Meet Carlehr Swanson—Miss Virginia 2024, who is spreading the healing power of music to older adults in residential care across Virginia. Carlehr’s journey began in eighth grade, when her grandmother, Gladys, was in a rehabilitation center recovering from a serious injury. To lift her spirits, Carlehr would play songs on the piano, drawing other residents who gathered around to enjoy the music and the sense of connection it created. Seeing how music could ease feelings of loneliness and bring joy inspired her to continue sharing her talent with others.

Now, as Miss Virginia, Carlehr travels to nursing homes and care centers across the state, offering heartwarming music performances that brighten the lives of residents. Through her community service initiative, Bridging the Divide: Music is Unity, Carlehr also acts as an ambassador for Music & Memory, sharing our mission and spreading the word about the transformative impact of personalized music for individuals with memory loss. Her platform has allowed her to reach and inspire even more people with her message of connection and compassion.

In addition to her duties as Miss Virginia, Carlehr is a dedicated music student pursuing a doctorate at the University of Virginia, focusing her studies on Black studies, feminist studies, and gospel music. Her commitment to sharing music’s unifying power is evident in all that she does, and her efforts have touched countless lives across the state.

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