Edwina Petionet, a biology student at North Campus, was awarded the Miss Miami Gardens Scholarship on Feb. 22.
The program, which relaunched in 2023, is part of an organization dedicated to providing resources to young women, empowering them to continue their education and pursue their goals.
As part of her application process, the 20-year-old presented a community service initiative titled Compassion in Action, which advocates for improved patient care for elderly residents in nursing homes.
The competition consisted of five stages: an interview, a health and fitness portion, a talent performance, an evening wear competition and an on-stage conversation.
Petionet, who aspires to be a family physician, obtained five points toward the Miss America Crown and will advance to compete in the Miss Florida Scholarship Program in June of 2025.
“This has been an incredibly transformative experience,” Petionet said. “It’s not just about beauty or the title, it’s about the opportunity to challenge yourself, grow and make a difference.”
