The University of South Alabama welcomes two state winners of the America’s Junior Miss program as students this fall.

New York's Junior Miss Brynn Armstrong, and Kaila Mattson, Wisconsin's Junior Miss, each received full scholarships to launch their college careers at USA.

Armstrong is a student in the Mitchell College of Business, and Mattson is studying biomedical sciences in the College of Allied Health Professions. Each received a full scholarship, which includes tuition, room, board, $1,000 for books, and $1,250 for a laptop computer. They are both involved in the USA Honors Program.

USA President Gordon Moulton will welcome the students to campus with a “signing ceremony” and luncheon at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the Terrace in the Student Center on campus. USA and America’s Junior Miss leaders will be available for interviews.

“We are gratified that the University of South Alabama's high quality academic programs and dedicated faculty continue to make it a first-choice institution among the nation’s most academically talented students, ” USA

President Gordon Moulton said. “Students of this quality have many options, and we are certain they will have a positive experience at USA.”

The America’s Junior Miss scholarship is available to any state winner with an ACT score of 30 or higher and top high school academics.

Armstrong, the daughter of Carl and Ruthanne Armstrong, attended Orchard Park High School in Orchard Park, N.Y., where she was a member of the National Honor Society and National Latin Honor Society. She took top academic honors on the National Latin Exam, served on the student council, and was a member of the varsity swim team. She performed a variety of community service activities, including projects for cancer and leukemia patients. She was also involved in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. During America’s Junior Miss, she showcased her talent on the piano. She wants to pursue a career in human resources.

Mattson, the daughter of Gary and Sharon Mattson, is from Hartland, Wis., where she was valedictorian at Arrowhead High School. She received a host of academic awards and honors, including Wisconsin All-State Scholars, Wisconsin Academic Excellence Award and an Outstanding Leadership & Community Service Award. She was also involved in student government and a member of the National Honor Society. During America’s Junior Miss, Mattson performed a tap dance to Great Balls of Fire. She plans to pursue a career as a biochemist, neuroscientist or biomedical engineer.   

America’s Junior Miss
Founded in 1958, AJM's goal is to honor young women who excel and encourage them to obtain a college education and assume roles of leadership in their communities and professions. During the past 50 years, AJM has awarded $90 million in cash scholarships to more than 700,000 college-bound young women who have competed in the program, including Diane Sawyer, co-host of ABC's “Good Morning America” and co-anchor of “Primetime Thursday;” Deborah Norville, host of “Inside Edition;” E.D. Hill, an anchor on Fox News Channel's “Fox and Friends;” and Debra Messing, co-star of NBC's “Will & Grace.”
AJM's national sponsors are the City of Mobile, Mobile County, and the Mitchell Company. Category sponsors are Alabama Power, Encore Rehabilitation, Mobile Gas, Regions Bank, and Wintzell's Oyster House.

The University of South Alabama

Since its founding in 1963, the University of South Alabama has been one of Alabama’s fastest growing universities, currently enrolling more than 13,300 students in a wide range of academic programs in Allied Health Professions, Arts and Sciences, Mitchell College of Business, Computer and Information Sciences, Continuing Education and Special Programs, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. The University has awarded 60,000 degrees.