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Miss America contestant, an Army National Guard sergeant, wants to unite a divided nation
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Miss America hopeful Sophia Parker wants everyone to have “a seat at the table” – regardless of their political affiliation.
Miss Vermont, a 27-year-old Army National Guard sergeant, will compete in the Miss America pageant on Sunday. She said her mission is to remind Americans that service and unity matter more than division.
“Unfortunately, we are living at a time of great division, and I’ve seen this grow even just in my lifetime,” Parker, a combat medic and nurse at the University of Vermont Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.
AIR FORCE OFFICER-TURNED-MISS AMERICA SAYS YOU DON’T NEED TO ‘SACRIFICE’ YOUR PERSONALITY TO JOIN THE MILITARY
Miss Vermont Sophia Parker is competing in this year’s Miss America pageant. The festivities are taking place on Sunday in Orlando. (Miss America IP INC.)
“Between the left and the right… there is a ton of division,” she shared. “However, one thing that I think is very important is for people of all different opinions from both sides and everyone in the middle to be able to come together and have the baseline be that we need to speak to each other with respect. We need to hear each other out.”
“I believe that the role of Miss America and Miss Vermont is to be that person who hears everyone’s perspective,” said Parker.
“As Miss America, my goal would be to travel the country, listening to people’s stories, sharing my passion for wildlife rehabilitation, and encouraging young people to discover the joy of serving,” said Sophia Parker. (Miss America IP INC.)
“I, as Sophia, of course, have my own personal opinions about things. But as Miss Vermont, I’m not here to have strong political opinions. I’m here to listen to everyone, and to try to create a middle ground where everyone can feel heard and seen. I think that is the starting point to find solutions. Our Founding Fathers created this country to be a place where you can have different opinions… where everyone can come together and find a place at the table, find a seat at the table.”
WATCH: MISS AMERICA HOPEFUL MISS VERMONT SEEKS TO BRIDGE POLITICAL DIVIDE
“As Miss America, as Miss Vermont, that is what I see as my job,” Parker added.
Parker said it was a teacher at her high school in Vermont who encouraged her to pursue pageants. It would be an outlet for her to connect with other everyday Americans.
Sophia Parker said she plans to work with legislators and other nonprofits to create more humane laws for wildlife in Vermont. (Miss America IP INC.)
“She recognized that if I was going to college, I would actually need some financial help and scholarships in order to do so,” said Parker. “… I had never thought about competing in a pageant before. I was… a tomboy.”
Sophia Parker serves as a sergeant in the Vermont National Guard. (Miss America IP INC.)
“I raised wild animals that needed help and ran around in the woods with my friends,” she chuckled. “But I ended up absolutely falling in love with the organization… It’s been such a privilege and such an honor to be able to speak about this organization that I love so much.”
Miss America, a glitzy competition, was born from a 1921 Atlantic City beauty contest just a year after women were given the right to vote, The Associated Press reported. Many participants say the organization – a large provider of scholarship assistance to young women – has been life-altering, opening doors for them both personally and professionally.
Sophia Parker always knew she wanted to be a medic. (Miss America IP INC.)
The organization, one of the nation’s most recognized brands, awards more than $5 million in cash scholarships annually, plus millions more at the national, state and local levels.
Sophia Parker of Addison graduated from Castleton University. (Miss America IP INC.)
Meeting other competitors from across the country and hearing their stories has given Parker a deeper appreciation for our country.
“I am extremely grateful to be an American every single day,” she said. “I wake up every single day with freedoms and privileges that people in any other country in the world do not have. One of the things that I am extremely grateful for is that I, as a woman, am able to be everything that I want to be. This is part of why I love being in the Vermont Army National Guard, why I love the Miss America Organization – I can stand here as someone who doesn’t really fit into a lot of boxes… I can wear a lot of different hats.”
Sophia Parker said her service has given her a deeper appreciation for America and its people. (Miss America IP INC.)
“… We as women and as people can be passionate about any number of things,” said Parker. “I believe that as an American, you can be anything that you want to be. And I stand here as Miss Vermont, as a nurse, as a soldier, as a pageant girl, and I am so grateful for those [roles].”
Sophia Parker is the 80th Miss Vermont. (Miss America IP INC.)
The eagerness to serve runs in Parker’s veins. Her grandfather served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded a Purple Heart. Growing up, Parker often listened to her grandfather’s stories from his time in the Army – “the good, the bad and everything that he lived through and saw.”
“One of the things that always stuck with me [was] how he was a part of something bigger than himself,” she explained.
Sophia Parker is the youngest licensed rehabilitator in her home state. (Miss America IP INC.)
“He had such a strong sense of comradery with the fellow soldiers that he served with. There’s nothing like it in the world, and I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself… I immediately knew that I wanted to be a medic if I was going to join. I talked to the recruiter in my town about what was involved. I took the ASVAB and ended up enlisting as a medic in the Vermont Army National Guard.”
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Sophia Parker told Fox News Digital she was inspired by her grandfather who served in World War II. (Miss America IP INC.)
Between the Miss America Organization and the Army National Guard, Parker was able to graduate debt-free from Castleton University last May with a nursing degree.
One of the key causes Parker wants to highlight this weekend is wildlife rehabilitation. The Green Mountain State native and her mother co-founded Otter Creek Wildlife Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds and mammals across Vermont.
“Service is such a blessing both to those who receive it and those who give it,” said Sophia Parker. (Miss America IP INC.)
Parker said she has vivid memories as a child bringing home wildlife, caring for them and releasing them back to their natural habitat when they were healthy. She’s currently involved with several local organizations that aim to create better wildlife policies.
Sophia Parker and her mother operate Otter Creek Wildlife Rescue, which is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured Vermont birds and mammals. (Miss America IP INC.)
“Currently, the state of Vermont allows things like leghold trapping and hunting with hounds,” she said. “We’re working to make these things illegal or at least much more regulated.”
“We would never strive to ban hunting,” she clarified. “Hunting is an age-old tradition in Vermont. It’s very possible to be an extremely ethical hunter. I know many ethical hunters who go out and kill a deer and use it to feed their whole family. It’s one of the most ethical ways you can get your meat. But Vermont, unfortunately, has a lot of archaic politics that allow a lot of abuse of wildlife. And so, I’m actively working with our legislature to change these policies.”
Sophia Parker hopes her journey will inspire others to get involved in their communities. (Miss America IP INC.)
“… I think it’s very important to not only view the natural world from the perspective of a consumer, but as someone who shares this world with other animals.”
Sophia Parker’s community service initiative is “Wildlife Rehabilitation and Stewardship of the National World.” (Miss America IP INC.)
Today, Parker hopes her journey will encourage others to support a cause they’re passionate about.
“A life of service has changed my life,” she said. “It’s made me who I am today. It gives you a purpose in life. It gives you inspiration, and it’s grounding in a world where, frankly, the problems [are] overwhelming… You don’t have to have money. You don’t have to have some crazy talent. You just need to get involved in your community and make a difference.”
The Miss America competition is on Sept. 7. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Three New Jersey teenagers who vanished from a train station on Friday were found safe in Connecticut. Authorities used K9s and drones in an extensive search, but the motive behind their actions remains unclear.
Three New Jersey teenagers, Brayden Morrissey, 14, Dominic Diliberto, 14, and William Connolly, 17, who vanished from the Denville train station on Friday, were found safe in Stamford, Connecticut. Authorities launched an extensive search using K9s and drones, eventually locating the teens in a different state. The motive behind their actions is still being investigated.
Small-town Pennsylvania makes the right summer trip when the itinerary calls for peace and quiet. In the ten sweet spots highlighted below, you’ll find attractions secretly worthy of a larger crowd, but happily flying under the radar. Lititz invites visitors to tour America’s first commercial pretzel bakery and commune with wolves. New Hope pairs riverside charm with live performances at the historic Bucks County Playhouse. In Jim Thorpe, scenic train rides through the Lehigh Gorge compete for attention with concerts overlooking the Pocono Mountains. It’s all here in Pennsylvania if you know where to look.
Jim Thorpe
Named for a famed Olympic athlete despite the fact that he never lived there, Jim Thorpe stands as a jewel of the Poconos and a quiet destination for a summer adventure. The natural beauty of the area is on full display during a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This train will take you through nearby forests and give you a real appreciation of the expansive views of the Poconos from the comfort of a train car. In town, there’s plenty to do in the summer, especially if you enjoy the arts. The Mauch Chunk Opera House pays homage to the town’s original name and frequently hosts live music from local performers. And when the weather is nice, there’s few better venues for a concert than Penn’s Peak. In this beautiful outdoor setting, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the quality of entertainment you’d expect in a city like Philadelphia without the crowds.
Lititz
In the heart of Amish country, Lititz feels like a time capsule. The town has a rustic feel, with buildings that have stood for more than 100 years. The first stop during any trip should be the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. This local landmark has been making pretzels by hand since 1861, and you can schedule a tour during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and even make your own. For a unique experience, check out the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, where you can take a tour and see the resident wolves up close. Come during a full moon for their special events. Summer festivities heat up at Lititz Springs Park during the Fourth of July for its annual celebration of the nation’s birthday with vendors and attractions.
Zelienople
Zelienople (or Zelie, as many locals call it) is about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh and offers a quiet alternative to the big city for a summer trip. The Strand Theater has been a popular destination in the town since it opened in 1914. In its new restored state, it frequently shows classic movies, hosts concerts, or puts on live shows. The Passavant House was the first house built in Zelienople. It now hosts a museum with period furniture and unique pieces, such as wreaths made from human hair. And if you’re hungry, Zelienople has plenty to offer. ShuBrew is a popular brewpub right by the Strand Theater that features craft beers and artisanal pizzas that will be a hit with your entire party.
Renovo
If your ideal summer getaway involves peaceful exploration of trails in forests near the Susquehanna River, Renovo should be your top destination. Staying in Renovo puts you right next to Hyner View State Park, featuring a hilltop that gives you a wide view of the river valley. And if you’re the adventurous sort, you can even hang glide off the hill. Closer to town is Bucktail State Park Natural Area. There, you’ll have a chance to see local wildlife, fish, and snap pictures of the river without seeing a soul. Back in town, you can enjoy a casual meal at Socky’s, a laid-back diner with delicious pizzas and breakfasts, or bring the kids to the 16th Street Park to play on the playground or shoot hoops at the basketball court.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro is the ideal vacation spot for art lovers, as this tiny town near the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania offers several unique opportunities to appreciate the arts. The Arcadia Theater on Main Street has been entertaining residents and visitors since 1920. Inside, you’ll find four screens, and frequent live shows and musical productions. For a different vibe, check out the Deane Center for the Performing Arts further down Main Street, with community productions of everything from plays to musicals. And come in June to experience the unforgettable Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival. During the festival, you’ll have a chance to see local art, concerts, and much more for an entire week.
Ohiopyle
With a population well below 100, Ohiopyle is one of the smallest towns in Pennsylvania. When you want a crowd-free summer, it’s hard to get quieter than that. It serves as the gateway to Ohiopyle State Park, which surrounds the town and boasts over 20,000 acres of beautiful forest in the Laurel Highlands, with trails, rivers for fishing, and kayaking. For the best whitewater rafting experience, book a guided trip at Ohiopyle Trading Post. In town, accommodations include vacation rentals and well-appointed cabins at Ohiopyle Suites. If you don’t mind a slightly bigger crowd, the annual Beer and Gear Festival in the summer gives you a chance to enjoy live music and craft beers while you gear up with equipment for a trip to the state park in a fun, community-led event.
New Hope
New Hope is a youthful, artistic community on the banks of the Delaware River. The highlight of this town’s creative spirit is the Bucks County Playhouse, a former gristmill that now hosts live music, plays, and more. No matter when you make your trip to New Hope in the summer, you’ll likely find a show worth attending, right in the heart of town. Down South Main Street, you’ll find Gallery Piquel. It hosts a variety of artwork from local artists, and the owners are always happy to answer any questions you have about the pieces on display. For a scenic feel, book a ticket on the New Hope Railroad to enjoy riding in luxury along its scenic track. The railroad also offers many themed excursions for adventurous travelers.
State College
Home to Penn State University, State College is a bustling city during the academic year when students are in attendance. However, it becomes much quieter in the summer, making this the perfect time to visit one of America’s most beautiful campuses. The Arboretum at Penn State hosts a diverse selection of trees and flowers from around the world, and everything is in full bloom in the summer. Right next door is the Palmer Museum of Art, with rotating exhibits that feature artwork from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. After a day spent exploring, you can treat yourself to some of the best ice cream in the world at the Penn State Berkey Creamery.
Somerset
Somerset is a quiet Pennsylvania town that has seen its fair share of history. In 1794, it was the site of the Whiskey Rebellion and the home of several leaders. More than 200 years later, the town would again be in the news when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a nearby field during the attacks on September 11th. This is where you’ll find the Flight 93 National Memorial honoring the lives and bravery of the victims. You can also learn more about the impressive operation to save trapped miners at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site in town. Despite these important events, Somerset stands as a quiet town that’s perfect for a summer getaway, particularly if you’re a nature lover, as Laurel Hill State Park sits right by the town, with over 4,000 acres for camping, swimming, and hiking.
Clarion
Clarion is a quiet town in Western Pennsylvania that sees most of its visitors during the fall for an annual festival. In summer, the town is relatively quiet, but there’s still plenty to do that makes it worth the trip. The town is home to several delicious places to get a bite to eat or enjoy the local brew. Toby Hill Bar & Grill is a local spot with classic bar food and frequent live shows on weekends. And to get a true taste of Clarion, take a trip to Mechanistic Brewing Co. with beer and mixed drinks you won’t find anywhere else in Pennsylvania. For nature lovers, Clarion is a can’t-miss summer destination. It sits right by Cook Forest State Park, one of the best in the state, with 29 miles of trails, ample fishing and camping opportunities, and a beautiful pine and hemlock forest.
Unforgettable Summer Trips in Pennsylvania Without the Crowds
From rafting the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle and taking in the views from Hyner View State Park near Renovo to exploring theaters in Wellsboro and galleries in New Hope, Pennsylvania’s small towns offer a wide variety of summer experiences. History buffs can reflect at Somerset’s Flight 93 National Memorial, food lovers can sample handcrafted pretzels in Lititz and local brews in Clarion, while outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities in the state’s forests, rivers, and parks. Whether you’re drawn to arts and culture, scenic landscapes, or fascinating local history, these destinations showcase a quieter side of Pennsylvania that is every bit as memorable as its better-known attractions.
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