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

A : As a 9-year-old , I watched Ella Doddridge compete as a pre-teen in the Miss Harvest Homecoming Pageant . It looked like so much fun that I asked my mom if she would sign me up . Unfortunately , they discontinued the preteen part of the competition the following year . Even though I did not get to compete in the Harvest Homecoming Pageant , it was the reason that I started competing in pageants .

Q : Where do you go to school ? What do you hope to do once you finish high school ?

A : I I am currently a junior at Floyd Central High School . I am also in the Cosmetology program at Prosser School of Technology , and Ivy Tech Community College . After graduating from Floyd Central with my Cosmetology license and an associate degree from Ivy Tech , I plan to attend the University of Louisville to obtain my nursing degree and try out to become a Ladybird . After college , my goal is to open my own salon and dance studio in New Albany .

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

A : I was raised by a family of entrepreneurs who worked hard . They taught us that it takes hard work and determination to succeed in anything you do . I was extremely shy as a young girl , but I found my voice through my dedication to dance and pageantry . This gave me the confidence to create my own charity , Whitney ’ s Wings . Our mission statement is to provide love and comfort to underprivileged kids and to encourage them to dream big .

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

A : I think as you get older , the activities that started out as hobbies turn into your day-to-day grind . If you want to be great at anything , you must be willing to grind it out . With that being said , I spend some of my free time water surfing , snowboarding , reading and going to Louisville sporting events . My day-to-day schedule is hectic , but I love everything I get to do .

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

A : Being crowned your 2023 Miss Harvest Homecoming Teen was a special experience . I may not have been able to compete in Harvest Homecoming as a 10-year-old , but it has always been in the back of my mind . As the years passed , and I competed in many different systems , I still had this desire to represent my hometown . Through my pageantry journey , I met Marie Fulkerson , and she has become someone that I admire and look up to . When she became the Director of Harvest Homecoming , I knew it was something that I had to do . Of all the titles I have won over the years , this one is the most special because I get to represent my community while being mentored and supported by the best directors . Even though this journey is just starting , I promise to serve this community and this title with all I have and am .

Q : Do you want to continue in pageantry ?

A : I try to live in the moment . I am preparing to compete as Miss Harvest Homecoming Teen in the upcoming Miss Indiana Teen pageant . I know God has a plan , so we must wait and see what the future holds .

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

A : What we all need to remember is that everyone can make an impact . It is up to each and every one of us to remind our peers to be kind and positive to each other so that the impact we leave is a positive one and not a negative one . heritagefd . com

16 EXTOL | FALL 2023