Susan Hamm, Thorsby native and Miss Alabama runner-up
Q: What is your full name?
A: Susan Amber Hamm.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: 1988 in Birmingham, Ala.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Thorsby, Ala.
Q: What are your parents’ names?
A: Mark and Beverly Hamm.
Q: Do you have any siblings? If so, what are their names and ages?
A: Zach, 21.
Q: Where did you attend high school? What year did you graduate?
A: Thorsby High School 2007 (valedictorian).
Q: Where did you attend college? What year did you graduate?
A: Samford University 2011.
Q: What was your major?
A: Double major: Business Management and Marketing.
Q: Did you have a minor?
A: No.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies and activities?
A: I have always enjoyed volunteering, often with the American Cancer Society or Ronald McDonald House Charities. In my free time, I enjoy reading and cooking. I also love to be anywhere on the water!
Q: How long have you participated in these activities?
A: I started volunteering with ACS and Relay for Life when I was 8 years old!
Q: What is something many people might not know about you?
A: I am completely obsessed with Mexican food.
Q: Do you have any interesting or special talents?
A: I have played the piano since first grade and been singing and dancing for as long as I can remember!
Q: What is your favorite sports team?
A: College: University of Alabama Crimson Tide Professional: Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Braves.
Q: What CD is currently in your CD player?
A: Born and Raised – the latest album by John Mayer.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: I just finished Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge, and I’m in the middle of the Steve Jobs biography. I’d recommend both.
Q: What is the last movie you watched?
A: Dark Shadows. I am a huge fan of Johnny Depp.
Q: Name three things you keep in your purse at all times.
A: Lip Gloss, hand sanitizer, and a stack of my business cards.
Q: Do you collect anything? If so, what?
A: No.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a Yorkshire Terrier named Sophee.
Q: Where do you live now?
A: I just recently moved to Atlanta, Ga.
Q: Are you currently employed? If so, where?
A: Eli Lilly & Company – Neuroscience Sales Representative.
Q: How long have you participated in pageants?
A: I don’t remember the first pageant I ever did. But I am fairly certain that my mama carried me across the stage because I was so young! I took a little break and got more interested about the time that sixth grade rolled around.
Q: Why did you start?
A: When I really decided to take things seriously, it was because of the scholarships and the opportunities to hone my interview and public speaking skills.
Q: What is your favorite part?
A: I love the way that my interview and public speaking skills have improved and evolved. You grow and learn so much about yourself through the competitive process. It truly helps to create poise and confidence in young women. Once you can walk across a stage in a swimsuit and high heels, you can do anything!
Q: What titles/awards have you earned over the years?
A: Miss Leeds Area 2012, Miss Birmingham 2011, Miss Samford University 2010, Miss Peach 2005, Junior Miss Peach 2003; and in high school, Miss Rebel, Miss Swedish Fest, THS Miss FCCLA, Chilton County Miss FCCLA.
Q: Will you compete in future pageants?
A: The plans for future pageants are still up in the air … but nothing is out of the realm of possibility just yet. As first runner up to Miss Alabama, I have been invited to participate in the National Sweetheart Pageant later this summer. I am looking forward to that right now, and beyond that, we’ll see!
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: At this point in my life, I am excited to see what happens next. For now, I am just working hard to develop and further my career while giving back to the community around me.