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.