Hannah Perrigin Crowned Miss Volunteer America 2024
In a dazzling ceremony held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, TN, Hannah Perrigin, the reigning Miss Mississippi Volunteer, claimed the coveted title of Miss Volunteer America 2024. The highly anticipated event, now in its second year, was streamed live worldwide on PageantsLive.com. Alexa Knutzen, the inaugural Miss Volunteer America, gracefully passed the torch to Hannah, crowning her as the new ambassador for the esteemed pageant.
The evening was hosted by Allison DeMarcus, and her husband, Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts).
Allison DeMarcus, founder and CEO of the Miss Volunteer America pageant system, expressed her excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to have Hannah Perrigin as Miss Volunteer America 2024. Hannah embodies the values and qualities that perfectly represent our pageant system, and we are delighted to have her as the face of the entire Miss Volunteer America organization throughout the upcoming year."
Hannah Perrigin's remarkable achievement not only brings her the prestigious title but also grants her a host of exceptional opportunities. Along with $50,000 in scholarship funds, Hannah will have the privilege of meeting with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) Nashville, receiving a Sherri Hill Designer package that includes a trip to New York City for NY Fashion Week, and engaging in meetings with Big Machine Label Group and Red Street Records, among other exciting prospects.
Throughout the week, titleholders from all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in preliminary rounds, leading up to the thrilling finale. Over $125,000 in scholarship money and prizes were awarded, and these remarkable women represented their respective states during the national finals for Miss Volunteer America in Jackson, Tennessee. The entire week was a splendid celebration of glamour, talent, and the spirit of volunteerism.
The Miss Volunteer America Pageant stands out as more than just a beauty competition. It goes beyond physical appearance to honor young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work. This esteemed event shines a spotlight on exceptional individuals who embody the values of service, compassion, and leadership.
The crowning of Hannah Perrigin as Miss Volunteer America 2024 was a truly unforgettable moment for attendees. They witnessed an evening filled with entertainment and inspiration, culminating in the deserving recognition of the new ambassador.
The success of this year's pageant would not have been possible without the generous support of the presenting sponsors: Jane Alderson, Delta Dental of Tennessee, Allison & Jay DeMarcus, Jackson Madison County Community Economic Development Commission, and Sherri Hill.The spirit of service lies at the very core of the Miss Volunteer America program. Miss Volunteer America partners with esteemed organizations such as the Salvation Army, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to make a meaningful difference in communities nationwide.
Alexa Knutzen
Miss Volunteer America 2023
Alexa Knutzen of Mapleton, Utah, was crowned the inaugural Miss Volunteer America on May 7th, 2022. Alexa Knutzen is a 24-year-old graduate of the University of Utah with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Ballet Performance. She received a departmental scholarship from the University of Utah School of Dance, was appointed to the First Year Council, as well as the Ms. Barbara Barrington Jones Scholarships to Ballet West Academy.
Alexa has had the opportunity to perform, teach and choreograph professionally throughout the country. In addition, she had the honor of performing the principal role of Liz in the U.S Premier of Strictly Ballroom the Musical. Her prestigious education in dance pedagogy has led her to dedicate nearly a decade of her life serving the special needs community through dance. She has volunteered as a dance instructor with dozens of organizations around the State of Utah that provide empowering opportunities for individuals with special needs through the arts. During her year of service, Alexa looks forward to volunteering her time and talents nationwide to impact the lives in the community she loves deeply.
In addition to volunteering her time as a dance instructor, Alexa has been a Children’s Advocate at Primary Children’s Hospital and volunteered as Activity Coordinator for adults with mental disabilities at Turn Services.
Even though Alexa is a first-generation college graduate in her family, she went on to complete a second bachelor’s degree in Journalism and is currently working as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in their Preschool for Autism. Alexa plans to continue her education and obtain a master’s degree in Speech Pathology.
Outside of her professional and career ambitions, Alexa uses her voice to advocate for all of her passions. Including: the importance of investing in our youth, consent education, support of our military/veterans, community youth programs, higher education, and mental health awareness. She is particularly excited to be serving as a spokesperson for White Flag and joining the fight against mental health stigmas. Alexa hopes to leave a legacy of openness and love and is thrilled to partner with the Miss Volunteer America organization that emulates those qualities.
