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Heather French Henry
Miss America 2000

What does a girl do when she stops being Miss America?  In Heather French Henry's case, the options are limitless.  This post-Miss America is busy raising a family, being a sought after spokesperson for many organizations, a featured speaker and performer, a sponsor for veteran's legislation, causes, and awareness, an author of her own series of children's books, which benefit veterans, and a vocal supporter of prostate screenings for early detection of cancer.  It would seem that her schedule has not slowed down since she traveled the country as Miss America.  In fact, she is the only Miss America to be awarded the "Woman of Achievement" from the Miss America Organization.  In addition to her many community, state, and national interests and impacts, she also finds time to be wife to former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry and mom to Harper and Taylor, their two daughters.  Kentucky's first and only Miss America is continuing to make her mark on her state and her nation.

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As Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry traveled over 20,000 miles each month on behalf of our nation's veterans.  Heather's platform was The Forgotten Heroes:  Honoring Our Nation's Homeless Veterans.  The daughter of a disabled Vietnam Veteran, Heather was raised with respect for service men and women that jeopardized their own lives for their country.  As Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry pledged her heart, her hands, and her voice to helping homeless veterans fight the battles they face on our nation's streets. Heather's efforts to aid homeless veterans resulted in national legislation, named the Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act of 2001.

Heather continues to travel the nation, speaking to school groups, community groups and organizations as a professional inspirational speaker. She also is a correspondent for the oldest veteran's publication, Stars and Stripes.

Heather was recently honored to receive the prestigious Americanism Award presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Humanitarian Award  presented by the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary.  Past recipients include former First Ladies Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rosalyn Carter, and Barbara Bush.

Heather is married to the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, Dr. Stephen L. Henry.  The Henrys recently celebrated the birth of their first child, Harper Renee. 

Awards, Honors and Recognitions

Heather French Henry is the recipient of many national and local awards from veteran's organizations, states, and communities that have recognized her efforts.

  • Ten Outstanding Young Americans in 2001, U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce
  • National Humanitarian Award, American Veteran's Ladies Auxiliary
  • Woman Achievement Award 2000, Miss America Foundation - historic, first time ever, the award has been presented to a Miss America
  • Kentuckian of the Year, Kentucky Monthly Magazine
  • U.S. Gold Medal of Merit, Veteran's of Foreign Wars
  • National Commander's Public Relations Award, The America Legion Education
  • Master's Degree in Fashion Design and Illustration, University of Cincinnati, 2001
  • Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, University of Cincinnati, 1997
  • Recipient of University Graduate Scholarship; 1997 Mercantile Future Design
  • Award; Golden Brush Illustration Award

Miss Kentucky Scholarship Organization