My Miss America Opportunity Journey

By Leah Culbreth

If there is one thing I have learned through my Miss America Opportunity journey, it is this: dreams are worth chasing, but they often arrive in God’s timing, not our own. 

I have always loved pageants. Growing up, I looked up to the local high school queens in my area and to the women who wore the title of Miss North Carolina. One titleholder who especially inspired me was Kate Peacock Smith. She was from my hometown, and seeing someone from a small town like mine go on to win such a prestigious title made me believe that maybe one day, I could too. 

My own journey started in elementary school. I competed in my school pageant three times, placing first runner-up twice before finally winning the title of Junior Miss Midway on my third try. I loved everything that came with holding a title—the chance to represent my school, my community, and to share the experience with my sister queens. That was the moment I knew I was hooked.

Although I did not compete often after that, my love for pageantry never faded. The next pageant I entered was my high school pageant in 2022. Becoming Miss Midway High School had been a dream of mine for years. I started preparing long before the pageant even existed, buying my interview outfit in July of 2021 before I knew if there would be a competition that year. I took voice lessons, interview lessons, and truly believed I was ready.

When pageant night arrived in March of 2022, I walked in confident that I would leave with a crown. But I did not place at all.

To say I was heartbroken would be an understatement. But even disappointment could not take away my love for pageants.

My true Miss America Opportunity journey began in January of 2023 when I made a last-minute decision to compete in the Miss Johnston County/Cleveland pageant as a Teen contestant.

 

Kerrigan Brown had inspired me to compete. Once again, seeing someone from my hometown achieve success reminded me that dreams like this were possible.

There were around twenty teen contestants that year, including Hanley House, who later went on to win Miss North Carolina Teen and Miss America’s Teen. While I did not win that night, I walked away with something more important: a fire inside me to keep going.

The very next month, I entered my hometown pageant, Miss Spivey’s Corner/Dunn, as a Teen contestant. Winning that title and representing my hometown was all I had ever wanted. I performed much better than I had in the previous pageant, but once again, I did not walk away with a crown.

And strangely enough—I was okay.

Because I trusted that God’s plans were bigger than my disappointment.

That fall, I started college at Campbell University and believed my pageant chapter was over.

But in January of 2024, someone very special to me, Lindsay Creech, reached out and encouraged me to compete again because contestant numbers were low. It was the last day to submit paperwork, and with only two weeks to prepare, I signed up.

This time, I competed for the title I had dreamed of for years: Miss Spivey’s Corner.

My interview went beautifully. I felt confident onstage. Once
again, I just knew I would be crowned.

When awards were announced, my name was called for Evening Gown. I was thrilled. Then moments later, I was named first runner-up.

Although disappointed, I still had peace.

Because if something is meant for you, no setback can stop it.

Once again, I said I was “done” with pageants.

Then January of 2025 came.

I signed up for Miss Spivey’s Corner/Dunn again—this time with my best friend. I competed for Miss Dunn while she competed for Miss Spivey’s Corner. Truthfully, I wanted to support her dream just as much as I cared about my own.

Pageant day came, and while I felt strong in interview and onstage, my name was not called as the winner.

Again.

And surprisingly, I was okay.

Because each loss had taught me confidence, resilience, grace, and trust.

Then came January of 2026.

My best friend and I attended another pageant, and like always, the pageant bug bit us again. We signed up one more time.

This year was different.

I no longer competed with desperation. I competed with gratitude.

I told myself that I would do my best, speak passionately, be confident in who Leah Culbreth is, and most importantly—have fun.

I left interview feeling amazing. After onstage competition, I felt relaxed and proud. For the first time, I knew that no matter what happened, I had already won because I was proud of myself.

Then crowning arrived.

“The new Miss Dunn is… contestant number two, Leah Culbreth!”

I immediately burst into tears.

After years of hoping, praying, losing, learning, and growing, my dream had finally come true. I was going to compete at Miss North Carolina representing my hometown.

And suddenly, every “no” made sense.

Every loss had prepared me for the right yes.

For the past two months as Miss Dunn, life has been nonstop.

 

Between nursing school, friendships, responsibilities, appearances, and preparing for Miss North Carolina, I have stayed busy—but I would not trade it for anything.

I am determined to give Dunn everything I have. I want to be present in my community, serve with purpose, and show people exactly who is representing them on the Miss North Carolina stage. My sister queens have made this experience even sweeter, and I am so grateful for each of them.

If my journey has taught me anything, it is this:

Never give up on a dream that truly matters to you.

There may be delays. There may be disappointment. There may be moments where you feel overlooked or forgotten.

But what is meant for you will come in the right season.

Trust God’s timing. Trust His plan. Keep working. Keep believing. Keep showing up.

Because your time will come too.

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Leah Culbreth is the current Miss Dunn (NC). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

My Journey, and My Hair

By Anaya Harrison

Every woman or girl who participates in pageants has their own specific crowing moment, before they ever win a title. Mine is related to my hair! As I entered the world of pageants, I was frequently asked by my family and friends what prompted my desire to compete. When asked I often paused, it’s difficult to express in a short conversation why one would decide to put themselves out there and be judged by a panel. It absolutely brings about the possibility of self doubt and can promote self conscious thoughts about your appearance, talent, and ultimately every aspect of yourself. My why goes beyond this, pageants for me have become a culmination of my journey towards self-expression and confidence. When asked why, my answer was always simple: I’m doing it to make young Anaya proud. 

I have always been proud of my roots, and my family. As a child, I recall a constant admiration for my mother’s curly hair. She would tell me that her grandmother taught her how to style her hair, and eventually mine. So naturally, I grew up with stories about the beauty of curly hair and hair care tips passed down through generations. With three heads of hair to style between my sisters and I, my mom typically kept our hair in beautiful and intricate braids (decorated with colorful beads in our younger years). Being able to style my own hair was a marker of being grown up that I constantly looked forward to with excitement as a child. I am forever grateful to my mother for instilling this pride in my hair at a young age, because I’ve come to understand that I would need to call back to this feeling as I grew older. As my environments changed through my childhood, I often found myself in spaces where those around me didn’t always look like me. Without being represented, my pride in my naturally curly hair began to slowly shrink. I began to think that braided styles looked childish or that my hair was too unruly for school, not defined enough for everyday wear, or in general not pretty. 

With that background, let’s jump to high school where I was always a more reserved student. As a proud introvert, I was more comfortable with academics than with social settings. Because of that, I always strived to sit in the front of the class. Mostly because it was easier to see the board with my glasses from the front, but also because I wanted my teachers to know me and know how deeply I cared about my education. By my junior year, I had developed a comfortability with my surroundings that allowed me to be more experimental with my hair. One particular day, I gathered the courage to wear my hair “out” and not care so much about which pieces may be sticking up or where my curls decided to fall. I was excited, and woke up an hour early to style my curls before the bus arrived. The day went on as usual, and as the bell rang in one of my final classes of the day, I gathered my books and went to the door. I recall my teacher calling my name in an almost timid voice. “Anaya, would you mind holding back for a second” and my heart dropped as I turned to address my teacher. In a brief and quiet explanation he told me that one of my classmates complained that they couldn’t see the board over my hair and requested that I be seated towards the back of the class. He assured me that my participation in class was helpful for the flow of our lectures, and admitted to feeling bad about even asking me to move. But he also wanted to acknowledge the other student’s attempt to access class material easier. Neither of us quite knew what to say. We stood in silence for a moment and for me the weight of the complaint felt extremely heavy. At the end of the conversation, I apologized and agreed to avoid the front row in the future to be fair to my fellow classmates. I left feeling confused and insecure. See, the front row wasn’t just a seat to me, and my carefully curated natural hair wasn’t a style I selected without hesitation. I should add, my teacher couldn’t have possibly known my internal self-consciousness with my hair journey and I sincerely don’t believe he had any bad intentions. Still with that one interaction the negative connotations I had about my hair that I had worked so long to dismantle took center stage. Internally, I knew I loved my hair, but this conversation reinforced my doubts that wearing my hair out to school was a huge mistake. I recall riding home and thinking to myself that I should’ve known better than to take up so much space.

Coming home, I was able to confide in my parents about what happened in class. I am so blessed to have parents that will lift my spirits and help me come to a solution for any problem- and they did just that. The next week, my teacher apologized and decided to resolve the “issue” by redirecting the student who made the complaint. I continued to sit in the front row, but this story remains as one of the most formative moments of high school for me. 

The rest of my high school years were marked with “safe” hairstyles and a more frequent visit to the drawer with my heat styling tools. Internally, I still loved my curly hair, but I began to associate straight styles as easier, more manageable, or even worse - more polished. Unfortunately, I didn’t come up with these ideas on my own, nor was it the sole fault of my environment at school. Scholars have documented stigmas around Black women’s hair in educational settings and in the workplace. Duke University’s School of Business found that Black women with natural styles are often perceived as less professional in the workplace. Finding a place in society when stigmas such as these exist is simply hard. Rebuilding the admiration I had for curly hair as when I was young is a journey that I hold close to my heart. My personal crowning moment was long before I considered competing in pageants because it came when I fell in love with my natural hair again. Breaking through years of self doubt and external influences, I am finally able to say today that I proudly accept my hair in every form. 

In my first pageant, I wore my curls out proudly. I realized that for the few moments I had to occupy the stage, there was no room to question whether or not I should take up space - it was mandatory. In every part of the competition I stepped with intention and pride in myself and my accomplishments. This moment felt like a celebration of my chapter towards self-acceptance, and a promise to myself to never let external influences determine my confidence. 

I’ve always believed that as you grow older, every version yourself stays with you. It wouldn’t be possible for me to be the woman I am today without the little girl admiring her mother’s curls or the highschooler who dared (though timidly) to wear her hair out in class. Now in this latest chapter of my life, I am conscious of this and work to make sure that every version of myself would be proud of who I am today. I step into spaces that the younger versions of me could have never imagined, and I do so with confidence and pride in who I am. My decision to enter the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization is no different. There’s one common rule in pageants that’s stood the test of time, when it comes to hair, bigger is better! Volume is commonplace and every version of womanhood is celebrated loudly. What I love about the Miss America Organization is that there is a strong emphasis on the mission to advance in service, scholarship, style and success. Rather than keeping outdated connotations about beauty pageants alive, the Miss America Organization breaks those boundaries by emphasizing beauty can be found in academic excellence and meaningful community impact. 

Everyday I look in the mirror, I have a unique crown of my own: my hair! While I can now say I believe my curls are beautiful, I’ve learned that believing in your own beauty goes beyond physical appearance. Confidence and style can be cultivated and built through time, and if done correctly, I’ve found that it’s possible to develop an internal beauty unshaken by outside opinion. I am proud of who I am because of my immense and continuous personal growth, because I’m an actively engaged member of my community, because I have a platform to give voice to historically silenced groups, because I’ve earned two degrees in the field I love, and most importantly, because I wouldn’t dare to shrink myself ever again.

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Anaya Harrison is the current Miss Claymont (DE). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

BRIGHT: Be Real, Inspire, Grow, Heal, and Thrive!

By Kennedy Pelfrey

My platform, BRIGHT; an acronym for Be Real, Inspire, Grow, Heal, and Thrive, is rooted in my personal journey with childhood cancer and my passion for helping others find strength in their own stories. At just 14 years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a moment that changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. What began as one of the most difficult chapters of my life ultimately became the foundation for a mission that is now so close to my heart.

BRIGHT is more than just a platform; it is also the nonprofit organization I founded after receiving the life-changing news that I was cancer-free. During my treatments, I experienced both the physical and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis at a young age. However, I also encountered moments of light that reminded me I wasn’t alone. One of those moments came through a woman named Sydney, who would visit me during treatments. She brought art projects, crafts, and snacks, creating a space where I could simply be a kid again.

 

Those visits inspired the heart behind BRIGHT.

Today, I carry that same spirit forward by donating “Bright Boxes” to children currently undergoing cancer treatment. Each box is thoughtfully curated to bring comfort, creativity, and joy during an incredibly difficult time. They are a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still light to be found. Through these boxes, I hope to recreate the same sense of encouragement and normalcy that meant so much to me.

At its core, BRIGHT is about empowering others to Be Real in their experiences, Inspire those around them, Grow through challenges, Heal both emotionally and physically, and ultimately Thrive beyond their circumstances. My mission is not only to raise awareness for childhood cancer but also to create a community where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

A major part of my advocacy is encouraging others to have the confidence to share their own stories. I know firsthand how powerful it can be to speak openly about struggles, and I believe that vulnerability can lead to connection, healing, and hope.

 

Whether someone is currently battling cancer, in remission, or supporting a loved one, their story matters.

Through my website, brightthroughthefight.com, I’ve created a space where this mission comes to life. There, individuals can request their own Bright Box, learn more about my journey, share their personal stories, and access a free downloadable teen workbook designed to support emotional well-being during challenging times.

As I prepare to compete in Miss Kentucky this June, I am incredibly excited to continue sharing my story and expanding the reach of BRIGHT. This platform is not just about where I’ve been; it’s about the impact I hope to make moving forward.

 
BRIGHT represents resilience, hope, and the belief that even in life’s hardest battles, we can still find ways to shine.

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Kennedy Pelfrey is the current Miss Wickland Manor (KY). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026: Inspiring Others Through Purpose and Representation

By Marsellina Purnawan

Winning the title of Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is more than a personal achievement; it represents an opportunity to inspire, uplift, and empower others. For me, this journey symbolizes perseverance, confidence, and the courage to embrace who we truly are. Pageantry is often misunderstood as being focused only on physical appearance. In reality, modern pageantry is about leadership, advocacy, community involvement, and using one’s voice to make a meaningful difference. It provides a unique platform to connect with others and encourage positive change while representing values such as confidence, resilience, and service.

My journey toward becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is rooted in the belief that representation truly matters. Many women, especially those who are petite, may feel overlooked or may believe that they do not fit the traditional mold of beauty or leadership often portrayed in society. However, leadership and influence are not defined by height, appearance, or stereotypes. Through this title, I hope to demonstrate that strength, intelligence, compassion, and determination come in all shapes and sizes. By embracing my individuality and celebrating my unique qualities, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own identities with pride and confidence.

This title also allows me to amplify causes that are deeply meaningful to me. I am passionate about mental health advocacy and promoting confidence and self-worth among people of all ages and backgrounds. In today’s world, many individuals struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. By speaking openly about these challenges, I hope to create conversations that reduce stigma and encourage people to prioritize their mental well-being. Whether I am attending community events, speaking with young people, or sharing my experiences with others, my goal is to remind individuals that their voices matter and that their dreams are achievable.

Another important aspect of this journey is resilience. Preparing for a pageant requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to grow both personally and professionally. There are moments of doubt and challenges along the way, but these experiences help build strength and character. Every step of the process, from preparation and training to public speaking and community engagement, provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and become more confident. By sharing both the successes and the struggles of my journey, I hope to demonstrate that growth often comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.

Becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is not simply about wearing a crown; it is about wearing responsibility. Holding this title means representing my community with integrity, compassion, and authenticity. It means using my platform to encourage others, support meaningful causes, and serve as a positive role model. If my journey inspires even one person to believe in themselves more deeply, pursue their goals more boldly, or recognize their own worth, then this experience will have served a greater purpose.

Ultimately, my goal is to remind others that true beauty lies in confidence, kindness, and authenticity. Each person has unique strengths and talents that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Through this platform, I hope to encourage people to step forward, embrace who they are, and realize that they do not need to change themselves to make an impact. With courage, determination, and self-belief, anyone can shine and create positive change in their community and beyond.

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Marsellina Purnawan is the current Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026. You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Access Granted: Handing the Educational Keys to the Next Generation

By Shalom Omo-Osagie 

If there is one thing I have learned through my journey in higher education, it’s this: access is not just about getting into college, it’s about believing you belong there in the first place. 

My work in higher education has always been rooted in advocacy. Not just in a broad, abstract way, but in the everyday moments, mentoring students through applications, answering questions they feel like they “should already know,” and reminding them that their dreams are valid. For many students, especially those from underserved communities, navigating the path to college can feel overwhelming and isolating. I see that, and I feel a responsibility to help bridge that gap. 

That’s why my Community Service Initiative centers on college access. It is not just a platform, it is a reflection of my lived experiences, my values, and the students I have had the privilege of working with. I have seen firsthand how access to information, resources, and support can completely change a student’s trajectory. And I have also seen what happens when those things are missing. 

In my role as an Academic Advisor at USC and holding the title of Miss Los Angeles County, I have made it a priority to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether that is through one-on-one guidance, workshops, or digital content, my goal is always the same: to demystify the college process and make it feel attainable. 

That mission is coming to life in a special way on April 25th. 

I’m hosting a panel focused on college access in partnership with the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, bringing together professionals from different industries to share their journeys and how education played a role in shaping their paths. This event is about more than just information—it’s about exposure. It is about showing high school students what is possible and helping them connect the dots between where they are now and where they want to be. 

What I’m most excited about is the opportunity for students to hear real stories. Not polished, perfect narratives, but honest reflections, challenges, pivots, and moments of growth. Because the truth is, there’s no one “right” way to succeed, and students deserve to see that. 

This work matters to me because I know what it feels like to have big dreams and the power of someone taking the time to pour into you, to answer your questions, and to remind you that you are capable. That’s what I hope to be for others. 

Higher education has the power to open doors, but only if students have the tools and support to walk through them. My goal is to make sure more students not only reach those doors but feel confident stepping into the spaces beyond them. 

Because access is not just about opportunity…It’s about empowerment. And that’s the work I’m committed to every single day.

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Photos by Nicole Souza

Shalom Omo-Osagie  is the current Miss Los Angeles County (CA). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.