Heart, Healing & Houston: Miss America Inspires Future Nurses and Pediatric Patients

[Houston, TX] May 14, 2025 — Two American institutions came together when Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, visited Houston to uplift future nurses and bring joy to young patients.

Abbie began her day at Texas Children’s Hospital—the largest pediatric hospital in the nation and #1 in Texas—where she shared smiles, hugs, and heart with patients and the dedicated healthcare teams who care for them. She was joined by Dr. Diane M. Santa Maria, Dean of the Cizik School of Nursing; Dr. Jackie Ward, Chief Nurse Executive at Texas Children’s; and Hannah Zeller, a BSN-to-PhD nursing student shaping the future of pediatric care.

From meaningful conversations to playful moments, Abbie’s visit reflected her deep commitment to service, healing, and human connection.

Later, she delivered the commencement address at the Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, speaking to the graduating class with warmth, wisdom, and authenticity. A future nurse herself, Abbie shared a message of resilience and hope, reminding students:

“Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of it.”

Her words struck a chord with the next generation of nurses as they prepare to step into one of the world’s most vital professions.

With two of the nation’s most respected healthcare institutions at the heart of her Houston visit, Abbie reminded us all that true impact begins with compassion, courage, and community.

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