That’s because Kimberly Scott has been down that path before.
Well, sort of.
Two years ago, Scott took the same walk down the runway at the 2006 pageant to Miss Albany’s Outstanding Teen. This year she was crowned Miss Albany, with Candace Howard of Bainbridge not far behind as first runner-up and Alexa Turpin of Albany coming in as second runner-up.
“Winning Miss Albany was one of the most amazing feelings,” Scott said. “I am so honored to be chosen to represent Albany for a second time.”
With previous experience under her belt, Scott came into Miss Albany this time around with a few lessons learned. Especially since both Outstanding Teen and Miss Albany are predecessors of the state-level pageants.
“I’ve learned that you must be very prepared going into this Miss Georgia competition,” the 19-year-old said.
That previous experience also prepared Scott for her responsibilities as Albany’s representative throughout the year.
“I believe that my most important responsibility as Miss Albany is to be a positive role model for the young people in our community,” the jazz dance enthusiast said.
In addition, Scott will make appearances throughout the city at various events. Plus, she will spend her reign promoting her platform, “Making a Difference Through Volunteering” and the Miss America platform, Children’s Miracle Network.
Although it’s Scott’s second time around with Miss Albany, she doesn’t see much difference between her current crown and her 2006 Outstanding Teen title.
“As Miss Albany’s Outstanding Teen, I strived to make a difference in our community and to be a good role model for children and teens,” Scott said. “As Miss Albany, I will attempt to do the same thing once again.”
But Scott doesn’t feel any additional pressure.
“I know that I’ve had time to mature and grow as an individual since my reign as Miss Albany’s Outstanding Teen,” she said, “and I expect more from myself because I know I’m capable of it.”
Instead, the experience so far has been “absolutely wonderful.”
“Preparation for Miss Georgia is already under way,” Scott said, “and I am so lucky to have an amazing local board to help me. I know my year as Miss Albany will be one I will never forget, and I can’t wait to see what exciting things lie before me.”
But that doesn’t mean serving as Miss Albany doesn’t have its own set of challenges.
“The biggest challenge so far has been managing my time,” Scott said. “I currently have a very demanding schedule with school work and other various organizations I am involved with at Florida State (University).
“It’s challenging finding time to do everything that I want to do as Miss Albany and as a Florida State student,” she said. “Most of my days are pre-planned, and all of my weekends are fully booked. I’m still a normal teenager and college student, but it’s hard finding the time to be one.”
But Scott does make time to implement her platform, “Making a Difference Through Volunteering.”
“Giving back to our community can not only better Albany, but also the individual who volunteers,” she said. “I encourage people to find a cause about which they are passionate and to get involved in increasing awareness and volunteering their time and efforts to making difference in the lives of others.”
Scott’s inspiration for her platform came while she was still in high school.
“I would have never found my passion for volunteering if I had not been required to fulfill 55 hours of volunteer work in order to receive my high-school diploma from Deerfield-Windsor,” she said. “Once I began volunteering, I realized how much I loved giving back to our community and positively influencing the lives of others. Ever since, I have been extremely involved in organizing charity projects and giving my time to assist others.”
Scott plans to tout the merits of volunteering during appearances throughout Albany, especially in the coming weeks.
“I hope to spend a large portion of my Christmas break giving back to our community,” she said. “For we all know that the holidays can be a difficult time of the year for many people less fortunate.”
In addition to volunteering and serving as Miss Albany, Scott is studying to be a cosmetic dentist and orthodontist.
“I am at Florida State, majoring in chemical science with a double minor in biology and mathematics,” she said. “I am on schedule to graduate from FSU a year early, and I hope to attend dental school at New York University.”
Going to New York would be ideal for Scott, as it would make pursuing her dream of becoming a Radio City Music Hall Rockette that much easier. A dream the dancer has worked toward since high school by taking part in the Radio City Music Hall Rockette Summer Intensive Recital.
“I am still dancing and will continue to do so,” she said. “After my year as Miss Albany, I plan on auditioning again before I enter dental school.”
Those may be two very different occupations, but given the opportunity, Clark believes she can do both.
“Dancing is a passion that I have had ever since I was a small child,” she said. “If I were to be hired as a Rockette, I would definitely take the job.”
After all, the dental field will still be there.
“A dancer’s career is only so long,” Scott said, “and I can always return to school after fulfilling my dream of dancing at Radio City.”
Until then, Scott is using her dancing skills to prepare for next summer’s Miss Georgia pageant.
“I cannot wait to compete at Miss Georgia,” she said.
Not only is she excited to take part in the competition that is a precursor to the Miss America pageant, but Scott is on a mission.
“Albany hasn’t had a Miss Georgia since 1962,” she said, “and I will do everything within my power to change that this June.”
Special photo
As Miss Albany 2009, this is Kimberly Scott’s second time to represent the Good Life City. In 2006, she also took home the Miss Albany’s Outstanding Teen title.
Special photo
As Miss Albany 2009, 19-year-old Kimberly Scott hopes to be the first Albanian to win Miss Georgia since 1962.
