Miss Alabama

Melinda Toole

What is your hometown like?
My hometown of Trussville provides its residents with small town hospitality along with the large city convenience of the Birmingham metropolitan area. CNN Money Magazine ranked Trussville as finalist number 56 in the 2005 Best Places to Live rankings.

What were you like when you were a child?
I never met a stranger. Being hyper and rambunctious, my mother would often get on to me for talking to an unfamiliar person because of my outgoing personality. You could most likely find me outside playing with neighborhood friends until the street lights came on.

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My parents. Whenever I am faced with a difficult decision, I turn to them for advice, love and support. They have worked very hard over the years to raise me in a manner that fostered good character.

What is one thing about you that people you meet may not immediately realize?
I am a very comical and spontaneous person.

What was one defining moment in your life?
During one of my student teaching experiences, I worked tirelessly with a student who struggled in the area of reading. I was able to see significant progression and realized that all he needed was the encouragement and motivation to believe in himself! I knew then that I had chosen the right profession.

What was one defining moment in your life?
I competed in 23 local preliminaries before I won my first title, thereby learning the value of perseverance and self-evaluation. There were many times I wanted to give up, but I realized how much I had gained from the experience, win or lose. Looking back, I have realized how my persistence has now paid off. I am so grateful.

What was one defining moment in your life?
As Miss America, I will take a proactive approach to market the Miss America Organization by educating corporate and commercial sponsors about the benefits of partnering with the Miss America Organization, demonstrating to them that this program attracts young dynamic achievers and motivated, goal-oriented present and future community leaders. Using promotional techniques on college campuses, I will encourage more young women to compete in the Miss America system by showing them firsthand the benefits -- having a voice in their communities, developing their speaking skills, earning scholarship assistance and honing their talents. Furthermore, I want to restore the focus on Miss America becoming more visible in the lives of children, causing them to recognize her as a national role model.