The 2012 Quality of Life finalists were announced at the annual arrival ceremony at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The eight finalists and their personal platform issues are:

Miss Arkansas Kristen Glover–Second Chances Through Mentoring
Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape–C.A.R.E., Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone
Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton–Alzheimer's Awareness and Research
Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger–Continue to Dream, Giving Hope to Children with Chronic Illness
Miss Minnesota Natalie Davis–Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece
Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley–Bullying Awareness in Our Community
Miss New York Kaitlin Monte–Anti-Bullying Through Youth Leadership 
Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan–Promoting Lightning Awareness, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors"

The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must submit an application describing their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue.

The winner of the Quality of Life Award will receive a $6,000 scholarship, the first runner-up will win a $4,000 scholarship, and the second runner-up will win a $2,000 scholarship. Winners will be announced at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on January 14 during the 3 p.m. (PST) press conference.

Source: Miss America Organization

Vibrant colors and personal expression are an integral theme of the upcoming 2012 Miss America Pageant, and the fifty-three women taking part in the iconic event—airing on ABC Television on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Showcasing strength, body, intelligence and beauty via their new official swimwear sponsor Kompliqué, the swimwear features vibrant colors and bold patterns that match the style and personalities of the individual Miss America contestants—and the bold new direction the Miss America brand is taking.

President and CEO of the Miss America Organization, Art McMaster says, “This year we are celebrating the vibrancy, individual style and colorful personalities of our contestants, and aligning with Kompliqué as the official swimwear sponsor, will allow each contestant’s personal style to shine in the fitness and health competition.  It will bring an entirely new dynamic to the production of this year’s show as it emphasizes the intelligence and health of today’s young women.”

Kompliqué will be bringing an exciting new element to this year’s pageant. Each contestant will have a private consult with the Kompliqué design team to determine the style, fit, and colors that exemplify their individualism. Looking amazing in swimwear is no accident. The contestants cannot study the night before or purchase a swimwear figure in a boutique. The swimwear competition is unique in that it measures the contestant’s lifestyle and lifestyle choices. Just like the Miss America pageant is more than a beauty contest, Komplique is more than just bikinis.

Komplique is a lifestyle brand that embraces health, beauty, and self-esteem–a lifestyle that is achieved through education, hard work ethic, and self-discipline. Komplique recognizes and appreciates the commitment that these young women have made to lead a healthy lifestyle. We are very excited to see our collection on these amazing, talented, and hardworking young women! The sponsorship with Kompliqué was developed and introduced by Miss America Properties.

Source: Miss America Organization