Wyoming Teacher Crowned Miss America 2027!

Alyssa Medina, a 22-year-old from Cheyenne, has earned the title of Miss Wyoming and is preparing to compete in Miss America 2027. She recently graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in elementary and special education and will begin her teaching career this year. Medina's personal initiative, "Every Child Deserves to Be a Child," is dedicated to advocating for children with disabilities. This cause is deeply personal, driven by her sister's own health challenges.

Medina's commitment to inclusion began at age 10 with an Easter egg hunt, evolving over the years to include statewide events and even a drive-thru adaptation during the pandemic. For the Miss America competition, she chose to present a 90-second speech in the "HER Story" talent category, emphasizing her dedication to creating inclusive events and advocating for children with unique needs. She aims to inspire others, particularly young women in Wyoming, to pursue opportunities like Miss Cheyenne or Miss Wyoming.

Her journey into pageantry started with Miss Wyoming Teen USA in 2023, quickly leading to a love for the platform's emphasis on representation and personal initiative. Medina spent months preparing for the Miss Wyoming competition, balancing her duties as Miss Cheyenne with her academic pursuits. The sisterhood and friendships formed through pageantry have been particularly rewarding aspects of her experience.