Miss Colorado, Kelley Johnson, did not come to the stage wearing a flashy costume or draped in sequins on the second night of the Miss America preliminary round in Atlantic City.
Instead, Kelley opted for something much more potent: her scrubs as a nurse. The audience was struck in awe by what transpired next.
Instead of performing a dazzling dance routine or a Broadway song, Kelley gave a moving monologue based on her personal experiences as a nurse.
She talked about her relationship with an old Alzheimer’s patient, revealing the unvarnished, heartbreaking moments that serve as a reminder to all of the love and humanity that come with providing care.
Kelley Johnson’s monologue for Miss Colorado
As Kelley’s comments came out, you can really picture the astonished quiet that filled the room. Here was a young woman who chose to emphasize the importance of empathy, tolerance, and understanding rather than the flash and glamour that so frequently characterize these contests.
Particularly for people who understand the difficulties and rewards of caring for a loved one, it was a moment that struck a profound chord.
Kelley isn’t your average competitor. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand View University in 2015, graduating as valedictorian of her nursing class. She is accustomed to the kinds of events that make life both bittersweet and wonderful because she is currently employed as a licensed nurse.
Take a look at the video below.
Regardless of the outcome, Kelley’s monologue served as a reminder that there are other ways to be strong. It lies in a nurse’s commitment, their ability to make a patient feel seen and heard, and their gentle words of support.
Kelley has already earned the most significant title in the eyes of many, particularly those who have been impacted by a nurse’s care.
A real Miss America looks like this. Even without the pageant, there are plenty of people like her who are winners in our clinics and hospitals!
Kelly did something really unusual, and nobody noticed. She altered everyone’s perception of this competition, particularly young girls who aspire to be beauty queens, and she accomplished this while working in one of the most prestigious and noble occupations in the world!
I hope that young people are watching this and paying attention to what she has to say. If this story touched you as much as it did us, please share it! Kelley’s bravery is worthy of being honored well beyond the competitive arena!
