Prior to earning her crown, Christianson, previously known as Miss Grand Forks, took a personal oath to inspire leadership, scholarship and charity across the state.

In the wake of the North Dakota’s binge drinking crisis, Christianson’s platform addressing the dangers of drinking and driving reached thousands of youth throughout the state.

As families experienced economic hardships to gain medical care for their children, Christianson helped to raise thousands of dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Recently, Christianson has used her influence to bring communities together for blood drives and raise funds for individuals with disabilities.

Submitted Photo

With the conclusion of Christianson’s reign, Miss North Dakota 2016, is grateful for the influence and humanitarian efforts she was able to provide.

“It’s a huge responsibility and an immense honor,” Christianson said. “I get to be a role model for so many kids and while that is a huge responsibility living up to that, I love it because I feel like I can be a role model for so many people as well.”

Throughout Christianson’s reign, one of her proudest accomplishments was upholding her platform which encouraged youth not to drink and drive.

“You Decide the Road Ahead: Don’t Drink and Drive” was the mantra of Christianson’s platform.

In the nation, North Dakota is ranked inside the top 10 for under-age drinking.

Submitted Photo During her platform titled “You Decide the Road Ahead: Don’t Drink and Drive,” Miss North Dakota 2016 Macy Christianson empowered youth with life-saving information by encouraging students not to drink and drive.

The alarming statistic was a compelling factor that motivated Christianson to share her platform with North Dakota’s youth.

“My main goal for this year was to speak to as many kids as I could, especially teenagers,” Christianson said. “I felt that my platform about drinking and driving really hit home with the teenagers. I hope that my story resonates and moves them to make good decisions.”

At times, Christianson has spoken before an audience of 600 high school students about the life- changing dangers presented by drinking and driving.

Honest and heartfelt, Christianson describes the story of her older brother, who has a traumatic brain injury resulting from his choice to drink and drive.

“I feel that my platform has helped some teenagers and it feels rewarding,” Christianson said. “Kids will come up and say ‘Thank you for coming, you really inspired me.’ Hearing this really motivates me.”

Wearing her heart on her sleeve and crown on her head, Christianson’s authenticity created meaningful moments with people of all ages from various parts of the state.

During appearances, Christianson would create rounds of laughter as she displayed extraordinary feats of athleticism.

“Sometimes, while visiting elementary schools, I would do cartwheels and see if my crown would stay on,” Christianson said. “The kids would get a kick out of it because most of the time my crown falls off. I can’t be too serious with elementary students, I have to keep their attention. So, during my talks we put games together and we have a fun time.”

Throughout her reign, the Minot native made several returns to the Magic City.

One of Christianson’s most memorable appearances was during “Dancing For The Special Stars” at Minot State University which raised an estimated $18,000 for Special Olympics North Dakota.

Christianson, alongside a core of local celebrities, danced the night away for a charitable cause.

“Dancing for me has always been a way to express myself,” Christianson said. “I wasn’t always the best at expressing myself through words. Dancing has always been a really big passion of mine and Mr. Rinat (Mouzafarov) has definitely been like a second father to me within dance. So, dancing on stage is one of my absolute favorite feelings.”

Renowned for her dancing prowess, Christianson’s passion for performance arts continues to captivate audiences.

After earning the chance to dance on the Miss America stage, Christianson was humbled to experience the once in a lifetime dream.

“Dancing on Miss America was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” Christianson said. “Halfway through my Miss America dance I was like ‘Wow, I’m really doing this.’ Dancing is one of the best feelings in the world for sure.”

As Christianson’s diligent tour of service comes to a close, the next chapter of her journey will be a scholarly effort to become a family therapist.

“I’m studying psychology and I hope to get my master’s in family therapy,” Christianson said. “I really enjoy learning about how our brains work. I remember taking intro to psychology and I thought it was really cool to see what parts of our brain are working when we’re doing certain things, especially in regards to relationships.”

With the crowning of Miss North Dakota 2017 Cara Mund, Christianson aspires to continue her heartfelt mission to prevent drinking and driving while also using her many talents to strengthen families and communities.

According to Christianson, the key to making a difference requires honesty to self and others at all times.

“I hope that people remember that I was real,” Christianson said. “A lot of times people will look at a pageant girl walking with a crown and sash and say, ‘That’s something I can’t attain or she’s such a perfect person.’ I hope that rather than thinking that, people remember me as someone who came in and was real with them.”