my name. I’m a very emotional person, so everyone told me, “Don’t cry Andi. Don’t cry.” I just remember seeing a lot of bright lights and trying to keep the crown on my head from falling off, but I didn’t cry.
 
HC: Would you ever consider doing another pageant?
AK:  I’ve thought about it. I really enjoyed doing this one because I met a lot of ambitious girls who love doing community service like I do. I even received hugs from all 49 of them after I won. It was nice to know that they supported me even though it was a competition.
 
HC: What would you do you enter a pageant with a talent component?
AK:  All my friends tell me I should sing, so I would probably sing.
 
HC: What advice would you give to anyone looking to participate in a pageant?
AK: Inner beauty shines, so just always be yourself. I thought I had no chance, but I was myself, and I won. Just be true to yourself.