July 12, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Audrey Kittila was crowned the 80th winner of the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition on Saturday, June 14, 2025, fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams. Her victory also offers a public platform for her to share her Christian faith and serve others in Jesus’ name.
Kittila is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. She is continuing her formal education at UGA by pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, with plans to earn certifications in speech therapy and potentially a clinical doctorate.
An accomplished musician, Kittila is trained in both violin and piano. She performed a violin solo for the Miss Georgia talent competition but calls the piano her number one de-stressor. “My grandfather was a church organist and has embedded this incredible legacy of music into my family,” she told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. “I get my love of old classic hymns from him."
If you attend First Baptist Church in Alpharetta, you might see Miss Georgia helping lead worship on the church’s vocal team.
Her grace, clarity, and conviction are evident both on stage and in interviews. During her reign, she plans to advocate for reducing Georgia's student dropout rate and to inspire children and youth with a passion for learning.
Her beauty is unmistakable, but it is her integrity that sets her apart. The actress Jacqueline Bisset once said, "A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful." Kittila radiates a beauty that comes from within and will last a lifetime.
In an interview with The Christian Index, Kittila shared her personal testimony: “I grew up going to church with my family every Sunday. I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t KNOW Jesus personally. One night the message and the urgency of the gospel made sense to me. I needed a Savior, because my sin had separated me from the Lord. Making the decision to follow Christ was the best decision I could have ever made. People are seeking hope, and that is only found in knowing Jesus and putting your faith in Him.”
When asked which Bible verses have helped guide her life, Kittila cited 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” She also referenced Isaiah 41:10 and John 14:27 as key passages that remind her of God’s presence and peace during difficult times. “Several times through this competition week I found myself listening to worship songs and leaning on scripture that reminds me of the peace that we are to have through Jesus,” she said.
“I was also reminded by a sweet friend of the importance of waking up and putting on the armor of God. Taking time to secure each piece of it, including the shoes of the gospel of peace.”
In reflecting on her journey to the Miss Georgia stage, Kittila said, “For the last four years, I have felt the Lord calling me to grow and compete in the Miss Georgia Organization. The Lord put on my heart the need for the gospel to be amplified through my journey in this organization. While yes, this is a title that has my name on it, every ounce of the glory belongs to the Lord, and I pray that many lives will be touched because of the places the Lord allows me to go.”
Hayley Echols, who serves with Kittila on the worship team at First Baptist Alpharetta, shared, “Audrey is one of the most authentic, genuine individuals that I know. Since I’ve known her, she’s had an interest in fashion and been a gifted musician, but her greatest goal has been to nurture her faith and focus on her relationship with Christ more than her outward appearance.”
“I remember her first time leading worship in our main service when she was a middle schooler,” Echols recalled. “These last eight years, it has been such a joy to watch her grow in her confidence and love for the Lord. She truly wants to glorify God in everything she does, and it is a gift to witness that.”
Steve Browning, lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Alpharetta and president of the Georgia Baptist Convention, added, “Audrey has a genuine love for Jesus Christ that overflows to everyone around her. Her kindness and encouraging spirit are evident to all. Whether she is leading worship on Sunday morning or simply engaging in casual conversation with friends, people are drawn closer to Jesus because of her influence.”
“That is why our entire church is thrilled that Audrey has been crowned Miss Georgia. There is no telling how many people she will impact for Jesus in this role.”
As Kittila embarks on her year as Miss Georgia, she carries not just a crown but a calling. With her heart set on lifting high the name of Jesus, she is poised to inspire others with both her faith and service.
