Sophia Parker, a 27-year-old Army National Guard sergeant and combat medic from Vermont, is competing in this year’s Miss America pageant with a message centered on unity and public service. Representing her home state, Parker is bringing her frontline experience and passion for bridging political divides to the national spotlight.
From Combat Medic to Pageant Stage
Parker serves in the Vermont Army National Guard and works as a nurse at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Reflecting on national polarization, she told The News Focus that “we are living at a time of great division,” a trend she has observed even in her own lifetime. “Between the left and the right… there is a ton of division. One thing I think is very important is for people of all different opinions—from both sides and everyone in the middle—to come together with respect.”
She sees the role of Miss America not as a political platform, but as an opportunity to listen, empathize, and offer a unifying presence. “As Miss Vermont, I’m not here to have strong political opinions. I’m here to listen to everyone, and to create a middle ground where people feel heard and seen,” Parker said.
A Life Rooted in Service
Her path into service began long before donning the military uniform. Inspired by her grandfather’s service in World War II, Parker joined the Guard after college, drawn to the idea of being part of something larger than herself. “My grandfather fought in the Battle of the Bulge and always spoke about camaraderie. I wanted that,” she shared.
Balancing battlefield readiness with beauty pageantry may seem uncommon, but for Parker, both embody devotion and courage. Competing in her first pageant at 16, she views Miss America as not just a contest, but a platform for scholarships and societal influence—a tradition dating back to the organization’s founding in 1921. To date, Miss America awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships, empowering young women nationwide.
Wildlife Advocacy with Legislative Purpose
Beyond calls for unity, Parker is also advocating for wildlife reform in Vermont. She co-founded Otter Creek Wildlife Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds and mammals. Parker is now pushing for legislative change to curb harsh wildlife practices such as leghold trapping and unregulated hound hunting. Her goal: “creating humane laws where people and wildlife can coexist.”
A Unifying Vision in a Fragmented Era
As she competes in Orlando, Parker believes her message could not be more relevant. “Meeting other contestants and hearing their stories has deepened my appreciation for our country. I’m so grateful to be an American,” she said. “I can be anything I want—soldier, nurse, wildlife advocate—and I’m proud to wear all of those hats.”
Parker hopes to inspire young people to serve not for recognition, but for change. “A life of service has changed me—it’s given me purpose. You don’t need money or fame to make a difference. You just need to get involved.”
Why It Matters
Sophia Parker represents a rare blend of national service and public advocacy. In a time when politics often divides, her campaign underscores the power of shared humanity and civic duty.
By combining military experience, scholarship access via Miss America, and actionable policy in wildlife protection, Parker offers a model for leadership rooted in service, understanding, and resilience.
