Juneau’s Miss Alaska representative placed third overall at this year’s Miss Alaska pageant and was awarded the Miss Congeniality Award. Honour Miller-Austin sat down to talk about her experiences and the future of pageantry with KTOO’s Chloe Pleznac.
This interview was edited to be more concise and clear.
Chloe Pleznac – I would like to begin by asking you a few questions about your family. Did you grow up in Juneau?
Honour Miller Austin: I was born in Juneau, and have never left. I only take a few vacations. I am a Juneau girl.
Chloe Pleznac : Sometimes, there can be a mixed impression in media about pageantry. Do you think there is something people should know more about pageantry?
Honour Miller-Austin: Yeah. It was one of those situations where I felt it was only surface-level. Although I was nervous about being the “pageant girl”, it was a very different experience than what you see on social networks. Pageantry has no stigma. Many women want to make a difference in the world, help others and reach out to bigger problems. It’s a lot more than being a pageant girl.
Chloe Pleznac What is the title Miss Congeniality to you?
Honour Miller Austin: It really helped me to see that I was a positive and positive person towards the pageant girls. It was a great experience to see the pageant for the first time. That’s what I strive to be in my real life and in the lives of other women. It’s important to inspire others to be their best selves. That was a huge accomplishment for me.
Chloe Pleznac – It is my outdated impression that most pageant contestants have a special skill or a cause they are passionate about. Are you a champion for a cause or have you a unique skill?
Honour Miller Austin: Yes, we had a platform. My platform was called “Better Than Yesterday”. It’s a mental platform that tried to raise awareness about mental health. We also advocated for better access to mental health care. However, I believe that this was just one of many women’s platforms this year.
Chloe Pleznac How has this year’s experience impacted you personally?
Honour Miller Austin: It impacted me in a manner where I realized how insecure I had been and how underappreciated I was of myself and of my own life. I work, and I am humble. After the pageant, I exude confidence that I didn’t know existed.
Chloe Pleznac – It was a very empowering experience. Do you plan to participate in future pageants.
Honour Miller Austin: Next year we will try again for Miss Alaska USA. We may win the title. There is no pressure! I was just excited for the experience. It was one of those experiences where I didn’t realize how much fun it was until I got there and was surrounded by women who are trying to make a difference.
