The Miss America competition is officially underway. Before heading down to Orlando for the weekend-long competition, we caught up with the Loudoun County native Madison Whitbeck, Miss Virginia 2025, to talk about her pageant journey and preparation for the Miss America competition.
Pageantry wasn’t always part of your plan. What drew you in, and how has this journey changed your perspective on what it means to be a titleholder?
I never grew up competing in pageants — I barely knew what Miss America was. But a former Miss Arlington talked to me about the opportunity, and at the time, I was a senior in high school needing scholarships. What drew me in was the performance aspect, but what’s kept me here is how rooted Miss America is in service and growth. It’s about preparing for a full-time role that centers around becoming the best version of yourself.
Your “Arts for All” platform focuses on making arts education accessible across Virginia. What inspired this mission, and how are you bringing it to life during your reign?
As a student music teacher, I saw how much the arts benefit kids, and how uneven the access is across Virginia. Some schools don’t have music programs. That’s why I work with [the nonprofit] Global Game Changers, which provides free resources. I bring their curriculum into schools and help leave something behind for teachers to keep using.
What has surprised you most about yourself since becoming Miss Virginia? And how has that discovery shaped the way you approach this role?
The way people respond to how I connect with them has really touched me. It made me realize how important it is to make others feel seen and heard. That’s something I want to be intentional about every single day of this year.
With Miss America right around the corner, how are you managing the pressure of preparation?
It’s a lot — rehearsals, wardrobe, everything. But I’m focused on being the whole package, not just for the competition but as someone who represents a brand. I want to bring something uniquely mine to the Miss America stage.
You’ll be traveling thousands of miles across Virginia this year. What’s one message you hope people remember after meeting you?
I want them to feel valued — not just by Miss Virginia, but by Madison. People may listen because of the crown, but I hope they connect with my heart. I want every person I meet to feel seen, heard, respected, and cared for.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Feature image courtesy Miss Virginia Opportunity, Inc.
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
