Photo by Anthony Panzino, Eireann Photography Aliyah Whitcomb recently won People’s Choice Tri State 2024 title through the U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania pageant.

First time’s the charm for Sheffield resident Aliyah Whitcomb.

Whitcomb was recently crowned the U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania People’s Choice Tri State Queen winner. Whitcomb secured the most people’s choice votes in the teen division at the organization’s state pageant at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony.

It was her first pageant competition.

“I had an amazing experience for my first pageant,” Whitcomb said. “I made a lot of new friends. The directors and sister queens treat you like family and welcome anyone new without judgment. I was very nervous at first, but I’m glad I went and joined the U.S. American Miss. I was in complete shock when they called my name and crowned me for People’s choice as the Tri State Queen.”

According to Whitcomb’s mother, Jessica Kelly, her best friend got her into the pageant.

“This was her very first pageant,” Kelly said. “My best friend signed her up because they compete as well for the U.S. American Miss.”

Now, she will travel the state for appearances, photo shoots, interviews and charity events before heading to the national U.S. American Miss competition in July at Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

“I am excited and looking forward to nationals in Florida, not only to compete but the opportunity to meet more queens from all over,” Whitcomb said.

The national competition boasts a prize package worth more than $300,000.

A senior enrolled in Warren County schools, Whitcomb intends to pursue a degree to become a neonatal nurse practitioner due to her love of children. She competed in the pageant on a platform of “save our children.”

Whitcomb volunteers with Save My Children Ministry in Forest County, according to a release announcing her victory. She donates comfort bags with items for infants and mothers in crisis. She also donates Thanksgiving dinner baskets and Christmas items with things for dinner, a tree or decorations and filled stockings.

Anyone who wants to help Whitcomb is encouraged to contact her at usamaliyahwhitcomb@gmail.com. She accepts new unused baby items such as diapers, formula, clothing, receiving blankets and newborn necessities and during the holidays food items and gift cards.

She will continue charity work through the U.S. American Miss anti-bullying platform The Crown C.A.R.E.S., which stands for creating a respectful environment in society. According to the release on her win, she will also represent the organization as a GENUINE girl, which stands for Gracious, Enthusiastic, Natural, Unique, Inspiring, Noble, Eager to make a difference.

“We are so thrilled to be represented by a young lady who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and who has a passion to serve her community and be a role model to other girls,” said Director of U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania Paula Knipple in the release. “US American Miss Pennsylvania is honored to have Aliyah as one of our state queens and we know that she will inspire other girls to achieve their goals.”

Whitcomb encouraged others to participate in the program.

“I would like any girls out there wishing or contemplating doing it, Just do it!” she said. “It’s worth it, Your worth it! It’s an amazing pageant. Worth the once in a lifetime experience! Come join us at your chance to become a sister queen!”

For more information on U.S. American Miss Pennsylvania, or to register for the next state pageant, go to www.pennsylvaniausam.com.