Dual-enrolled freshman wins Miss NWSCC crown

PHIL CAMPBELL — A dual-enrolled freshman, Lara Gunderman of Phil Campbell, was crowned 2025 Miss Northwest Shoals on Saturday inside the Lou B. Bevill Center.

Gunderman was one of six young women to compete in the Miss Alabama and Miss America preliminary pageant. “Becoming Miss Northwest Shoals is a dream come true,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to grow personally, while growing and uniting our community.”

Livi Boston of Muscle Shoals was named first alternate and was winner of the Outstanding Service Award. Ellie Claire Swinney also of Muscle Shoals was the second alternate.

Brookleigh Cockrell of Haleyville was the talent competition winner.

Alexis Stewart of Phil Campbell was named Most Inspirational and was winner of the Leadership Award, while fellow Phil Campbell resident Aaliyah Prince took home the bookstore scholarship for exceptional courage in competition.

As Miss Northwest Shoals, Gunderman plans to use her platform to raise awareness to foster care needs.

“By organizing ‘community closets’ with Franklin County’s Department of Human Resources, foster parents will have items needed to provide care for their foster children,” she said. “My hope is that my journey will inspire people to open their minds, hearts and homes to foster care. Everyone deserves love, especially children.”

In addition to winning the title of 2025 Miss Northwest Shoals, Gunderman received a one-year tuition scholarship, official custom jewelry from Creative Jewelers, a year of facial spa treatments from NWSCC Salon and Spa, wardrobe discounts from Cherry Tree Lane, a bookstore scholarship, an official portrait by Butler Studio Photography, and alterations for the Miss Alabama competition by Savannah Liles.

“Lara’s win is not just a victory for her, but for all the lives she will positively impact this upcoming year,” said Savannah Liles, who serves as the Miss Northwest Shoals program director. “We are so proud of all the women and the courage they showed as they competed. They are all amazing young women, and we are so glad they are a part of our Patriots family.”

Gunderman will compete for the title of Miss Alabama 2025 later this year in Birmingham.