The Power Of Persevering

By Lexy Rayhill

K. Garcia Prod

When we’re young girls, we all have a desire to become a queen in some way. In most instances, young girls want to play dress up or get their nails done - for me, it was something that lied much deeper. I didn’t know it then, but I would become surrounded by thousands of likeminded queens later in my life. 

My journey through pageantry has led me into directions I would’ve never expected. Funny enough, I have admired pageants since I was 7 years old. I was so hooked, that I dressed as an “Ultimate Grand Supreme” for Halloween in 2011. Though I wouldn’t begin competing until shortly after I turned 18, pageantry has remained at the forefront of my mind for over a decade. 

As middle school and high school came around, I felt like I was having a harder time making genuine friends and my mindset shifted in a more negative way. Once senior year came around, I was ready to leave the self doubt behind me. Pageantry became my focus, and slowly I stopped thinking about myself. 

New England Petite became more than just a pageant and a title to work towards. After my first competition in 2022, I realized I needed to find a system that aligned with me. I did plenty of research before finding out there was a pageant that was truly designed for me - New England Petite. Created for hardworking women 5’6 and under, this pageant organization has brought me opportunities I never could’ve imagined. 

My first year at the pageant was definitely a little nerve

Chris Dupre

wracking, but I was able to put my fears aside and bond with my new sisters. I managed to place top 5 and leave as 4th runner up that year!  After I made top 5, I knew I needed to make a return. I got another pageant under my belt 6 months later and before leaving the venue that day, I was already applying for the next New England Petite Pageant that was set to happen in a few months. My biggest dream was to compete at Petite USA. I attended our workshop, started becoming more active in my volunteer work, and left with 2nd runner up my second year. I took my preparation very seriously, but I still hadn’t achieved my true goal. I had to wait another year for just a chance at my dream job. 

When you persevere, you’re showing yourself you can. My placement my second year only made me want to come back stronger. I worked with numerous new coaches, photographers, and even participated in a national pageant which only helped my preparation! I began taking better care of myself and my mind, told myself to focus, and eventually put in my final application. 

The difference between winning and placing for me was simple, but also one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do in a long time. We all hear “be yourself” in the interview room, but I finally listened. In my private interview, I even responded by saying the first thing I’d do if I won was go get fries before getting to work with my title! All of my answers flowed and I left that room feeling like I had finally showed a judges panel who I am. 

Chris Dupre

My stage presence also improved dramatically and each performance felt like my best that day. Once crowning came, so did the nerves. They announced our runner ups and once we got to the top 2, my name was not called as 1st runner up. I was finally announced Miss New England Petite! Since January 20th, I’ve worked with sponsors and photographers, volunteered with nonprofits, mentored young women, appeared in front of over 1 million people, walked in a fashion show, helped plan community events, and so much more. 

My days have gotten much brighter since I’ve been crowned. They say it’s what a queen does with her crown that’s important, but I can’t help but recognize the ways the crown is healing me. If I hadn’t filled out that first application, my life would look a lot different. You have the power to make your life what you want it to be, and that’s the power of persevering. 

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K. Garcia Prod

Lexy Rayhill is the current Miss New England Petite. You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

A Story About Body Image

By Angelique Cauterucci

For as long as I can remember, gymnastics was my entire world. The crisp scent of chalk in the air, the metallic clink of bars, the powerful spring of the vault, and the mesmerizing dance of the floor routines weren’t just details — they were part of me. The countless hours spent perfecting my balance on the beam, the adrenaline rush before a dismount, and the satisfaction of nailing a skill I once thought impossible fueled my passion. I was a little girl with big dreams, pouring every ounce of my heart and soul into the sport I adored.

But when I was nine years old, my world was shaken. I still remember the day my instructor looked me dead in the eye and said, “You will never be a competitive gymnast. You don’t have the right body type. It just isn’t going to happen for you.” Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I was devastated.

I had a choice: let her words crush me or use them as fuel. I chose the latter. Instead of giving up, I pushed harder. I trained longer. I drowned out the negativity with pure determination. And slowly, I found something more powerful than talent—I found confidence and beauty within myself. That inner strength carried me through the rough days, and eventually, I proved my instructor wrong.

I became a Junior Olympic regional qualifier on the USA team. And now? I’m a proud NCAA collegiate athlete.

But my journey didn’t end there. Experiencing the pressures of negative body image at such a young age inspired me to do something bigger—to help others struggling with the same challenges. That’s why I created my nonprofit organization "You Define Beauty".

Through You Define Beauty, I have been a guest speaker in over 45 classrooms, 20 dance classes, 12 Girl Scout meetings, and 8 gymnastics teams throughout New Jersey. I’ve partnered with numerous non-profit organizations to help provide mental health resources to my community. Since starting my program, I have spoken to over 5,600 students between the ages of 7 and 22 about the importance of body positivity and confidence.

Every presentation begins with my personal story of overcoming negative body image and low self-esteem. Then, I share practical tools to help improve self-confidence. My favorite tool is teaching the importance of morning affirmations. I challenge each student to start their day by looking in the mirror and complimenting themselves. I even bring out a small mirror and say to myself, “You are beautiful, you are strong, you define your own beauty!” It feels silly at first, but doing it consistently leads to massive changes in confidence and body image.

After every assembly, I make myself available to any student who wants to share their story with me. To my surprise, so many of them step out of their comfort zones to open up. Speaking to kids one-on-one is a reminder of the real impact I’m making.

When I transformed You Define Beauty into a non-profit organization, I started bringing affirmation boxes to each school I visited. These boxes contain over 300 cards filled with positive messages written by high school and college students. The boxes are placed in school counselor offices, where students can grab encouragement whenever they need it. So far, I have 12 affirmation boxes in different schools and we’ve made over 3,500 cards!

Most recently, I founded the You Define Beauty Club at Saint Leo University. We host monthly meetings to organize fundraisers and events aimed at spreading awareness and educating others about body dysmorphia. Our efforts are gaining momentum, and we’re planning a 3K walk with a fundraising goal of $3,000 to support mental health initiatives and promote self-acceptance.

I also started an Instagram reel and TikTok series where I share my morning affirmations and monthly goals for students to use as inspiration. So far, my videos have generated over 65,000 views across all platforms. I even built a website to reach people who may not be on social media.

And it doesn’t stop there. I launched a podcast called You Define Beauty, where I interview guests about body positivity, self-esteem, and confidence. It’s available on all streaming platforms, and it’s another way I’m trying to make a difference.

Everything I do—whether it’s speaking to students, creating affirmation boxes, making videos, or hosting a podcast—is aimed at helping people overcome body dysmorphia and build self-confidence. Because at the end of the day, true beauty comes from within. And you define your own beauty."

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Angelique Cauterucci is the current Miss Cape Shores' Teen (NJ). You can find her at her title's Instagram or her personal Instagram. You can also check out the "You Define Beauty" website, Instagram, TikTok, and Podcast.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

From Heart to Head - My CSI Story

By Rachel Ramos

As Miss Heart of the Midwest 2025, my community service initiative (CSI) is From Heart to Head, which promotes dementia prevention and education, builds awareness and empathy in our communities, and encourages legislative action. Environmental factors mostly cause dementia and you can reduce your risk by exercising, sleeping well, managing diabetes, reducing stress, eating healthy, and protecting and exercising your brain. These prevention techniques are cardiovascular-based, as heart health is closely linked to brain health. For example, people who live sedentary lifestyles are already increasing their dementia risk by 30%! From Heart to Head focuses on the Heart as much as the Head, and maintaining cardiovascular health is the first step to preventing dementia. A question I often receive about my CSI is, “Isn’t dementia an old person’s disease? Why should children care about a disease like dementia?” The answer is - our health begins now. By exercising and eating well now, your body will thank you in the future and will allow you to continue to do what you love, whether that’s pickleball, yoga, crosswords, soccer, or anything between. Visit FromHearttoHead.com for more information on how to prevent your risk for dementia, or sign up for the monthly newsletter. 

The partnership between the American Heart Association and Miss America is so pertinent because more young women will be aware of their cardiovascular risk, and fundraising through this partnership also funds research that focuses on women’s cardiovascular health. Two-thirds of all Alzheiemer’s cases are women. Women are also more likely to be caregivers for someone with dementia. Cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of death for women, and dementia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. This connection between women and being more at risk for dementia may be because women were rarely in any clinical research trials until 1993. But it could also be because women live longer than men, early-onset menopause is now being linked to dementia, or that different societal roles support different cognitive engagement. We do not have the full picture yet, and research behind the dementia-women connection is still evolving, but we could find the answer to this connection as long as we fund women’s health research through the NIH (National Institutes of Health). The terms “diverse”, “women”, “female”, and “minorities” need to be included in research studies because these representative terms lead to research that will prevent deaths in the future. 

This initiative has become deeply personal to me due to my own family’s experience with dementia, which I now work to address through advocacy. My “why” is because of a very strong woman, my great-grandmother Harriet. She passed away in a long-term care facility after refusing care for her dementia and breast cancer diagnoses. She was an incredible woman, mother, Polish immigrant, and friend. My family lacked the resources and awareness of what to do for her because she refused care. I was a child unable to help her, but now that I am older, I have turned my grief into purpose for families going through similar experiences. Today, I am an Alzheimer’s Association Legislative Advocate and Community Educator. I previously lacked the courage to advocate on behalf of the dementia cause because of my absence of confidence, I felt like my voice did not matter. Through the Miss America Opportunity, I have gained the skills and confidence needed to speak on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association and have since met with several legislatures, mayors of Indiana, and the Governor of Indiana, and I am planning on continuing my advocacy on Capitol Hill in June. A major pillar of From Heart to Head is legislative engagement; because using our voices together to make change is how we make tangible impacts in our dementia communities. 

Personally, being a woman in research, it is a core value of mine to be a scientific communicator and share objective facts. As an Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator, I educate at-risk communities by giving Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia presentations so the general public can understand dementia in a tangible light. I plan on giving another presentation in April, but I wanted to share a quick story of impact from a presentation I gave in November. After presenting, I sat in the audience to answer personal questions and a woman asked me for advice, “I am here today because I am caring for a friend’s mother with dementia. It’s only for a week but I’m scared I’m going to do something wrong, I’m not experienced with caregiving. What can I do?” Her emotions started showing through, so I held her hands to make her more comfortable, “Firstly, it shows that you care because you are here to learn and ask questions, so I already know you’ll do a good job. Secondly, in my experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant who has taken care of patients with dementia, the most important thing you can do is treat her as a human being.” Then, I proceeded to provide her with local resources, information about what a person with dementia may be going through, and the Alzheimer’s Association helpline number: 1(800)272-3900. 

I encourage you to visit FromHearttoHead.com to learn more about dementia prevention and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support. Insta: @MissHeartMWIN or @FromHearttoHead.CSI. For business inquiries: FromHearttoHead@gmail.com.

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Rachel Ramos is the current Miss Heart of the Midwest (IN). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Grow Your Garden

 By Isabella Williams

For as long as I can remember, my family has grown its own food. My gramma planted her first garden in her early twenties, just after having her first baby, just as her parents had done before her. She showed me that love of growing things, and now, I can’t imagine my life without a garden. It’s more than just fresh food—it’s a way of life, a way to bring people together, and a way to make sure no one goes hungry. 

Food was never just food in my house—it was connection. My dad, a trained chef, spent Sundays crafting meals from scratch, pulling ingredients straight from the backyard garden, the chicken coop, and even our neighbors’ meat freezers. I’d stand at the counter beside him, slicing mushrooms and peeling corn, learning the rhythm of cooking long before I understood its importance. One day, I slipped up and cut my thumb. He barely flinched—slapping a skull-shaped bandage over it and handed the knife back to me. Keep going, he said. And I did. And I keep going.

That same mindset has carried over into everything I do. No matter where I’ve lived or how much my life has changed, my garden has always found a way back to me. Every morning, I step outside, let out the chickens, gather fresh eggs, and walk the rows of vegetables, picking what we’ll eat that day. By the time I’m back inside, my sisters are awake, the house is alive, and the kitchen is the center of it all.

Over time, my dining table kept growing. What started as simple sibling dinners turned into something much bigger. Now, I tell my neighbors—if the dining room light is on, come on in, everyone is welcome! And each week, different people knock on our front door. I believe food should be shared, and no one should ever feel like they have to eat alone.

This isn’t just a passion—it’s a purpose. I believe that every child should know where their food comes from, every community should have access to fresh, healthy meals, and no one should ever have to wonder where their next plate is coming from. Whether through school programs, community gardens, or local food initiatives, I want to help people reconnect with the land, with each other, and with the simple, powerful act of sharing a meal, and sharing the knowledge of my garden.

As Miss Lake Champlain, and as I run for Miss Vermont, I carry these values with me. Because a thriving community starts at the table, and real change happens when we pull up a chair and make room for everyone. I look forward to seeing what grows at our table and in the garden this year. 

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Photo:
Jessielyn Palumbo

Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She has been kind enough to write several guest blogs for Section 36 Forevers, which you can find here.

She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

You Are Not Alone: A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Empowerment

 By Olivia Walz

“Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere? Have you ever felt like you could disappear? Like you could fall, and no one would hear…”

“You Will Be Found” By Dear Evan Hansen

I never imagined that a song I’ve loved for so long could end up reflecting my life. There was a time in my life when I believed I had everything I could ever want, yet it all fell apart in an instant. Opinions, judgements, and expectations grew louder, their echoes drowning out the truth that had lived in my heart. I looked in the mirror and all I could see is what other people had defined me as, a stranger’s reflection. “You will never be good enough”, “nothing will ever make me like you”, “you’re so fake, no one will ever like you” “Olivia needs to kill herself.” I lost my way so completely that I was left with nothing but emptiness. In the emptiness, I had turned to the verse I had engraved into my heart: “God is within her, she will not fail.” “God is within Olivia, she will not fail.” And in that moment, I felt a warmth embrace me-a presence so gentle yet so powerful. It was Jesus whispering into my soul, “My Child.” His love gave me the courage to rise up and speak the words I had been to afraid to say: “I need help.”  With the help of my faith, family, creating boundaries, and learning that I am not alone. I knew that I would never want anyone to feel the way that I felt. My D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N was turned into…

“I PRESSED ON”

According to the CDC, Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. 1 in every 8 persons in the world live with a mental disorder. 1 in 20 Americans has lived with a serious mental illness like depression. The rate of these rising numbers is alarming. With my testimony as my motivation and the platform that the Miss America Opportunity has given me, I plan to execute my plan of HEAL. Hear, Emphasize, Access, and Live.

Hear: It is crucial to listen to someone when they are going through a mental health crisis. It helps them feel seen, heard, and validated. When people are experiencing a mental health crisis, they often can feel isolated, overwhelmed, or misunderstood. Having someone who can genuinely listen without judgement can provide a sense of connection and support. How can I listen to someone when they are going through a mental health crisis? Here are some tips! 

First, be fully present. Make sure distractions (like a phone) are put away. Maintain eye contact to show that you are engaged. Use open body language (ex: relaxed posture, uncrossed arms and legs, open palms, etc.) to show that you are approachable and focused. Next you need to validate their feelings. Avoid minimizing what they are saying. For example, “it’s not that bad” or “Others have it worse.” Instead, affirm their emotions with statements like, “it makes sense that you feel this way.” Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “are you okay?” (which might be a “yes” or “no”) ask, “What has been on your mind”, “How can I best support you right now”, “Would you like to talk more about it?” Avoid judgment or unsolicited advice. Instead of offering solutions right away, ask if they want advice or just need to vent. Avoid interrupting of trying to “fix” their problem immediately. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and they’re not alone. Encourage professional help if needed. If they seem at risk of harming themselves or others, encourage them to seek professional support. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them if needed. The last thing you can do is follow up. Check in to see how they are doing. A “Thinking of you” message can mean a lot

Emphasize: When people hear that they are not the only ones facing these mountains, it becomes more digestible to reach out and receive the help they need. People need to know they are not alone. It’s important to know that we, as titleholders, are not licensed counselors or therapists. I am never going to try and take the place of a professional, but I will create a safe space for them to come talk to me where I can lead them to a professional.

Access: I will continue to advocate so everyone can have a safe place where they know it's okay to be vulnerable. When we create role models who aren’t afraid to show emotions, who are consistently showing up, and provide extra support, we can change the trajectory of our mental health future. Everyone deserves to have a safe place where they know it's okay to be vulnerable. 

Live: More than 49,315 Americans died by suicide in 2023. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave, and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, mental health is crucial to our overall well-being and quality of life. Stay! It’s ok to not be ok. God made you beautiful in his own Imagine, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has a plan for YOU! 

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Olivia Walz is the current Miss Fall River Balloon Festival (SD). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Finding Confidence Through Pageantry

By Ella Acker

A year ago, if someone had told me I’d be competing in pageants, I wouldn’t have believed them. I’ve always been a creative person, expressing myself through music, painting, and other artistic outlets, but stepping onto a stage in front of a crowd was never something I imagined for myself. That all changed when a friend encouraged me to enter my first pageant. I had no expectations—certainly not of winning—but from the moment I walked onto that stage, I knew I had found something special. The energy, the positivity, and the sense of community made me fall in love with the experience instantly.

Growing up, I was always on the shy side, hesitant to step into the spotlight. But pageantry has given me a confidence I never expected. It has challenged me to embrace who I am, speak with courage, and carry myself with grace. My most recent pageant was a defining moment—not just because I won, but because I was the youngest competitor. That experience reminded me how much I’ve grown, and I truly believe it wouldn’t have been possible without God’s guidance. In moments of doubt, I leaned on my faith, trusting that He had placed me on this path for a reason. Each step of this journey has strengthened my belief that with faith and perseverance, anything is possible.

I am also incredibly grateful for my family and friends, who have been my biggest supporters every step of the way. Their encouragement, prayers, and unwavering belief in me have meant the world. Pageantry has taught me that true beauty is more than appearances—it’s about confidence, kindness, and the ability to uplift others. As I continue this journey, I hope to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace their talents, and trust that God has an incredible plan for them, just as He has for me.

This is only the beginning, and I am so excited for what’s to come. To everyone who has supported me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly blessed!

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Ella Acker is the current Miss Grayson County's Teen (TX). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Turning Pain into Purpose: From Evacuating a Warzone to Building My Nonprofit

By Darja Bassut

At 17 years old, I found myself caught in the crossfire of conflict. As sirens wailed and fear gripped my heart, I had to flee Ukraine, where my family had been stationed due to my military background. My journey led me back to Hawaii, a place that had always been home to me. But returning under these circumstances, living in a hotel for 8 months and facing an uncertain future, made it feel unfamiliar. This experience tested my resilience and changed the course of my life in ways I never expected. 

For as long as I can remember, I have felt different. Growing up in a military family meant constantly adapting to new places, cultures, and environments. Every move brought new challenges, and I often struggled to define my identity. Moving to Hawaii at an early age was a turning point. It shaped my understanding of culture and belonging. As a member of an immigrant family with Hispanic and Lithuanian roots, I learned to embrace my diverse background and use it to advocate for inclusion. I realized that diversity is not a barrier but a strength. 
Leaving Ukraine due to war reinforced this belief. In the midst of uncertainty, I saw the power of community and the way people support each other during crises. Shared experiences create strong connections, and I wanted to foster that sense of unity. This realization led me to create Unity Across Borders, a nonprofit focused on cultural appreciation, diversity advocacy, and service. 

The idea for Unity Across Borders was born in a small hotel room where my family and I stayed after evacuating Ukraine. I remember sitting on the bed, overwhelmed by the desire to help but unsure where to start. That night, I launched my first fundraiser. I did not know what the outcome would be, but I knew I had to take action. The funds raised went to children affected by the crisis, and that moment became the foundation for what would later grow into a nonprofit organization. What began as uncertainty became the start of a mission to create meaningful change. 

My experiences have shown me the importance of unity in diversity. I have witnessed how cultural misunderstandings contribute to division, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Unity Across Borders started as a personal initiative to encourage cross-cultural appreciation, amplify diverse voices, and help individuals embrace differences. 

Through my nonprofit, I have introduced cultural competency education across two states and two continents, reaching more than 1,500 students. As a digital creator, I have shared stories and experiences that highlight cultural exchange, gaining over 2 million Pinterest views and 400,000 viral views across platforms. I have also raised approximately $4,000 to support global and national causes, reinforcing the importance of community connection. By collaborating with education professionals and engaging with diverse communities, I continue to expand my work and increase cross-cultural understanding.

As I continue my work, I plan to expand my initiatives, form new partnerships, and integrate my cultural curriculum into more schools. My goal is to make cultural education a fundamental part of learning and create opportunities for students to appreciate diversity. 

Challenges do not have to define us; they can shape us into something stronger. Adversity can either confine us to our struggles or propel us toward a greater purpose. Pain, though heavy, carries the potential to build something meaningful if we choose to transform it. For me, that transformation became Unity Across Borders, a mission born from hardship but fueled by hope. 

I share my story not just as a testament to resilience, but as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always an opportunity to create light. Often, the strength we seek is already within us, waiting to be ignited and shared with the world.

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Photo by Aloha Headshots, makeup by Face Art Beauty

Darja Bassut is the current Miss Oahu (HI). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.