VCU news

By Amy Kaloski
University News Services

Miss Chesterfield, Miss Greater Richmond and Miss Virginia. These are just a few of the titles held by Mariah Rice, a senior in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Dance and the young woman representing Virginia in the Miss America pageant Sept. 13-18 in Atlantic City, N.J.

Rice, 24, is hoping that Miss America is next on the list, and she is preparing vigorously to win the top crown.

She won the title of Miss Virginia in June, where she excelled in the interview and talent portions of the competition, performing an original dance routine.

Once again, her talent at Miss America will be dance, which she began doing 20 years ago. "I will not change the music that I performed in the Miss Virginia competition, but I might alter the dance," said Rice, a VCU Dance major.

She also said she will spend her time prior to the competition preparing for possible interview questions that might come her way.

"The interview is known for being difficult,” Rice said. “Powerful people in the United States are judging and they come ready to interview and find the best Miss America."

Rice also plans to strengthen her platform, "Fighting Insecurity in Today's Teens." Rice overcame an eating disorder several years ago and says she wants to help other young people make positive, healthy choices.

According to pageant experts, a contestant's platform is one of the most important aspects of succeeding in pageants.

"I purposely kept my platform broad, so I can branch out and dive into different things, yet it is all for the same cause,” said Rice.

Rice is a speaker, role model, advocate for mental health and leader in the pursuit of positive legislation across the country to benefit youth.

Rice also has received the Target All-Around Student Scholarship and the VCU Disability Support Service Award, and she is the recipient of the VCU Leadership and Service Distinguished Service Award.

Rice recently won the Miss America Children's Champion Award for raising the most money for the Children's Miracle Network. She turned in a check for $12,000.

Rice is required to take a year off from VCU to fulfill her duties as Miss Virginia, but plans to return after her reign and become the first member of her family to receive a college degree.