JACKSON, Mississippi (WLBT/Gray News) – Miss Teen USA is making headlines not only for winning the national title, but also for her work in dance and helping others with their mental health.

Addie Carver said being crowned Miss Teen USA in August was a dream come true.

“I’ve worked hard at this for a very long time,” Carver said. “To be able to live out this dream that I’ve had since I was a kid just means the world to me.”

The 17-year-old Mississippi native also said she uses the tragic loss of a loved one to empower and motivate others.

“My father died on my 13th birthday, which a lot of people don’t know. It wasn’t an easy time for me, but I’m so glad I had dance to lean on,” Carver said.

Carver was the first Mississippi resident in 37 years to take home the title of Miss USA.

“I’m actually the first Miss Teen USA from Mississippi since 1987, and that alone felt like I made a little piece of history,” she said. “It’s a tight-knit community, and that’s what I love about it. They recently had a day named after me at my homecoming ceremony.”

Carver founded her own social media company and is a dance teacher and choreographer.

She teaches dance classes three to four evenings a week and has founded a “Dance to Empower” group.

“Dance knows no age, no background, no race, and more than anything else, dance can save a life, just like it saved mine. That’s an important message I want to share this year,” Carver said.

Mental health is also a focus for Carver. As Miss Teen USA, she hopes to use Dance to Empower to help others who are going through similar struggles following the death of their father.

“Even as a normal high school girl, I face adversities every day, whether it’s in school or as a competitive dancer,” she said. “Sometimes you just don’t have a good day, and that’s totally OK. That’s what I really want to focus on this year.”

Carver is in her final year of high school. She is planning her college studies and future career.

“I know it’s not going to be an easy year, but it’s just going to be so much fun to spend my senior year and be Miss Teen USA at the same time. What an opportunity,” she said.

Carver plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi in addition to studying marketing.

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