Jacklyn Drake had always lived life in the fast lane, both on and off the track. Originally from Maypearl, Texas, and now a resident of Mooresville, NC, she grew up with the hum of engines and the thrill of competition, carving out a name for herself as a race car driver, sports reporter, and live race host. But on August 26th, 2024, under the bright lights of the Elvis Presley International Theater at the Westgate Resort Spa & Casino in Las Vegas, Jacklyn found herself on a different kind of stage—one that would bring her a new kind of victory.
That night, she stood tall, not behind the wheel of a roaring car, but in an elegant evening gown, her nerves steeled for the final moments of the Miss for America pageant. The anticipation was electric as she awaited the announcement, her heart racing in a way that no finish line could ever match. And then, it happened—her name was called. Jacklyn Drake, Miss North Carolina for America, had just been crowned the 2024 Miss for America, a title that would solidify her place in the storied legacy of the pageant.
This wasn’t just a win for Jacklyn; it was a moment of immense pride for her state, her family, and the friends who had cheered her on every step of the way. As she looked out into the audience, she saw the beaming faces of her loved ones, her directors Wendy and Fred Galle from Sherrills Ford, NC, and the former Miss for America titleholders who had come before her. They welcomed her into an elite circle of women who had proven that grace, intelligence, and determination were as powerful on the pageant stage as they were in everyday life.
But this victory was more than just a crown on her head. For Jacklyn, it was a platform—a chance to make a difference. “To bring home the Miss for America title to the great state of North Carolina has been one of the greatest moments in my life,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “This past week, I’ve gained sister queens from all over the country and felt a profound sense of peace, trusting in whatever God had in store for me as I stepped onto that Elvis Presley Las Vegas stage.”
Jacklyn’s journey was far from over. With the title came the responsibility and the opportunity to spread the word about causes close to her heart. As Miss for America, she planned to continue her work with Victoria’s Voice Foundation and expand her efforts to host book drives across the Carolinas and throughout the nation, ensuring that children in underfunded communities had the resources they needed to thrive.
As the 2024 Miss for America, Jacklyn Drake had conquered a new frontier—one that celebrated not just her beauty, but her passion, her dedication, and her drive to make the world a better place. And just as she had on the race track, she crossed this finish line with grace, determination, and a heart full of purpose.
