PRINCE GEORGE — Did you know a beauty queen resides in Prince George? Bridget Johnson, 33, was crowned Mrs. Virginia American at a pageant that celebrates achievements, contributions and personal growth of married women. It took place at the Bella Vista Hotel in Lynchburg on June 24.
Johnson's purple and pink ombré sequin gown, wine-colored one-piece swimsuit and interview responses nailed it. In the round robin interview, she faced three judges for five minutes each. They asked questions mainly from her bio sheet as well as general questions about Virginia such as... Who is the governor? What is the state flower and tree? What do you love about Virginia? The crowning moment was surreal for Johnson. She felt very grateful for the yearlong journey, personal growth and tremendous community support.
Johnson, a Utah native, twice competed at the Miss Utah pageant. At age 19, she was first crowned a local title, Miss Orem in 2010. She won the People’s Choice Award at Miss Utah in 2011 and won the esteemed Glen Harmon Instrumentalist Award for her piano performance. She moved to Virginia soon after and married Caleb Johnson who was born in Petersburg and raised in Prince George County. Bridget’s deepest source of fulfillment lies in her roles as a partner to Caleb and a mother to their children Remington, Annie and Wesley. Their family’s life took an unforeseen turn when Caleb was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in November last year.
"The director of the Mrs. Virginia pageant reached out to me on May 31. She asked if I would be willing to compete this year, in three weeks’ time. My initial reaction was... maybe next year because Caleb had just finished treatment mid-May," Johnson said. She asked her husband what he thought she should do. He said, "There is never a perfect time to do anything in life. Live for now.” He wanted his wife to do something for herself since she had spent the last six months being a caregiver for him and their three children.
"I am deeply honored to hold the title of Mrs. Virginia American 2024," Johnson said. "This platform allows me to not only represent the incredible Commonwealth of Virginia but also to shed light on the struggles and strength of families battling cancer. My husband's fight has shown me the importance of community, support and advocacy, and I am committed to using this year to make a meaningful impact."
Mrs. Virginia American 2024: Bridget Johnson interview
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. At Stanford University's Precourt Institute for Energy, she served as a pivotal support figure to Dr. Arun Majumdar, contributing significantly to the institute's mission of sustainable and affordable energy. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bridget is a virtuoso concert pianist. Currently, she is blessed to be a stay-at-home mom.
How has Johnson's reign been going so far?
Busy! I’ve become an ambassador for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society [LLS], and we are preparing for Richmond’s Light the Night Fundraising event on November 2. This event raises money for individuals and families battling blood cancers. I’ve also been busy preparing for the national pageant, and I leave in less than two weeks for Las Vegas.
What did Johnson win for being crowned Mrs. Virginia American?
Paid for flight, hotel and a Mrs. American experience in Las Vegas, Nevada in August 2024, beautiful sash and crown, cash prize, sponsored dress salon, stunning custom handbag and official Mrs. Virginia American coat.
What are Johnson's hobbies?
- Reading (100+ books read in 2023)
- Home Renovation (remodeled bathroom from studs up)
- Homesteading (canning, gardening, maintaining chickens)
- Baking (cherry pies, chocolate chip cookies)
What is Johnson's favorite restaurant?
Le Yaca French Restaurant in Williamsburg
Does Johnson have a favorite quote?
When my husband was going through cancer treatment, I found a lot of strength from a simple and deeply moving text. Written during World War II found scratched on the wall of a cellar in Germany: “I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining. I believe in love, even when I feel it not. I believe in God, even when he is silent.” This spirit of hope has carried me through my husband's treatment all the way to the ringing of that bell, celebrating his triumph over cancer.
If Johnson could time travel, what words of wisdom would she give herself at age 13?
Live in the moment. If you constantly look forward or look back, you miss the precious moments that happen in the present.
Who is Johnson's biggest fan?
My husband and kids are my biggest fans and supporters. They are excited to cheer me on in Vegas.
What words of inspiration would Johnson provide to someone entering the pageant world?
The best thing about preparing for a pageant is becoming the best version of yourself. An added bonus is meeting inspiring and powerful women who become lifelong friends.
What are the categories for the national Mrs. American pageant and how is Johnson preparing for it?
The national pageant has the following categories: interview, swimsuit, evening gown, state costume and on-stage question. I’ll be in Vegas for a week, and there are several appearances we make as state delegates. We get to experience the Elvis suite at the Westgate as well as have a special dinner with the owners of the Westgate, David and Jackie Siegel known from the documentary "The Queen of Versailles." Preparation includes but is not limited to practicing interview, diet and exercise, practicing stage walk and assembling my wardrobe for the week.
What state costume will Johnson wear?
At nationals to represent Virginia and my platform, I’ll be wearing a Civil War-era American Red Cross nurse costume, representing Clara Barton. My voiceover for the costume will be... “The American Red Cross was conceived on the battlefields of Virginia during the Civil War by nurse Clara Barton. She was known for her compassionate care and humanitarian work. Like Barton, we can alleviate human suffering by mobilizing the power and generosity of volunteers.”
What prizes will the winner of the national Mrs. American pageant receive?
The winner of the pageant competes at the Mrs. World pageant, receives a cash prize and embarks on a yearlong national tour to advocate for the social issue she has chosen.
How is Johnson feeling about the pageant in Las Vegas on August 27?
Excited and nervous. I think the key to preparing myself for the national pageant is to overcome my doubts and have a strong and positive mindset. Anything is possible if we work for it.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Ambassador Bridget Johnson
Her husband's diagnosis was a pivotal moment that ignited Johnson's commitment to supporting and educating families navigating similar challenges. Her dedication centers on empowering families with the necessary resources and knowledge to navigate cancer treatment while providing steadfast hope and guidance.
"My husband received A+AVD chemotherapy drugs. One dosage cost $30,000. He received 12 doses in six months. If we didn’t have health insurance, we would’ve been in a world of hurt. Cancer is hard enough as it is without a financial burden. The LLS provides families with financial resources," Johnson said.
Caleb’s PET [positron emission tomography] scan results came back with a Deauville score of 1. This means that he’s in remission! Caleb will need to visit the oncologist every three months. Once he gets to the two-year mark of remission, July 2026, his odds of the cancer returning are minimal.
Light The Night monetary donations allow LLS to fund treatments for patients who are suffering from all forms of blood cancers. Since 2016, LLS has helped fund over 70% of FDA-approved blood cancer treatments. If you would like to help defeat the darkness of cancer and support patients and their families across the country, visit lightthenight.org , click DONATE, enter Bridget Johnson and hit FIND to make a donation.
"I’m grateful for organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that offer hope to families battling blood cancer. In times of darkness or uncertainty we can always find hope," Johnson said.
Visit mrsamerica.com to view images of the 51 Mrs. American 2024 delegates , to cast a vote for the People's Choice Award, and for information about the national Mrs. American pageant live stream on Tuesday, August 27 at 8 p.m. EST. The pageant takes place at the International Theatre located inside the Westgate Resort and Casino. Will Prince George's own be crowned twice in one year?
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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Who is Mrs. Virginia American 2024? Read about Prince George resident's journey, platform
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