Meet Miss Central Georgia’s Teen Ava Mincey: Platform, goals and future plans

Ava Mincey shares her journey, platform and what’s next after being crowned Miss Central Georgia's Teen.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Miss Central Georgia’s Teen Ava Mincey is using her year of service to raise awareness and support for Alzheimer’s research while encouraging teens across Middle Georgia to lead with purpose and service.

Mincey, a junior in high school, said holding the title has “been a dream,” adding that she is “excited for what is to come” as she continues her year of service and prepares to apply for college.

Her community service initiative, “Squeeze Every Memory,” supports the Alzheimer’s Association and is inspired by her personal connection to the disease. Mincey said a family member was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2009, motivating her commitment to the cause.

Through her platform, Mincey has donated more than $40,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association to support efforts to find a cure. She also participates in an annual walk to raise awareness and honor those impacted by the disease.

In addition to her work with Alzheimer’s awareness, Mincey recently partnered with a domestic violence center to provide teens with service opportunities focused on teen dating awareness. She said the collaboration allows her to expand her impact and engage with important issues affecting young people in the community.

Mincey said she wants Middle Georgia to know, “I’m ready to serve. I’m ready to do what I can to help.”

She also hopes to inspire younger girls to pursue their dreams, offering advice rooted in determination and hard work: “If you have a dream, then you can achieve it if you just put in the effort and work for it.”

As Miss Central Georgia’s Teen, Mincey represents a commitment to service, advocacy and leadership, using her platform to make a lasting difference while preparing for the next chapter of her academic and personal journey.