Miss California Is Kind Of Awesome, Guys

Ah, fall. A time for back to school shopping and television shows returning. The season where the leaves turn, everything is Pumpkin Spiced, and the Miss America pageant returns. And with it comes contestants like the 2015 Miss California Bree Morse, who, I have to admit, sounds pretty awesome. Could I be rooting for someone in the Miss America competition this year?

Believe it or not, we are going into our 89th year of the women-only competition. Did you know that it was founded in 1921 and that Miss America's statement of purpose reads that the competition "provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs"? Yeah, me neither. Honestly, most information about Miss America has come from watching Miss Congeniality one too many times, with a little Drop Dead Gorgeous mixed in there, not to mention John Oliver's most recent investigative report.

Safe to say, it's got a bad rap. But as it turns out, there is a lot more that goes into it beyond what the movies tell us (crazy concept, I know), and most of the contestants do a lot of good in the world, scholarship money or no. After checking out the different contestants I have decided I am firmly on Team California largely because — well — I'm from California and I want my state to do well! That and Miss California Morse has what it takes to be a wonderful Miss America. Let's take a closer look at why.

It's Time To Mix It Up

Fun fact: Miss New York has won Miss America three years in a row now. Last year was Kira Kazantsev, 2014 was Nina Davuluri, and 2013 was Mallory Hagan — all New Yorkers. Don't get me wrong, I am all for New York getting some glory, but it's time to share the love a little bit here. And it's time to share it on out to the West Coast.

She Tap Dances

This might be my Miss Congeniality fandom talking, but is there a better possible talent? No. No there is not.

She Backs Service For Sight

She won the Miss. Orange County title in 2014, supporting the platform of "Service for Sight." This is the national philanthropy for Delta Gamma, the fraternity for women (Delta Gamma was founded before the term sorority was coined) that Morse is a member of. This mission "promotes sight preservation and provides assistance to children and adults who are blind or visually impaired." That's a pretty incredible cause.

She's Beauty & She's Grace

We've all heard the song from Miss Congeniality, and know at least the intro by heart. Sure, that song was for the fictional Miss United States, but look at that fierce runway walk and tell me she wouldn't make a good Miss America winner.

She's Been Doing This For Years

Rocking the #TBT post, Morse just highlights that she has been competing for years in different pageants, working to get to Miss. America.

West Coast = Best Coast

OK fine, I am a completely impartial biased Californian. But look at that shirt, Bree gets it. Go, Team California!