The Gulf Shores City Council rolled out the royal treatment for Gulf Shores’ first Miss Alabama Lauren Bradford Monday evening. The council recognized Bradford with a special presentation during the City Council Work Session. Mayor Pro Tempore Phillip Harris led the council in Mayor Robert Craft’s absence.
Harris introduced Bradford and recognized her parents, Lisa and Wade Bradford who were also in attendance. Bradford was born and raised in Gulf Shores and is a graduate of Gulf Shores High School and Auburn University. Bradford was crowned Miss Alabama 2021 in June and will represent the state of Alabama at the Miss America 2022 pageant this December.
Harris read a long list of Bradford’s accomplishments but also spoke about Bradford’s passion for helping her community from his personal experience.
“I remember back when she was in the eighth grade, and she was responsible for the Red Ribbon week at Gulf Shores Middle School. Through her vision, leadership and outreach she recruited Siran Stacy to come to the school and speak to the staff and students. For those of you that don’t know Siran Stacy he was a graduate of The University of Alabama All-American football running back and was drafted by the NFL in the second round right after college. A remarkable man and had a personal experience on his way home with his family from church one morning. His van was t-boned by a drunken driver, and he lost his wife and four of his five young children. Lauren brought him here to speak to the school. I have heard that man speak twice, and I can tell you, lives were changed that morning in that auditorium at that school. Just a tremendous opportunity at such an early age to impact your community. Congratulations on all you have accomplished and will accomplish,” Harris said.
Harris, Councilman Jason Dyken and City Administrator Steve Griffin presented Bradford with a Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor of Gulf Shores proclaiming Monday, Aug. 2 2021 as Lauren Bradford Day.
Bradford is the 100th Miss Alabama and the first Miss Alabama from Gulf Shores, the Gulf Coast and Baldwin County.
“What an honor it is to be the first and represent this community and to show the state but also the nation what our small community has to offer. We are a small town, but a big beach and I will carry that message with me as Miss Alabama now. It is really special to be back here and represent you all.” Bradford said.
