BETTENDORF, Iowa — Let the magic begin!
The 2024 Miss America competition will take place, live, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida, from Jan. 6 to Jan. 14.
It's a week Miss Iowa 2023, Alysa Goethe, has been waiting for for more than 14 years.
Goethe began competing in the Miss America organization and its branches since she was around 10 years old. Over the years, she says she's gained confidence, scholarships and friendships from her time and now it's all culminated to this moment.
A Bettendorf native, Goethe attended Drake University and now works as a vocal teacher, which is showcased in her talent — singing.
During her time as Miss Iowa, Goethe has been a fierce advocate for Type 1 Diabetes awareness and acceptance. She was diagnosed with the disease while competing and has several family members also living with Type 1. She's made it her community initiative as Miss Iowa, starting a podcast around the disease to provide confidence and education and continues to advocate for it around the state.
She's also traveled more than 50,000 miles within the Miss America Organization.
Goethe dropped by The Current on News 8 right before flying out to Orlando. She discussed her work with Type 1 Diabetes, the importance of scholarships earned through the Miss America Organization and her advice for any young girls interested in forging a similar path. You can watch her full interview in the above video.
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