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

Miss Alaska 2011 Katy Lovegreen
Education: Alaska Pacific University
Platform: “Speak Out:” Promoting Public Speaking and Debate Programs for Youth
Talent: Dance

Miss California 2011 Noelle Freeman
Education: Chapman University
Platform: A Promising Future for Autism
Talent: Ballet en Pointe

Miss Colorado 2011 Diana Dreman
Education: University of Colorado at Boulder
Platform: American Cancer Society
Talent: Dance

Miss Connecticut 2011 Morgan Amarone
Education: Quinnipiac University
Platform: The Power of Pink – Cancer Education and Awareness
Talent: Jazz Dance

Miss Louisiana 2011 Hope Anderson
Education: University of Louisiana at Monroe
Platform: Love the Skin You’re In
Talent: Dance “Sway”

Miss Maryland 2011 Carlie Colella
Education: Hood College
Platform: Empowerment of Women: Creating an Equal Opportunity for Success
Talent: Contemporary Dance

Miss New Mexico 2011 Sarina Turnbull
Education: New Mexico State University
Platform: Children's Literacy: Turn the Page to a Lifetime of Knowledge
Talent: Ballet en Pointe

Miss North Carolina 2011 Hailey Best
Education: Meredith College
Platform: Live On Foundation
Talent: Operatic Vocal

Miss South Dakota 2011 Anna Simpson
Education: South Dakota State University
Platform: Give Back
Talent: Piano

Miss Utah 2011 Danica Olsen
Education: Utah Valley University
Platform: Prescription Drug Addiction Awareness
Talent: Dance

Miss Vermont 2011 Katie Levasseur
Education: University of Vermont
Platform: Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow
Talent: Scottish Highland Dance

Miss Virginia 2011 Elizabeth Crot
Education: James Madison University
Platform: Get Involved: Change the World!
Talent: Vocal

Miss Wyoming 2011 Catherine Brown
Education: University of Wyoming
Platform: Traumatic Brain Injury and Awareness
Talent: Pop Vocal and Sign Language Interpretation – “Come Away with Me”

In addition, the followin Outstanding Teens have been crowned:

Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen 2011 Nicole Nemense
Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen 2011 Julia Martin
Miss Maine's Outstanding Teen 2011 Alison Folsom
Miss Maryland's Outstanding Teen 2011 Ally Soule
Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen 2011 McKensie Garber
Miss New Mexico's Outstanding Teen 2011 Nicolette Noel Young
Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2011 Lauren Molella
Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen 2011 Clytee Burchett
Miss Rhode Island's Outstanding Teen 2011 Ivy Shen
Miss South Dakota's Outstanding Teen 2011 Alexis Kosiak
Miss Tennessee's Outstanding Teen 2011 Madison Snipes
Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen 2011 Annie Jorgensen
Miss Wyoming's Outstanding Teen 2011 Montana Sannes