Photo by Mark Eades from the OC Register

Tracy Broughton grew up in Orange County, California and battled adversity practically her whole life. At three years of age, she was kidnapped; a car thief took her parent’s car while she was still asleep inside. She was a scholar athlete at Irvine High School, playing varsity tennis, cheer, dance, soccer, and a host of other sports.

In high school, Broughton was in a car accident that left her paralyzed on the left side. Doctors told her mother she would never walk again. She proved the doctors wrong by walking. 

Two months after graduating high school, her mother passed away, Broughton went on to pursue a modeling career where she traveled internationally, gracing the covers of calendars, featured in magazines and catalogs and has appeared in TV shows, music videos and commercials.

In 1996, Broughton was in another car accident while driving home from a modeling job. The left side of her body was paralyzed, and once again doctors told her she would never walk. For more than a decade, she underwent various therapies until finally she stood up with two crutches and now she uses only one.

Broughton didn’t let her disability slow her down. While in a wheelchair, she won the 2003 Ms. Black California pageant. “I did all the dances and runway in my wheelchair,” she said.

A single mom to 11 year old identical twin sons, Broughton also volunteers with many nonprofit organizations.

As Ms. America® 2011, Broughton is honored to represent an organization that enriches the lives of women across the country and is passionate about continuing to give back to others through philanthropic endeavors and being the inspiration that helps others achieve their dreams.

Newport Jewelers is the Official Jeweler to the 2011 Ms. America® Pageant.  Known as "the jeweler to the stars," Newport Jewelers designed & created the new Ms. America® crown worth $35,000.  Ms. America® 2011 received a replica crown valued at $3,500.00.

Along with the Doubletree Guest Suites Anaheim Resort and Newport Jewelers, other sponsors for the Ms. America® Pageant include OC Whitening on Wheels, The Anaheim White House Restaurant, Branding Reason and The Hoagy Company Inc.

First runner-up was Kelly Lightbourn  from Vero Beach, Florida; second runner-up was Giselle Uffens from San Diego, California; third runner-up was Dr. Stephanie Mills from Concord, New Hampsire and fourth runner-up was Lyndsay Wrensen from San Francisco, California.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

• Ms. America International 2011 – (Peoples Choice Award) - Kimberly Vodang from Panorama, California
• Ms. Popularity (Facebook Fan Page) - Tracy Broughton from Ladera Ranch, California
• Woman of Distinction Award - Carla Gonzalez from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Golden Crown Community Service Award - Teresa Hayes from Raleigh, North Carolina
• Fitness Award - Tracy Broughton from Ladera Ranch, California
• Ms. Photogenic Award - Daphne Rice from Belleville, Michigan
• Spirit of America - Ms. Congeniality (Voted by contestants): Tie between Holly Telford from Aliso Viejo, California and E Dee Martin from Lakewood, Colorado
• Power of One Award - Kelly Ruggerio from Parkland, Florida
• Beauty With A Purpose Award - Dr. Juli Goldstein from Vero Beach, Florida
• Visionary Award - Dr. Stephanie Mills from Concord, New Hampshire

Each of the California Contestants received a limited edition volunteer service award signed by Governor Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver.  

The Governor and First Lady’s Award program provides recognition to Californians who complete a minimum number of service hours.