Jade Kircus is set to make her mark as Miss Georgia USA 2026, stepping onto the stage of the 75th annual Miss USA pageant in Miami later this month. Remarkably, this will be her first ever foray into the world of beauty pageants. As she approaches this monumental event on 27 August, Kircus has taken the time to reflect on her unexpected journey to the title she now holds.
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Kircus applied for the Miss Georgia USA title through an open casting call, which was available to individuals residing in several states, including Georgia. Contestants were required to provide a professional headshot and submit videos demonstrating their reasons for competing, alongside showcases of their walking and modelling skills. Kircus, who submitted her application just before the deadline, described the experience as enjoyable and liberating.
“I decided to apply, and I was like, ‘Lord, I’m just giving it to you. I’m going to step out in faith,’” she recounted, revealing that she felt a strong sense of purpose to pursue this opportunity. After making it through three rounds of public voting, she found herself advancing to the judges’ evaluation stage, which proved crucial in her path to representing Georgia.
The moment Kircus learned she had secured the Miss Georgia title is one she will not soon forget. “I was at the gym when I received a text from Laura Clark, the co-national director of Miss USA,” Kircus said, noting her anticipation as she awaited further information. The following evening, while settling her children for bed, an email notification appeared on her phone—providing the thrilling news of her win. “I was jumping up and down, air-screaming, because I didn’t want to wake them up,” she shared.
The journey to being crowned Miss Georgia has been influenced by Kircus’s strong faith and a belief in seizing opportunities. “I am a 36-year-old wife and mother to three beautiful children. Life is so short, and at any moment we can choose to shift and do something new,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of embracing change and personal growth.
Before entering the pageant scene, Kircus spent eight years as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy, a role that honed her leadership skills under pressure. “I really enjoyed my service in the military, and it taught me so much about who I was as a person,” she explained. After leaving active duty in March 2020, Kircus transitioned to working as a contractor for Special Operations Command, a role she held for four years.
Now, as a stay-at-home mother, Kircus feels she is in a position to dedicate herself fully to the Miss USA competition. She expressed her gratitude for her family’s support, elaborating on her children’s excitement as they celebrated her title. “My six-year-old is so excited and can’t wait to support,” she noted, highlighting the joy it brings her to see her family share in her achievements.
Despite being a novice in the pageant world, Kircus remains unfazed by the competition aspect. Rather than dwelling on nerves, she focused on preparing for the event through research and mock interviews with her husband. With guidance from an interview coach and her state’s pageant advisor, she honed her skills leading up to the competition.
Kircus meticulously documented her thoughts and aspirations regarding her role as Miss USA, ensuring clarity on the leader she aims to be in the pageant world. “I keep my eyes focused on who I know I am and how I want to encourage others and love others,” she stated, affirming her commitment to authenticity and positivity.
As she anticipates the Miss USA pageant, Kircus embodies a dynamic blend of determination, faith, and a desire to make a difference. With her unique background and refreshing outlook, she is poised to bring something new to the prestigious platform, aiming to inspire others along the way. As the competition approaches, Kircus looks towards a future filled with promise—both for herself and for her family.