09/03/2026
Miss Ohio week was nothing short of a fever dream.
I was not sure if I would ever return to the Miss Ohio stage. My life and career made quite a turn a few years back and I’ve been focusing on growth since.
But one day, I asked myself, what if I did it one last time? What if I took all this growth and put it on display for ME? What if I showed myself how much I have grown and can finally be proud?
So I did. I signed up for the Miss Chillicothe program incredibly last minute. I dug out my old pageant tote, found some last minute dresses, updated my resume, refined my talent the morning of, and showed up. I showed up to prove to myself that I can do hard things. And then I won. And not only did I win the title of Miss Chillicothe, but I won the interview award. That award was the exact growth I needed to prove to myself- that I have grown personally and professionally and it mattered! ->
And then I realized, I’m going back to Miss Ohio! One last time, with the best family and some of the best friends I’ll ever make. I bucked down. I chose authenticity this time, though. And now I can say, it was never about proving to myself that I had grown. I knew that all along. What I did need was to be reminded of the unwavering love and support I have from everyone I know and love. Gosh, even those I don’t know!
I am so incredibly grateful for the abundance of love I went into Miss Ohio week with. I am even more grateful for those that showed up and showed out. My fiancé, parents, in-laws, grandparents, and friends showed me the amount of love no crown could ever make me feel.
God knew I had more work to do close to home as Miss Chillicothe. I graced that stage with poise and authenticity- so much so that I don’t have a single regret. I loved my talent and the personality I (and my incredible vocal coach, Carla Wyant) were able to incorporate. I loved the confidence I displayed in the fitness and evening wear competitions. And best of all, I loved speaking about my career and passion. I spoke so fluently during my on-stage question and graced my private interview with so much authenticity that I won an interview award.
And that’s what it’s all about. It’s not abou