Miss Austin Peay 2021 Noelle Thompson was chosen to represent the state of Tennessee at the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois, on Sept. 1-5. The National Sweetheart Pageant invites one girl from each state who placed in the top 5 of their state pageants in either the Miss Volunteer America or Miss America pageant systems to compete for the title of National Sweetheart.
Noelle was chosen having placed 2nd runner-up at the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant in June. At least nine former Miss Americas have held the title of Miss National Sweetheart the year before winning the title of Miss America.
Noelle competed with women from 27 other states in the categories of interview, lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, talent, and evening gown with onstage question. She was awarded the overall swimsuit, overall, and outstanding community service awards. In addition, each contestant represented their home state in costume in the parade of states. Noelle finished as 1st runner-up to Miss Oklahoma Sweetheart in the overall competition.