With tear-swollen eyes and a smile from ear to ear, Izzy Karns stood on stage crowned Miss Teen Volunteer America as the crowd exploded into a thunderous roar.
The 19-year-old Southern Miss freshman’s heart raced with joy as the disbelief that her hard-earned victory settled in. The weight of her dreams coming to life multiplied in moments. The Mississippi teen had done it.
After years of tireless dedication and heart for service–be it serving at her local animal shelter, working with The Salvation Army or raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital–had culminated in a moment of absolute triumph. This win was more than a mere personal achievement; this was a win for every person in her state that supported and rallied her on all the way.
Karns’ crowning moment was historic far beyond what meets the eye. Not only did she make history as the first-ever Mississippian crowned Miss Teen Volunteer America, but she also became the first representative from Mississippi to claim a place in the semifinals. Her success, against 50 other competitors, stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to becoming the best version of herself.
“Putting myself out there was a win in itself,” Karns said. “The crown is just the icing on the cake.”
The competition itself was grueling, putting the teens to the test in four phases: evening gown, fitness and wellness, interview and talent. Karns approached each portion with a focus on consistency. This approach not only earned Izzy the title but also the Overall Fitness and Wellness Award and The Salvation Army Doing the Most Good Scholarship Award.
Walking away with over $10,000 in scholarships, Karns’ gratitude runs deep for the grit Southern Miss instilled in her to soar to the top all while furthering her education.
As she stood on the national stage in Jackson, Tenn., her head raced with the countless faces of people who shaped her journey, as she clutched her new diamond hat.
“Nothing compares to the feeling of giving back,” Karns stated, with a shaky voice and watery eyes.
From tutoring children at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club to attending the Brandon Princess Ball, each experience shaped her and deepened her sense of purpose as a titleholder, leading to the possession of the national title.
“This has been a whirlwind in the best possible way,” said University professor and Karns’ mom Sara Stygles.
Despite the prestige of winning Miss Teen Volunteer America, Karns emphasized that her fulfillment came not from the title itself but from the journey that led her there. She reminisced on the life-changing experience with a purpose found in the journey rather than the destination itself. Seeing how every closed door, no and not yet led to this very moment has left Karns with evident gratitude.
With a year of once-in-a-lifetime experiences ahead of her, Karns’ excitement radiates. She accepts the challenge of being a college student and national title holder with eagerness. Alongside her state peers and leaving this position better than she found it, Izzy Karns is guaranteed to make an even greater impact in the year ahead. She is the living, breathing testimony that true victory lies not in a title but in the difference you make in the world around you.
Now more than a month into her reign as Miss Teen Volunteer America, Karns expressed that, “being Miss Teen Volunteer America comes with calling cloud nine my home.”
