Miss Ohio Olivia Fosson prepares for Miss America competition

Olivia Fosson, Miss Ohio 2025 and Miss Clayland 2025, is preparing to take the national stage at the Miss America Competition next month.

Fosson will compete in a private interview Sept. 2, fitness, evening wear and onstage questions Sept. 3, and talent Sept. 4. The final night of competition is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, and will be streamed on the Miss America YouTube channel.

A Juris Doctor candidate at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a former musical theatre major at Oklahoma City University, Fosson turned a career-ending college injury into purpose by creating Body Neutral: Connect, Create, Celebrate, a program that empowers people to build self-worth beyond body image.

She also published her first children’s book in March, "Rocky’s Race," which teaches the fundamentals of healthy living. In addition, she serves as a national ambassador for Project HEAL and the With All Organization.

Raised on a Christmas tree farm in Appalachian Ohio, Fosson said she is proud to represent her community. “I have been busy since June 21. Miss America preparation has been in full swing — talent rehearsals, interview preparation, and keeping my mental and physical well-being in tip-top shape,” she said.

She credited her hometown for rallying behind her during her send-off party earlier this month and noted highlights of her Miss Ohio reign, including presenting at the Ohio Valley Emmy Awards, performing the national anthem at Mansfield Airport Days, hosting a book signing, and speaking at the Lawrence County Commissioners’ meeting, where she was honored with her own holiday.

“Although I have not been able to return to Tuscarawas County due to my internship and schedule, I plan to return following the Miss America competition,” she said. “I am truly humbled to continue to represent Tuscarawas County and the Miss Clayland Program on the national level.”

Martha Campbell, executive director of the Miss Clayland Scholarship Program, said the community is proud of Fosson’s dedication. “She has truly shown her commitment to the program and to working toward her personal goals,” Campbell said. “We believe that she is ready to compete on the next level. We are constantly reminded of her humbleness, kindness and purpose.”

Fosson will appear at the Miss Clayland Scholarship Program Sept. 20 at Claymont High School. “However, should she win the title of Miss America — like Miss Clayland 1977, Susan Perkins — we may have to wait a little longer for her to make an appearance in Tuscarawas County,” Campbell said.

Fosson was crowned Miss Clayland in September 2024 and Miss Ohio in June 2025. She was raised in Kitts Hill, Lawrence Township, and is the daughter of Debby and Erby Fosson. She has one sister, Audrey.