Q : What got you interested in the Miss Harvest Homecoming Pageant ?

Being Miss Harvest Homecoming has always been a goal of mine . I remember seeing the queens at the festival when I was younger and thinking , “ I want to be like them one day !” Several years ago , I competed as a preteen but did not pursue pageantry until later in life . I started competing in the Miss America Opportunity in October 2021 , and I had my heart set on achieving the title of Miss Harvest Homecoming .

Q : You ’ re a masters student at University of Louisville , what are you studying and what do you hope to do once you finish school ?

I am a first-year Master of Social Work student ! Once I finish school , I plan to get supervision for two years , become an LCSW , and do individualized therapy with those struggling with eating disorders !

Q : How has your education , family / friends shaped who you are today ?

This is my 16th year of school , and the teachers have helped shape me into who I am today . I have had many positive teachers who helped me to believe in myself and pursue my passions . One in particular is Courtney Cooper . She taught me in kindergarten and sixth grade . I admire her passion , not only for teaching but for her unconditional positive regard .

My family and friends have also played a big part in helping me become my most authentic self . My parents are the ones who encouraged me daily during eating disorder recovery . They are my reason “ why ” I choose to recover each day . They dedicated so much time and energy to making me healthier , and I can ’ t thank them enough !

My friends encourage me and cheer me on in everything that I do ! I am fortunate to be surrounded by many people who love and care for me .

Q : What hobbies do you have outside of the day-today grind ?

I love to start every day with an outdoor walk . During my walk , I listen to meditations and positive affirmations . This is a hobby I picked up this summer , and I have found that I am much happier and calmer when I walk ! Another thing I like to do in my free time is try new recipes . I studied abroad in Greece last summer and ate so much fantastic food , which inspired me to recreate the recipes at home ! I also love to hang out with my sweet kitty , Sylvester !

Q : What has winning Miss Harvest Homecoming meant for you ?

Since winning this title has always been a goal of mine , I was hit with an overwhelming amount of gratitude when my name was called . I was so proud of myself and my dedication to achieving this dream . When taking pictures after the pageant , I was instantly welcomed by my outstanding directors , Marie and Quinn , and the rest of the Orange Family ! I am so excited about working with my co-directors and getting to know them and my teen , Whitney , better ! I have seen the community support firsthand and can ’ t wait to experience the love again during festival week ! Being able to represent my hometown festival on the Miss Indiana stage is an honor , and it makes me smile just thinking about it !

Q : Do you want to continue in pageantry ?

Yes ! I started competing in the Miss America Opportunity again because I wanted to have a chance to share my eating disorder recovery journey on a larger scale to raise awareness . I have continued to be vulnerable because I know that at least one person at the pageants I compete in will relate to and benefit from hearing my story . I have had people tell me that I encouraged them to seek recovery by sharing my story . Hearing other people ’ s stories motivates me to continue promoting my community service initiative , Great at any Weight , in the Miss America opportunity .

Q : What message do you hope to leave behind for other young girls ?

In my interview for Miss Harvest Homecoming , I was asked , “ What is something you wish you could tell your 12-year-old self ?” To my younger self and other younger girls , I would recite a positive affirmation that has helped me in my self-love journey : “ I am beautifully unique and incomparable to others .” I spent so much time trying to change myself to fit in with others when I was younger . I know that this is a struggle for many , old and young , and it can be easy to forget about the remarkable things we are capable of . I encourage young girls to reflect on their extraordinary attributes and embrace them rather than spending time trying to be someone they are not .

14 EXTOL | FALL 2023