Lara Gunderman Crowned 2025 Miss Northwest Shoals

PHIL CAMPBELL – Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) dual enrolled freshman Lara Gunderman, of Phil Campbell, achieved a crowning moment on Saturday evening as she was named 2025 Miss Northwest Shoals in the Lou B. Bevill Center on the NWSCC Phil Campbell campus.

“Becoming Miss Northwest Shoals is a dream come true,” said Gunderman. “It’s an opportunity to grow personally, while growing and uniting our community.”

Gunderman has a passion for helping foster children. While at Phil Campbell High School, she started her community service initiative, Lara’s Love. Lara’s Love is designed to bring awareness to foster care needs in this region. “Having been a sister to 14 foster children, I have seen firsthand the impact that being a foster family can have,” said Gunderman.

“As Miss Northwest Shoals, I plan to use my 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. My hope is that my journey will inspire people to open their minds, hearts, and homes to foster care. Everyone deserves love, especially children!”

By winning the title of Miss Northwest Shoals, Gunderman is poised to represent her college and community at the upcoming Miss Alabama 2025 competition later this year. She plans to pursue a nursing degree at NWSCC before transferring to the University of North Alabama.

Reflecting on Gunderman’s remarkable achievement, Miss Northwest Shoals Program Director, Savannah Liles, expressed, “Lara’s win is not just a victory for her, but for all the lives she will positively impact this upcoming year,” said Liles. “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 Patriot family.”

Six women vied for the title of Miss Northwest Shoals, showcasing their talents through five stages of competition, including private interview, on-stage question, health and fitness, talent, and evening gown. Alongside Gunderman, other winners were recognized:

In addition to the prestige of the title, Gunderman receives a bundle of prizes, including a One-Year Tuition Scholarship, Official Custom Jewelry by Creative Jewelers, a year of facial spa treatments from NWSCC Salon & 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. She also receives the Miss America Local Crown, Miss America Crown Pin, Tickets to Miss America Homecoming Dinner and Show in Birmingham on February 22, and other gifts from partners including Judah Nails, Bronze Babes, and the Board of Directors.