Hollins junior and Miss Virginia 2007 Hannah Kiefer represented the university and the Old Dominion with distinction at this year’s Miss America Pageant, placing fourth in the competition held Saturday, January 26 in Las Vegas and televised nationally on TLC.

Kiefer performed ballet en pointe in the talent portion and sought to raise awareness during the pageant for her platform issue, creating healthy choices for teens. Since she was crowned Miss Virginia on June 30 of last year, Kiefer has visited school systems across the state and spoken to approximately 10,000 teenagers, striving to serve as an all-around role model to help them deal with peer pressure and give them confidence to pursue their dreams. She has also talked publicly about the positive impact Hollins has had on her life. As she told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in a recent interview, “I attend an all-women’s university where we all are encouraged to be individuals and we’re encouraged to be ourselves.”

Kiefer also distinguished herself during the reality series, “Miss America: Reality Check,” which TLC broadcast during the four weeks prior to the pageant. On the series’ final episode, she was selected as one of ten finalists from the 52 contestants.

Kiefer is taking a leave of absence from Hollins while she fulfills her duties as Miss Virginia. A double major in communication studies and psychology, she will return to Hollins in the fall. After completing her undergraduate studies she plans to pursue a master’s degree in public relations.