Birmingham's Elaina Burt Crowned Miss UA 2027

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Birmingham native Elaina Burt was crowned Miss University of Alabama 2027 on Saturday during the annual competition at the Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa.

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UA says Burt, a junior majoring in public relations on the pre-law track, is also a member of Capstone Men and Women, the university's student ambassador organization.

As Miss UA, Burt said she plans to use her platform to expand epilepsy awareness and education through Charlie's Chance: Overcoming Epilepsy Together, a nonprofit she founded in honor of her younger cousin, Charlie Mae.

The organization provides education, advocacy and resources for epilepsy patients and their families throughout Alabama.

Burt also founded Students for Epilepsy Support and Education at UA, which she hopes to expand during her year of service.

"This work is so personal to me because I know firsthand what epilepsy can take from a family," Burt said. "Charlie is the reason I started, but the families I've had the opportunity to serve are why I keep going."

In addition to winning the title, Burt received four individual awards, including the Spirit of Alabama Leadership and Community Service Award, Evening Gown/On-Stage Conversation Award, Fitness Award and Social Media Challenge.

She will receive a full-tuition scholarship for one year, a class ring from the Supe Store and additional gifts and services from sponsors valued at approximately $30,000.

Peyton Troth was named first runner-up, followed by Ava Grace Johnson as second runner-up, Belle Casey as third runner-up and Katherine Grigsby as fourth runner-up.

The Miss University of Alabama competition is sponsored by the UA Alumni Association and serves as an official preliminary competition for Miss Alabama and Miss America.

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