The second night of the preliminary competition at Miss America in Atlantic City showcased an abundance of talent, creativity, and glamour. As they made their way across the stage, the candidates—nearly all of them wore breathtaking costumes—put on a vibrant display of creative prowess, performing songs, dances, and other musical numbers. Every performance was aimed at mesmerizing the judges and audience. But among the glitz and glamour, one contestant—Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson—took an unforeseen and very impactful turn.
Kelley Johnson’s arrival that night was unlike any other. While her rivals stunned in elaborate costumes, Kelley made a bold statement by stepping onto the stage in her humble nursing scrubs. Because they were expecting a more traditional presentation, the audience was likely taken aback. Then, instead of a musical performance, the speaker delivered a speech that would stay with the audience forever.
Kelley devoted her monologue to the experience of caring for a senior citizen suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. As she described her experiences with this patient, both the good and the bad were clear. Her vivid comments emphasized the tremendous compassion, understanding, and dedication required of nurses, especially while caring for people suffering from such a debilitating disease. Through her story, Kelley humanized an underappreciated occupation and shed light on the unseen challenges faced by patients and caregivers.
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