‘On cloud nine.’ UGA student Sophia Wootten captures Miss Georgia crown

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As a kid, Sophia Wootten was told people might never understand her. She was born with a cleft lip and palate and spoke with a speech impediment. She underwent 20 surgeries before turning 20 years old, including major reconstructive surgery.

Saturday evening, Wootten won the 2026 Miss Georgia crown at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus. Her talent in the competition is singing, epitomizing her resilience in using her voice as a tool to grow her confidence.

Wootten won $25,300 in scholarships over the four days of competition. She is an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia, majoring in communications sciences and disorders. After graduation, she plans to pursue a doctorate in audiology at Auburn University…

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