06/17/2026
This year as Adalai’s mentor has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I can’t let this moment pass without bragging on her a little.
Adalai is built different. Any 14 year old who wakes up at 4:30am for morning Pilates and reads without ever using a bookmark is special. That kind of discipline is rare at any age.
Every phase of competition she approached with intentionality. She wanted the judges to truly know her, not just see a polished version of her. And her love for the Miss America Organization? Contagious. You couldn’t be around her without catching it.
But what makes her truly stand out is her heart. She thrived in a sisterhood setting, showing up as a constant encourager to her peers rather than a competitor. She welcomed feedback and criticism, no sugarcoating allowed. She wanted the truth, because she wanted to grow and be her best.
It has been an honor getting to know Adalai, not just as a teen queen, but as a young woman determined to make the world a better place.
She will always be my girl. I am so blessed to know her and love her. 🤍👑
- Sarah