BYU graduate and Miss District of Columbia Katie Ann Powell won the “Most Inspirational” award at the 2025 Miss America pageant on Jan. 5.
“You're getting the top of the top girls in the country together,” Powell said. “It was truly a celebration.”
The Miss America title went to Miss Alabama, but Miss District of Columbia left with her own honor — “Most Inspirational.”
While judges decide who wins Miss America, the 52 contestants vote for “Most Inspirational.”
“I started bawling on stage when they announced my name because judges can think what they want, but what you can control is how you treat other people,” Powell said. “It's a person that all times, all things, all places is the spirit of Miss America.”
Powell’s inspiration has not only affected her fellow contestants but also her community in Washington, D.C. She said music has helped her unite and inspire those in D.C.
“I come in with my music and with my harp all the time, and that is inspiration,” she said. “It’s breaking down barriers and starting to build bridges.”
BYU harp faculty Annie Astle taught Powell during her entire time at BYU and helped her prepare for pageant auditions.
“She was above and beyond,” Astle said. “Practiced beyond the hours I would ask.”
Astle said Powell has inspired her because of her perseverance. Powell lost Miss Utah multiple times but never stopped trying.
“She was never knocked down,” Astle said. “Winning Miss D.C. was amazing for her, and, of course, she won that because she worked so hard.”
Powell described her experience at the Miss America competition and with the other contestants as magical. She said anyone can be an inspiration.
“It's having an outward look and being a celebratory and almost a megaphone for someone else,” she said, “celebrating them, exploring and helping them magnify their strengths.”
Powell thanked BYU for teaching her lifelong learning and how she could become a contributing member to society.