About Rylie
I’m Rylie Dewley. I’m a full-time student at the University of Alabama working to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Criminal Justice & Civic Engagement and Leadership. This fall, I was able to take on Bryant-Denny Stadium as a University of Alabama Crimsonette.
I am incredibly passionate about creating advocacy for Heart Disease, especially in our youth. As a baby born eight weeks premature, I was born with two holes in my heart, known as atrial septal defect & ventricular septal defect, which closed on their own by the time I was 5. But then, at the age of 13, I was diagnosed with a heart murmur in addition to leaky valves and mitral insufficiency, the most common form of valvular heart disease. This led me to create Start Heart Smart, a program dedicated to making sure that all American Citizens have access to the tools necessary to having a healthy heart. To learn more about Start Heart Smart and discover resources to keep your heart healthy, check out the Start Heart Smart page!
For over 6 years I have been competing in the Miss America Organization. This organization has truly changed my life. I have gained so many life skills that I will use in my future endeavors from competing in this organization. I have learned how to speak in a multitude of settings such as on stage, on the radio, on the news, in an interview, and with strangers. Through this organization, I have found my true strength and have found who I am. I have met some of my best friends and have had the most amazing experiences and opportunities that I otherwise would not have been able to have. I also have been able to earn scholarship money to help fund my undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama. If you are looking to compete just do it! You won't regret it!
If you are interested in competing in the Miss America or Miss America's Outstanding Teen Competition, click on the links above.
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