A Bit About Me

 By Valerie O'Neill 

Hello everyone, my name is Valerie O’Neill. I am your Miss City of Sunshine 2024. I am 21 -years old and last year was my very first year ever competing in pageants. A little bit about me is I was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I grew up on a farm with my five siblings and my mom homeschooled us all until we graduated. 

I currently work as a full-time children’s behavior development specialist in the BRS homes for Klamath Basin Behavior Health. I work with foster and juvenile children ages 10-16. It is a heartbreaking job as you have to see firsthand what these babies have gone through, but it is very rewarding getting to see the progress they slowly make towards a hopeful future. While I work full-time, I also go to school full-time. I am currently finishing a certificate in Business Management Marketing and Sales. I started with Business to learn all the leadership skills I need to be able to work up in my career. It also has all the fundamental classes I need for my next degree, and I now have all the financial skills I need to either start or run a business. I will be graduating in June 2025. From there I want to transfer over to either the Oregon Institute of Technology University or Western Oregon University in hopes of starting and completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. Why do I want this degree and minor? Because my career goal is to work on a crisis team with suicidal teens. But I need a bachelor’s degree to do so, and the minor in criminal justice will help further expand my range of working with those in the juvenile system too. Okay, that is a little bit about where I am education and care wise currently. I shall be back soon to talk some more! 

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

90 Years, 90 Lessons, and Whole Lot of Hairspray

By Karrington True

90 lessons learned from the Miss America Opportunity in honor of Miss Kentucky’s 90^th Anniversary

Ninety years of Miss Kentucky. Ninety years of crowns, gowns, and unforgettable moments. And- perhaps most importantly – ninety years of women stepping onto a stage, holding a microphone and hoping that what comes out is both eloquent and, at the very least, coherent (we’ve all been there!).

If we are meeting for the first time – Hi! I’m Karrington True, your favorite Kentuckian and Miss Monticello 2025. If my name sounds familiar, it might be because you’ve seen me around Section 36 before or maybe you’ve seen me running around talking about first responders or whatever book I’m currently obsessed with. Either way, I’m thrilled to be back as a guest blogger here on Section 36 – especially for such a milestone celebration!

The Miss America Opportunity has withstood the test of time, shaping lives for generations of women throughout the country and My Old Kentucky Home is no exception! I’ve learned a lifetime of lessons throughout my time competing for Miss Kentucky – some serious, some silly, and some that involve double-sided sticky tape and the laws of physics.

In honor of Miss Kentucky’s 90^th Anniversary this year, I’m sharing 90 lessons I’ve learned along the way. And because I’m extra, we’ve timed this post to land exactly 90 days before we crown the next Miss Kentucky (See? This organization also teaches excellent time management – this is a freebie lesson!)

Some of these are deeply personal, while others are universally relatable to anyone who has ever worn heels for longer than four hours. Either way, whether you’re a lifelong pageant fan, a titleholder in the trenches, or a girl deciding to take that leap of faith, I hope you find a few gems that resonate with you.

Without further ado, here are 90 lessons from my time in the Miss America Opportunity – one for every year Miss Kentucky has been empowering, educating, and let’s be honest, preparing women for job interviews like no other experience can.

        1. What is meant for you will not pass you by.
        2. Butt glue is better than double sided sticky tape every time!
        3. Invest in your Little Sister…you’ll gain just as much if not more from the experience than they do!
        4. It’s okay to wear the same outfit twice (real people don’t just wear something once)
        5. Don’t just live out the four point of the crown on pageant day and watch how it will change your life.
        6. Label every single thing you own before your state pageant… legitimately everything - even your makeup brushes!
        7. A dream deferred is not a dream denied.
        8. Take notes on physical paper.
        9. You’re going to miss this one day!
        10. There are better fake eyelashes than Ardell Demi Whispies (Try Ardell Naked 421)
        11. Don’t be afraid to get several different perspectives – you don’t have to listen to everyone, but it helps you make the most well-informed decision for you!
        12. At the end of the day, the person standing on that stage is YOU.
13. If they love you in interview, they’ll love you everywhere else!
14. Vision boards and manifesting are legit!
15. Post social media content for you – this will be the best scrapbook to look back on!
16. Take lots of pictures but never treat things like a photo-op
17. Work hard for the BIG goals - nothing is impossible!
18. Ask for help!
19. Invest in relationships with the right people – you need a strong village in your corner!
20. Know your ‘why’
21. Always have backup wardrobe pieces – I only had one talent dress once and the zipper ripped completely out of it the morning of prelims… I had to be sewn into the dress! (Thank you Robynn Landherr)
22. Be a girl’s girl – there are enough mean people in the world, don’t add to it!
23. Swedish fish and sour patch watermelons are the best candy for backstage
24. Drink lots of water!
25. Invest in the teens – they are our Miss contestants of tomorrow!
26. You never know who is watching
27. Go to Miss America in person at least once in your life!
28. It’s really not that deep, I promise
29. Don’t lose your voice the night before Miss finals because you were screaming too much during Teen finals (this might be personal but still…)
30. Be nice to your mom
31. Go to every local competition and support your sister queens!
32. Don’t be afraid to ask… the worst they’ll say is no!
33. Buy the phone case with your local title on it
34. Have fun!
35. Celebrate the small moments and small wins… they make the journey that much sweeter!
36. Talent is not the be all end all – but you still need to practice.
37. Embrace your state’s traditions and what makes it unique - in Kentucky we auction off a ham for $10.5 million dollars
38. There is always someone working harder than you
39. Your regular day is someone’s biggest dream!
40. E6000 can fix just about anything!
41. Let your eyelash glue dry for 20 seconds and get tacky before you put on fake lashes
42. Don’t shake the judges’ hand when you come in for interview!
43. Go back and watch old Miss America pageants on YouTube when you can’t sleep
44. Honor the women who have come before you
45. Miss America has a magical way of withstanding the test of time
46. You need to actually read the titleholder contracts
47. Don’t just fill out your paperwork and never look at it again
48. In the words of Mel Robbins – “Let Them”
49. Travel your state and meet as many people as possible
50. You’ll never break the habit of overpacking (probably a personal one here too!)
51. Read more than just the headlines
52. Time flies and you’ll be out of eligibility before you know it!
53. The answer is yes – you should always get a spray tan
54. Handwritten thank you cards never go out of style
55. Comparison is the thief of joy
56. For every 1 competition related goal, you should have 2 goals not rooted in competition!
57. Don’t change into the person you THINK the judges are looking for… stay true to you!
58. If they give you the opening number dance to learn before you arrive, learn it.
59. Don’t just fly by the seat of your pants in your closing statement during interview
60. Always have joke in your back pocket when emceeing (or know someone in the audience to call out)
61. Create opportunities for yourself, don’t just wait for them to find you!
62. Curate a playlist for state pageant week that will keep you energized, calm your nerves, and give you an excuse for a dance break!
63. If your talent run through isn’t flawless, that doesn’t mean your competition performance won’t be!
64. You don’t have to win a preliminary award to be the next state titleholder! (Read this again the night before finals)
65. Take a breath in and out before you answer your on-stage question!
66. Make fun buttons with your face on them for friends and family during the state competition!
67. Invest in competition wardrobe pieces you’ll want to wear more than once!
68. Some people are brave enough to put their sash in the washing machine… I am not.
69.Find a good seamstress…One of the first things judges notice is how your wardrobe fits!
70. Invest in a good deep conditioning treatment – my hair was fried after being curled so much during state pageant week last year!
71. Great skincare is the first step in great makeup!
72. If your dressing rooms have the big bright lights, turn them off when you’re not using them, so you don’t overheat!
73. Be willing to take constructive criticism but only listen if its constructive
74. I know it’s cringey to watch yourself but make sure you’re filming your preparation!
75. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but everyone deserves your respect and admiration!
76. Fuel your body properly so your energy is a 10/10
77. Take time to rest
78. Invest in hair and makeup lessons from a professional!
79. Find ways to stay physically fit that are fun!
80. If your earring won’t stay in your ear, use lash glue on the back to glue it in
81. Show your personality
82. Trust me… things are about to get really exciting for you!
83. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!
84. Sit by different people at lunch every day during state pageant week!
85. Your biggest competition is YOU and ONLY YOU!
86. Yes, you should practice walking
87. Always pack snacks!
88. So, what if you fail - you live and learn!
89. Write your own definition of success.
90. My favorite deserves to be said again… what is meant for you will not pass you by!

As we count down to Miss Kentucky’s 90^th crowning, I can’t help but feel grateful to be a small part of this legacy and amazing sisterhood. Whether you’re competing, cheering from the audience, or live streaming from your couch with snacks (a strong choice, by the way), remember, this organization is about more than crowns and sashes… it’s about growing, learning, and carrying these lessons with us long after the final walk.

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Karrington True is the current Miss Monticello (KY). You can find her on her title's Instagram as well as her personal Instagram. Be sure to follow both to keep up with her journey to Miss Kentucky. She’ll be sharing all the behind-the-scenes moments, prep updates, and probably a few chaotic packing stories.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

My Miss America Mishap

 By Katie Ann Powell

[On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Katie Ann Powell, Miss District of Columbia 2024, was kind enough to take a crack at answering a couple of them for us, and added a story of her own as well. This is her first guest blog for us. -S36F]

Hey Section 36! It’s Katie Ann, Miss District of Columbia. It’s been nine months, and I still can’t believe that I get to say that I am Miss DC. Even more than that, I can’t believe I did it! I went to Miss America! It has been a dream to play my harp on the Miss America Stage! But I have to tell you a behind the scenes story with my harp:

First off, my harp is taller than I am, and I am tall, so that’s saying a lot. It’s 80 pounds and not the most easy to transport. But when you’re a professional harpist, you just do it anyways. So cheers to my mom who flew into the district to help me drive my harp more than 12 hours down to Orlando. We had quite the wonderful road trip!

The harp got there in one piece and I was so excited to play for talent night!

Before I tell you the rest of the story, I need you to imagine a piano. You know how pianos have black and white keys? Well the black keys make the notes sharp and flat. Harps do that too, but instead of having a separate note, we move our feet and it changes the sound of the string we are playing. So next time you watch a harpist, watch their feet. They will probably be playing with their feet just as much as they are playing with their hands.

Now knowing that pedal positions make whole different notes, you can imagine it is pretty important the position the pedals start in when you begin a harp piece. Well the wonderful stage crew brought out my harp and placed my pedals. I walked onstage, sat down, and played the first couple of notes…… Oh No…. Stage Crew had placed all of my pedals wrong, so the first notes of my piece were all wrong.

This is Miss America, you can’t just start over. So I had to think fast. I started to do a little trill, then my right foot started flying moving all of my pedals back into the right position. If you watch the live stream video, within the first 5 seconds watch my right foot, it is flying to correct the wrong pedals.

Thankfully, I corrected everything very very quick then started playing the rest of the piece.

And guess what, I NAILED THAT PIECE. I nailed the little improvising I had to do to start the piece. I nailed every note after that. I made music come from my soul and fly out through my fingers. I may not have won a talent award, but I walked away knowing for myself that I really am a professional harpist – I can correct any stressful circumstance, wrong key, wrong pedals without anyone know AND still nail the piece. That’s what being professional is. It’s not about getting everything right all the time, it’s about what you do when you get it wrong.

 

What did I do backstage?

I had a very fun project I was working on backstage when we were waiting. I like to knit and I found this amazing hot pink yarn. When I saw the yarn in the storm I knew immediately I needed to knit something for my friend Bridget, Miss Maryland. So backstage I just worked on knitting her hat.

What kept you grounded during the week?

To be honest, my amazing roommate Monica, Miss Connecticut made me grounded the whole week. I ADORE Monica! We were both locked in and ready to do our best, and we kept it real, knowing what was important and what was not. We laughed a lot together. During the whole week we just sent funny snap chats together to my sister with the craziest filters we could find. I am walking away with the most amazing friend for life. 

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Katie Ann Powell is the current Miss District of Columbia. You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal website. 

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

From First Crown to a Powerful Cause: My Journey to Miss Texas Teen and the Mission Behind My Platform

By Sophia-Rose Centurioni

My name is Sophia-Rose Centurioni, and I am honored to say that I’ve officially won my first-ever pageant title! This victory is not only a personal milestone, but also the beginning of a larger mission using my voice and my story to create positive change. With the crown comes the opportunity to compete for Miss Texas Teen, and even more importantly, to amplify a message I am incredibly passionate about: empowering survivors and preventing sexual assault through my Community Service Initiative (CSI) — R.I.S.E. 

My passion for this cause comes from my own experience. At 16, I was sexually assaulted. In the aftermath, I was overwhelmed by fear, shame, and confusion, struggling to understand what had happened and unsure if I would ever feel whole again. For a long time, I felt isolated and silenced. But as I began to heal, I realized my story could have power not just for me, but for others who felt just like I did. 

That’s how R.I.S.E. was born a platform dedicated to helping young people recognize their right to safety and boundaries, while also providing support and hope to survivors.R.I.S.E. stands for (Resilience, Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment), four pillars that shaped my own healing journey and now form the foundation of my advocacy work. 

As a pageant titleholder, I have a powerful platform to spread this message across my community and beyond. Through R.I.S.E., I’m committed to teaching teens and young adults how to set boundaries, recognize unhealthy relationship behaviors, and stay safe especially in a world where social media makes it easier than ever for predators to find and manipulate vulnerable young people. I plan to visit schools, youth organizations, and community centers to share safety tips, boundary-setting tools, and digital safety education. I’m also working to form partnerships with advocacy organizations and self-defense programs to bring life-saving knowledge and skills to more young people. 

But my work isn’t just about prevention, it’s about healing too. Far too many survivors feel like their experiences define them, or that they are somehow to blame. Through my personal story, I want to show that survivors are never responsible for their trauma and that healing, while difficult, is possible. Whether it’s through mentorship, community outreach, or even creative outlets like dance and artistic expression, I want every survivor to know they are not alone and that they have the strength to rise. 

Winning my first pageant is an incredible honor, but the real victory is turning my pain into purpose. As I prepare for Miss Texas Teen, I’m ready to stand strong, speak out, and help others do the same. Together, we can create a world where every teen knows their worth and every survivor has the strength to R.I.S.E. As well if you are struggling with anything related to sexual assault my Instagram DMs are always open, or you can call the 24/7 sexual assault hotline 1-800-886-7273.

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Sophia-Rose Centurioni is the current Miss Highland Park's Teen (TX). You can find her on her title's Instagram and website.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Finding My Path

By Anaia Mayner

Growing up as the middle child in a family overflowing with talent was both a blessing and a challenge. With that being said I often found myself wondering- where did I fit in? This question followed me throughout middle school and high school, fueling a pattern of constant comparison. This in turn crippled my outlook on my own unique qualities and abilities. I became obsessed with matching the talents and capabilities of those around me. I lost sight of who I truly was, and the weight of comparison slowly dimmed my light.

 
However, everything shifted when I turned 20. In a moment of clarity, I realized a simple but powerful truth: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This revelation sparked a transformation within me. I decided to break free from the shell I had built around myself (a shell made of self-doubt and the fear of not being "enough”) and step into the woman God created me to be.

This awakening was the birth of my community service initiative: “Shattering the Mirrors of Comparison”. My CSI is more than just a platform but rather my way of life. It is an integral part of who I am and what I aim to share not only with my community but with the world. I hope to inspire others to silence the noise of comparison, embrace their authenticity, and step boldly into their purpose.

I thank God for the patience and persistence he has showed me over the years, allowing me to reach this point of my life. And I thank Him for presenting me with the amazing opportunity to be a brand ambassador for the Miss America Organization. I know without Him I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am in life today.

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Anaia Mayner is the current Miss Gaston County (NC). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.