NC woman prepares to compete in Miss America

The 93rd annual pageant will feature 51 women competing for the title and a shot at thousands of dollars in scholarship money. The event will air live on NBC and WRAL-TV on Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.

Alexandra Badgett, 22, of Charlotte, is competing with a message aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault on college campuses.

After months of preparation, she’s ready to take the big stage.

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“Why do I want to be Miss America? Because I think that I’d really get to be able to promote this organization to make a difference in other young people’s lives so that they know the impact that they can make,” Badgett said.

At the end of the show, one candidate will be chosen to become Miss America 2020.

“I became really involved with the sexual trauma services of the midlands during my undergraduate career at the University of South Carolina and found that a lot of the work that I was learning to be a hospital and hotline advocate, I wish I knew just as a student and as a citizen. So, I wanted to be able to bring that work back and say okay, how can I make a difference,” said Badgett.

Badgett spent months preparing for the big night, but she’s most excited about sharing the stage with 50 incredibly talented women who all have one message.

“Empowered women, empowering women and making a difference in the community regardless of whether they have a shiny hat or a shiny sash. It’s all about the person that’s within.”

Badgett revealed that her talent will be tap dancing.