After six years as a local literacyadvocate and tutor, she took her cause to the national spotlight when she was crowned Miss America 1997. She spent the year fighting for literacy education for people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as raising funds and motivating those involved in the cause. Since her year of service, she has continued to speak for local, state, and national organizations on this critical issue.
Public appearances
John Cole, director for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and Tara Holland unveil the new "Building a Nation of Readers" poster at the Library of Congress, 1997
In addition to traveling as a speaker, Holland has enjoyed many opportunities to perform musically. She has been featured as a vocal soloist with the Kansas City Symphony, the U.S. Air Force Band, and the NATO Band in Italy. She was also a featured vocalist in the nationally televised Boston PopsFourth of July Celebration and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In addition, she had the honor of singing at two of President George W. Bush's inaugural events, including the Armory Ball, the largest official Inaugural Ball.
Holland is active with youth, both in her local community and as a national sexual abstinence speaker to tens of thousands of students per year. She also sings and speaks for women's groups, fundraisers, and churches.
Trivia
The video of her receiving her crown was shown at the beginning of the 2006 film, Little Miss Sunshine.
