The Virginia State Assembly convened on January 16, 2025, to discuss various matters, including a notable introduction of Miss Virginia 2024, Carlaire Swanson. Delegate McQuinn presented Swanson to the assembly, highlighting her achievements and community contributions.
Swanson, a Richmond native, was crowned Miss Virginia in June 2024 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke, earning $22,500 in scholarships. Over the past decade, she has accumulated approximately $50,000 in scholarships through her participation in the Miss America and Miss America's Teen Competitions. An accomplished musician, Swanson showcased her talents during the Miss Virginia competition with a piano and vocal performance.
Currently, she is a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Virginia, specializing in critical and comparative studies in music. Swanson also holds a master's degree in critical and comparative studies in music from the University of Virginia, a master's in jazz vocal performance from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and a bachelor's degree in jazz studies from George Mason University.
In addition to her academic and musical pursuits, Swanson champions a community service initiative called "Bridging the Divide, Music is Unity." This program, inspired by her experiences visiting her grandmother's rehabilitation center, focuses on using music to connect and uplift individuals, particularly those who may feel isolated. Through workshops and free performances, she aims to highlight the healing power of music in people's lives.
The introduction of Carlaire Swanson not only celebrated her personal achievements but also underscored the importance of community engagement and the arts in Virginia.