Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/889494
26 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 GORGEOUS GOWNS FROM MACON'S MISS AMERICAS THE MUSEUM OF ARTS AND SCIENCES is presenting a special exhibition celebrating Georgia's only two Miss Americas: Neva Jane Langley Fickling (1953) and Betty Cantrell (2016). Gowns and memorabilia will be exhibited highlighting the extraordinary experiences of these remarkably talented women. The exhibition is now open, and runs through Jan. 14. In 1952, when the talented and bright Wesleyan Conservatory Student Neva Jane Langley became Miss Macon and then Miss Georgia, the entire state was cheering for her as she was hailed Miss America, the only Miss Georgia ever to hold that coveted title – until 2015 when Betty Cantrell won the crown. Aside from Southern grace, charm and beauty, the two former Miss Americas also share many other things in common – study at Wesleyan College, a passion for music and dedication to community service. An accomplished pianist, Neva was awarded first place for talent for her brilliant rendition of Khachaturian's Toccata. Taking a year from Wesleyan to reign and travel as Miss America, Neva returned to Macon and earned her Bachelor of Music degree cum laude from the Wesleyan Conservatory in 1955 only a few months after marrying William A. Fickling Jr. Believing in the importance of music and the arts to our cultural life, Neva supported the fine arts, historic preservation, and our natural and cultural heritage. Throughout her life, Neva served actively on numerous boards from the Macon Symphony, Atlanta Symphony and National Symphony in Washington, D.C., to the Georgia Council for the Arts and Humanities, Georgia Botanical Gardens and Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation, among others. Like Neva, Betty also won the talent portion of the competition but with a vocal performance. She started vocal and stage lessons at 14 while a student at Mount de Sales Academy. She then continued her study of vocal performance at Wesleyan College before transferring to Mercer University. Betty's performance of the aria "Tu Tu Piccolo Iddio" from the Italian opera "Madama Butterfly" was a standout moment at the Miss America pageant, ultimately leading to the crown. During her reign, Betty traveled the world speaking and performing, including a Military USO Tour to perform for troops stationed in Baghdad, Kuwait and Japan. As Miss America, Betty served as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and worked to promote her platform of "Healthy Children, Strong America." Betty now is pursuing a professional music career in Nashville. For museum hours and ticket information, visit masmacon.org. Local buzz