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PHIL CAMPBELL — Caroline Blackmon of Muscle Shoals, a nursing student at Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC), was crowned 2027 Miss Northwest Shoals on Nov. 5 during the college’s annual scholarship competition at the Lou B. Bevill Center on the Phil Campbell campus.
“Being able to represent my school as Miss Northwest Shoals is a dream come true,” Blackmon said. “I couldn’t be more excited to host events, make appearances and, most of all, make a difference in my community by sharing my community service initiative.”
Caroline Blackmon
Blackmon’s community service initiative, “Big Feelings Hurt Little Hearts: Pediatric Grief,” focuses on raising awareness about the unique ways children experience grief and the importance of providing age-appropriate support and resources.
As a nursing student preparing for a career in health care, Blackmon said she is committed to supporting the emotional well-being of children and families facing loss and other difficult life circumstances.
During her year of service, Blackmon plans to work with community organizations, families and schools to promote greater awareness of pediatric grief and connect children with available support resources.
As Miss Northwest Shoals, Blackmon will serve as an ambassador for the college, representing NWSCC at community events, campus activities and appearances throughout the region. She also will compete in the 2027 Miss Alabama Scholarship Competition in June.
Miss Northwest Shoals Program Director Savannah Liles said Blackmon’s selection reflects her passion for service and community engagement.
“This moment represents so much more than a title,” Liles said. “It reflects the passion, purpose and positive influence that will reach countless lives in the year ahead. We are incredibly proud of every woman who stepped onto that stage with courage, grace and determination.”
Liles also recognized Ruby Tilghman, Miss Alabama 2026, who served as emcee for the competition and met with contestants before the event.
The Miss Northwest Shoals Scholarship Competition is an official preliminary event to the Miss Alabama Scholarship Competition and is part of the Miss America Opportunity. The program provides scholarship opportunities while encouraging leadership, community service and personal development.
Eight contestants competed for the title through five phases of competition: private interview, on-stage conversation, health and fitness, talent and evening gown.
From L to R: Bella Hodge, of Tuscumbia, Foundation bookstore scholarship; Carolina Garcia, of Russellville, spirit award; Keyli Hargett, of Russellville, first alternate & outstanding community service award; Caroline Blackmon, of Muscle Shoals, Miss Northwest Shoals 2027 & talent competition award; Kyra Goggins, of Tuscumbia, most inspirational award & second alternate; Claire Frederick, of Muscle Shoals, leadership award; Oliva Schurfeld, of Florence, Foundation bookstore scholarship; Hannah Corum, of Lexington, Foundation bookstore scholarship
Additional award recipients included:
- Keyli Hargett, Russellville — First alternate; Outstanding Community Service Award
- Kyra Goggins, Tuscumbia — Second alternate; Most Inspirational Award
- Caroline Blackmon, Muscle Shoals — Talent Competition Award
- Claire Frederick, Muscle Shoals — Leadership Award
- Carolina Garcia, Russellville — Spirit Award
In addition to the title, Blackmon received a prize package that includes a one-year tuition scholarship, custom jewelry from Creative Jewelers, a year of facial spa treatments from the NWSCC Salon & Spa, wardrobe discounts from Cherry Tree Lane, a bookstore scholarship, an official portrait by Butler Studio Photography and formalwear alterations for the Miss Alabama competition. Additional prizes were provided by Hangout Nutrition, Maggie J’s Boutique, Gigi’s Boutique and the organization’s board of directors.
Media Release/Trent Randolph/Director of Public Relations and Marketing NWSCC
