Jessica Pray, 19 years old and from Johnston, Iowa, finished her freshman year at the University of Iowa this past spring, majoring in Vocal Performance and studying with accomplished opera singer and professor, Dr. Rachel Joselson.  She spent her last year of high school living in London and recording and performing with an international classical-crossover female singing group, MODA, comprised of one singer from Croatia, London, and America.  Jessica is the recipient of the University of Iowa Music Scholarship, among various other scholarships, and is part of the Honors Program.  She competed in her first local pageant in January of 2011, and was crowned Miss Iowa this past June.  Jessica's platform is Saving Lives Through Blood Donation, and she has spent her free time for the past four years volunteering at major blood centers in Iowa.  Jessica will compete for the title of Miss America this upcoming January 14th, 2012 in Las Vegas, live on ABC.

PHOTO BY WILLIAM LUSE PHOTOGRAPHY