Four talented women with connections to Hoover are set to compete for the prestigious Miss Alabama 2026 title at Samford University. The event, taking place from June 3-6 at the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, will see these women showcase their talents and community service initiatives.
Meet the Contestants
Ali Mims, representing Hoover, is a Harpersville native and a freshman at Samford University. She founded the Joyful Noise Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing musical instruments to special-needs classrooms across Alabama. Mims, who previously held the title of Miss Alabama’s Teen 2024, will perform classical opera, singing “O Mio Babbino Caro,” for her talent competition.
Hannah Adams, Miss Shelby County, is a University of Alabama graduate and a pediatric cancer survivor. Her initiative, Hannah’s Hope, focuses on finding a cure for pediatric cancer, having raised over $60,000. Adams, who was first runner-up at Miss Alabama 2025, will perform jazz ballet en pointe.
Her sister, Hailey Adams, Miss University of Alabama, is a junior at the University of Alabama. She raises awareness about human trafficking through her initiative Hailey H.E.A.R.S. and serves as co-chairwoman of Gov. Kay Ivey’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Hailey will perform jazz acro dance during the talent portion.
Elaina Burt, Miss Jefferson County, is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. She founded Charlie’s Chance in memory of her cousin, raising over $100,000 for the Epilepsy Foundation. Burt, a former Miss Alabama’s Teen 2023, will perform classical ballet en pointe.
Community Service Recognition
Ali Mims, Hannah Adams, and Hailey Adams are among the seven finalists for the Miss Alabama Community Service Award, with the winner announced at an awards breakfast on Saturday morning. The Miss Alabama title includes a $15,000 scholarship, and the winner will advance to compete at Miss America 2027. Outgoing titleholder Emma Terry, a former Miss Hoover, will crown her successor.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
