Tractor Supply Company, 4037 Jandy Blvd., Nazareth, was transformed from a hardware store into a graceful puppy spectacular the morning of Feb. 23.

Catasauqua resident and 2020 titleholder of Young Miss Pennsylvania, Alyssa Baker, was found in the store hanging with Champagne, a 7-year-old hound mix, and Ham, a 4-month-old beagle. Her organization of choice, Red Rock Rescue, held its weekly adoption event that day.

Alyssa currently attends Arts Academy Charter Middle School, Allentown. She has danced competitively for the last decade at Cheryl Chickey’s All American Performing Arts Center in Bethlehem. She also participates in Parade Corps.

It was this program that inspired her to begin pageantry.

The 12-year-old performed in her first pageant last year and placed runner-up as Miss Merry Christmas. Now, as the winner of the Magical Crowns pageant and titleholder of Young Miss Pennsylvania, Alyssa has chosen to use her platform to promote the themes of “adopt don’t shop” and to “spread kindness wherever I am.”

The Young Miss Pennsylvania winner said she has “always loved animals and helping them” and that when she was little, she would save all of her pennies and dimes to donate to local shelters. It only felt natural for her to find an animal organization in need during her reign.

Red Rock Rescue is a no-kill, nonprofit rescue that spans across Northeast Pennsylvania. There is no particular location, as all of the animals are housed in the homes of the volunteers. Adoption mainly occurs through events. As a rescue, the group’s goal is to provide care for homeless and abused dogs and to assist in finding the dogs forever homes.

This nonprofit remains active through donations, and Alyssa raised $75 for the organization by using her platform.

If you are interested in donating to Red Rock Rescue or are curious about adopting, visit redrockrescueinc.com.

The rescue holds adoption events at Tractor Supply Company every Sunday.

The road to the throne does not stop here for the Young Miss Pennsylvania. Alyssa plans on attending Mini Nationals Oct. 24 in Nashville, Tenn.

The community can keep up with Alyssa through her Facebook page, Facebook.com/MissYoungPennsylvania2020.