West Harrison Girl Crowned Little Miss America

Elyse Hofer will be walking in New York Fashion Week and will represent the United States on an international level next July.

Elyse Hofer. Photo provided. 

(West Harrison, Ind.) - Even at eight-years-old, this queen will tell you the runway is no walk in the park.

Royalty is all around us, even in West Harrison where Elyse Hofer has been crowned Little Miss America.

Elyse started when she was six by watching the show Toddlers and Tiaras, her mother said. But, her pageants aren’t like the show, Pure International Pageants doesn’t allow spray tans or excessive cosmetic use.

While competing, Elyse won the judges over in her interview, by modeling, and singing “You Are My Sunshine” and playing ukulele as her talent.

As she settles back home after her triumph in Orlando, Florida, Elyse doesn’t let her new title slow her down.

As a role model for the pageant, she attends festivals, parades, and community activities as well as volunteering her time to organizations that help those in need.

She created the Little Free Library for Bright Elementary School. Her mother, Michelle Hofer says, they’ve had the help of students from East Central High School help make the bookcase  and it should be up and running before school starts this fall. The Little Free Library hopes to get children reading by offering a space where anyone can share or take a book.

She also participates in the Walk for Wishes which is a partner for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Elyse will be walking in New York Fashion Week and will represent the United States on an international level next July.

Good Luck Elyse!