PHIL CAMPBELL, Ala. (WHNT) — Northwest-Shoals Community College has a new ‘Miss!’
On Saturday, dual-enrolled freshman Lara Gunderman was crowned as 2025 Miss Northwest-Shoals.
“Becoming Miss Northwest Shoals is a dream come true,” Gunderman said. “It’s an opportunity to grow personally while growing and uniting our community.”
While at Phil Campbell High School, NWSCC said Gunderman started her community service initiative, Lara’s Love, after her passion for helping foster children.
(Photo: NWSCC)
(Photo: NWSCC)
(Photo: NWSCC)
Lara’s Love is designed to bring awareness to foster care needs in this region. “Having been a sister to 14 foster children, I have seen firsthand the impact that being a foster family can have,” she said.
“As Miss Northwest Shoals, I plan to use my platform to raise awareness to foster care needs. By organizing ‘community closets’ with Franklin County’s Department of Human Resources, foster parents will have items needed to provide care for their foster children. My hope is that my journey will inspire people to open their minds, hearts, and homes to foster care. Everyone deserves love, especially children!”
Lara Gunderman
Because of her new title, Gunderman has the opportunity to represent her college and community at the Miss Alabama 2025 pageant.
NWSCC said she plans to pursue a nursing degree at the school before transferring to the University of North Alabama.
Reflecting on Gunderman’s remarkable achievement, Miss Northwest Shoals Program Director, Savannah Liles, expressed, “Lara’s win is not just a victory for her, but for all the lives she will positively impact this upcoming year,” said Liles. “We are so proud of all the women and the courage they showed as they competed. They are all amazing young women and we are so glad they are a part of our Patriot family.”
Six women vied for the title of Miss Northwest Shoals, showcasing their talents through five stages of competition, including a private interview, an on-stage question, health and fitness, talent, and evening gown. Alongside Gunderman, other winners were recognized:
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Livi Boston, of Muscle Shoals, first alternate and outstanding service award
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Ellie Claire Swinney, of Muscle Shoals, second alternate
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Brookleigh Cockrell, of Haleyville, talent competition award
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Alexis Stewart, of Phil Campbell, Most Inspirational and Leadership award
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Aaliyah Prince, of Phil Campbell, bookstore scholarship for exceptional courage in competition
In addition to the prestige of the title, NWSCC said Gunderman will receive a bundle of prizes including a One-Year Tuition Scholarship, Official Custom Jewelry by Creative Jewelers, a year of facial spa treatments from NWSCC Salon & Spa, wardrobe discounts from Cherry Tree Lane, a Bookstore Scholarship, an Official Portrait by Butler Studio Photography and alterations for the Miss Alabama competition by Savannah Liles.
She also will receive the Miss America Local Crown, Miss America Crown Pin, tickets to the Miss America Homecoming Dinner and Show in Birmingham on February 22, and other gifts from partners including Judah Nails, Bronze Babes and the Board of Directors.
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