GORDON, Neb. — For just the second time ever, Miss Nebraska has been crowned Miss USA, and over the holidays, Audrey Eckert brought her national title back to one of the places she calls home.

While Eckert grew up in Lincoln, she has deep ties to the Sandhills through her grandparents, who live in Gordon. During a holiday visit, she held a meet-and-greet in the small town, drawing residents of all ages — including young girls who see her as a role model.

Among them was Brynlee Linders, a fourth grader who chose Eckert as the subject of a school paper.

“I thought it was really cool and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Linders said.

Eckert, a fifth-generation Nebraskan, said returning to rural communities like Gordon is especially meaningful to her.

“I’ve never lived anywhere else, and I just love it here,” Eckert said. “I think it’s important to show girls it doesn’t matter where you come from. If you work hard, you can achieve whatever that dream is.”

Eckert has spent many holidays in Gordon over the years, a tradition her grandfather, Gary Ruse, said has remained unchanged despite her rise to national recognition.

“She’s been coming here since she was a baby,” Ruse said. “We rode horses, played with the dogs and climbed hay bales. Seeing her come back now, she’s still the same person she was as a little girl.”

Eckert said being able to return home this year meant more than usual.

“It’s always special getting to come home,” she said. “But being able to be here for the holidays and Christmas this year was really nice.”

Since being crowned Miss USA two months ago, Eckert has traveled extensively, including spending more than 20 days in Thailand for the Miss Universe competition. Despite the busy schedule, she said connecting with people remains the most meaningful part of the role.

“Sometimes it’s just about giving your time and being willing to listen,” Eckert said.

During her visit to Gordon Countryside Care, Eckert answered questions from children in the audience and shared stories from her journey. Four-year-old Karlee Fiscus worked up the courage to approach her with a simple request — a hug.

“I never met her, and I really wanted to see her,” Karlee said.

Watching others speak up helped inspire Karlee and her older sister, Kayla Fiscus, to ask questions of their own.

“I was nervous because it was in front of a big crowd,” Kayla said. “But I thought I might never see her again, so I decided to do it.”

For Linders, the visit added a personal connection to her school project.

“She said she won her first pageant when she was 10,” Linders said. “I’m 10, so that’s kind of cool.”

From the world stage to a Sandhills town, Eckert’s visit left a lasting impression, showing that even the biggest titles can still come home.