Entertainment

Meet Miss PA before she takes ‘The 2020 Miss America Competition’ stage

And the winner is… Well, we won’t find out until Thursday who wins the title of Miss America, but we do know that a Western Pennsylvania, native is in the mix!

After winning the title of Miss Pennsylvania, Tiffany Seitz, Miss Larelwood, is representing the state in the Miss America 2.0 competition on NBC.

Before that happens Thursday at 8 p.m. on Channel 11, we wanted to introduce you to Seitz.

Who is Tiffany Seitz?

Age: 24

State: Pennsylvania

Hometown: Freeport, Pennsylvania

College: Grove City College

Degree: Bachelor of science in entrepreneurship with a minor in communications

Talent: Musical theater/ jazz dance

Social Impact Initiative: Adoption advocacy – restoring hope, transforming lives

Why Miss America?

Defying the odds

Seitz has overcome a lot, starting from birth.

After testing positive for cocaine at birth, she was given a two-month life expectancy. She was expected to have learning disabilities, body deformities and other health issues.

She has completely beaten those odds as a healthy and happy 24-year-old, and says she does not want to use her story to cultivate pity, but to inspire others.

“It is not about pity. It is not about feeling sorry for me,” Seitz said in an exclusive interview sent to us by NBC. “It is about what I can do to use this story to inspire those who might have had a similar start, but also to remind people that where you start does not dictate where you end up.”

Seitz; resided in foster care before she was adopted, which is why her platform of adoption advocacy means so much to her on a personal level.

“I want to be the best spokesperson and representative that I can not only for them, but for all foster parents, and I want people to see the impact that fostering and adopting has on kids.” Seitz said.

“I believe that every child is deserving of love. Is deserving of a family. And is deserving of equal opportunity as any other good American kid.”

Win or lose, Tiffany wants to…

Where and when to watch

Date: Thursday, Dec. 19

Time: LIVE at 8 p.m. ET

Network/Channel: NBC, WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Channel 11

Miss America 2.0

Miss America makes an epic return to NBC for “The 2020 Miss America Competition.”

Miss America 2.0 has eliminated the swimsuit portion after the Miss America Organization was rocked by a 2017 email scandal.

In its place, the judges will hold prominent roles as they interact with candidates and really get to know each one before deciding who gets the crown – and did we mention the AMAZING judges?

“Superstore” co-star Lauren Ash, “Queer Eye” culture expert Karamo and singer/songwriter/actress Kelly Rowland have been selected as the judges with “Access Hollywood” hosts Kit Hoover and Mario Lopez.

The trio will judge the 51 compelling candidates based on messages of female strength, independence and empowerment in the candidates’ efforts in the areas of scholarship, talent and social impact.

At the end of the telecast, one candidate will be chosen for the job of Miss America 2020 to build upon the work of Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin. Franklin has been promoting her social impact initiative “Advocating for the Arts” through appearances at colleges and universities and has taken part in many other events, including making numerous visits to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.