More than a pageant: MSU’s very own Miss Montana

Every year, more than 10,000 women across the country participate in local competitions for an opportunity to walk the Miss America stage. Only 52 will get the chance, but for MSU student Kaylee Wolfensberger, it was a surreal moment when she realized she would be one of those 52. 

On Sunday, Jan. 5, Wolfensberger, a business marketing student and Miss Montana 2024, competed in the 103rd Miss America Competition in Orlando, Florida. She was the youngest out of 52 delegates. Each delegate was selected by their respective state organization and was judged in five areas of competition at both the state and national levels: private interview, talent, on-stage question, fitness and evening gown.

Originally from Rigby, Idaho, Wolfensberger came to Bozeman to attend MSU and pursue a degree in business marketing. Although she wasn’t raised in the Big Sky state, she expressed a longstanding appreciation for it. She was crowned Miss Montana on July 13, 2024.

“I'm just grateful that I get to represent a state where I have found some of the best and most important people in my life,” she said. “I've found so much love and respect for this state and for myself through the experiences that I've had here.” 

Wolfensberger grew up attending local Miss Idaho competitions with her mother, who volunteered backstage. Her experience with the organization has spanned the entirety of her life, but she did not compete for a state crown until 2024. 

She expressed her pride in the Miss America organization and explained that referring to these competitions as simply beauty pageant is a misconception. 

“It's definitely not a beauty contest, it's about how well-spoken you are and if you can advocate for something on a deeper level,’’ Wolfensberger said. “I spend multiple hours a week doing service and traveling the state of Montana. I'm not just putting on a dress and walking the Miss America stage or doing a photoshoot. It's so much more than that.” 

Each contestant for Miss America is required to have a community service initiative and a talent. Wolfensberger found a way to marry the two when she created Healing Harmonies, a program that emphasizes the importance of music education and how access to music can support children in overcoming trauma. She has since engaged with hundreds of children across the state, visiting classrooms and exposing them to different kinds of music and ways to make it. 

“I was able to combine my personal connection of using music to heal from a traumatic experience with my passion for music for our youth. I feel honored that I’ve been able to use my story to touch the lives of others, especially in the Miss America interview room,” she wrote in an online statement following the January national pageant. 

In her interview with the Exponent, Wolfensberger also noted the extensive preparation that goes into performing at the national level.

“I was in the gym pretty often, but it wasn't about being a smaller version of myself,” she said. “It was more so preparing myself to feel confident on that stage in a different way than I had before and I'm really proud of what I brought to the table at Miss America in the fitness portion.” 

Abbie Stockard from Alabama was crowned Miss America on Jan. 5, and Wolfensberger returned to Montana shortly thereafter, newly invigorated in her standing position as Miss Montana. 

“Obviously, I wasn't able to take home that title, but I feel like I'm more prepared to make the Miss Montana program that much better because of the experiences that I had at Miss America,” Wolfensberger said. “I'm not walking away feeling like I've done the big thing and I'm done. I'm really excited to continue serving Montana.” 

Now that she’s back from Miss America, Wolfensberger’s plan is to continue pursuing her degree in business marketing and working towards a career in sports marketing. As Miss Montana, Wolfensberger said she has been able to create connections in the sports industry with the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins, hoping to one day work for the NFL. 

When asked about her most valuable takeaway from the competition, Wolfensberger reflected on her impact as a titleholder and noted that although she’s grateful for the crown and sash, they aren’t needed to better your community.

“My experience at Miss America was definitely life-changing. I learned so much about myself and so much about other people and what a little bit of kindness can do in our world,” she said. “And just remembering that you don't need a crown and a sash to make a difference. It's about the words that come out of your mouth and the actions that you perform.”

To get  involved with the Miss Montana organization, visit its website at www.MissMontana.org or follow its Instagram @TheMissMontanaOrg.