Working Behind the Camera

By Hannah Karki

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another fun blog post! Today, I am going to be talking about my love of being behind the camera instead of in front of it.

Now as you know, I am the reigning Teen Petite USA 2024, so I spend a lot of time at events, being in front of the camera, and spreading awareness about my platform and uplifting young ladies competing in person by doing events, being a guest speaker, and a author. 

I also believe the power of uplifting woman comes with creating Hannah’s Hot Tools, HansHH for short, the hair for Slay Your Moment Photography. I love being able to be behind the camera and talk to the ladies who we work with about who they are and get to know them beyond their crown or platform. Learning about their personalities and lives makes me feel super fulfilled as a person. Being able to make them feel beautiful by styling their hair also helps me spread my message of love and positivity for supporting woman competing in pageants. 

I believe strongly that every woman deserves a strong family of sister queens from multiple systems and states. For me, I have sister queens from the Miss USA organization who I competed with when I was 14-17, the HighSchool America System, and now the Petite USA system. Even though they are different systems with different values, the same encouragement of creating a sisterhood is strong and prominent in all three. I also have many connections in the America system and Miss Earth system. All of these connections were forged on the belief that pageants are meant for woman to make long lasting friendships and better themselves. It’s truly an amazing feeling to know I have sisters all across the country, and all across the world that I can rely on!

But back to hair, I have naturally curly, black hair. Learning how to style my hair was not for the weak. Having to dry, then straighten, and then curl my hair definitely took some getting used to, but I also felt inspired to help others style their hair. 
Making woman feel beautiful and seeing them physically glow in-front of the camera is one of the best feelings in the world. Being able to hype them up behind the camera, whether I am doing their behind the scenes or working on their hair has driven my passion to want to go to cosmetology school(whenever I’m not competing, which will be like 50 years). 

In pageantry, my main goal is to celebrate woman and their accomplishments, but also help woman find hair styles they love for stage and photoshoots cost free. 

I also love being able to work with the woman who inspired me to keep competing in pageants. Shannah is a force, and is literally able to do any task you give that girl. She has taught me everything, from doing my own hair and makeup, to walking, and to styling myself. Seeing her be a successful photographer and having her dreams come true on-top of being in school and being Ms New England Petite is truly inspiring.  Watching us grow together the last few years has been one greatest experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Watching her make women feel seen, heard, and understood while doing their makeup, and then their faces after they see her work is one of my favorite moments.

Overall, I actually prefer being behind the camera. My experience with being in-front of it hasn’t been easy; especially when I had the Edna Mode bangs and would only wear dark colors. I don’t really like myself with makeup, and I feel like if I stare at my own photos for too long I start to not love how I look. Being able to take a step back once and awhile and watch others bask in the sunlight is one of my favorite things about doing hair. 

All in all, doing hair has forged bonds with amazing woman in the pageant world and has brought me many amazing connections. I can’t wait to keep doing hair and making woman feel beautiful.

Anyways, see yall next time! I hope you are enjoying these fun filled blogs!

A reminder to go tell someone that you love them today, and how proud of them you are and their progress!

With love and see you soon! 
Han

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Post photos by Slay Your Moment Photography

K. Garcia Prod

Hannah Karki is the current Miss Teen Petite USA. You can follow her on her title's Instagram and website. 

Hannah has been kind enough to write several submissions for us. Follow the link for her other Section 36 Forevers Guest Blogs.

Competing With a Chronic Illness

By Etta Tidd

Miss America is for every single young woman who wants to participate. Having a chronic illness shouldn't stop you from following your passions, but it can make it harder. I have competed in the Miss Wisconsin’s Teen Organization for the past four years with a Congenital Heart Defect. While I don't have a step-by-step guide for how to compete with a chronic illness, I have tips that helped me!

1. Advocate - It is important to contact the directors of the program (At the local, state, or national level) well in advance. Whether through email, in conversation, or over the phone; find a way to lay out all the details about your accommodations, and warning signs for if something were to go wrong. Being able to advocate for yourself to the directors helps ensure you will receive your accommodations, but also allows the directors to give all the competition volunteers the right information. Try to not stress about this because truly everyone is there to help you, and wants to see you succeed!

2. Supports- Keep your support people/emergency contacts close. Whenever I am competing I ask my mom to stay somewhat in the area on the day of the competition just in case anything bad happens. Even though sometimes the chances of a health emergency are low, it's important to plan for the worst in this situation because it can ease anxiety. 

3. Sleep and Eat Healthy- During competition week it is important to get sleep and eat heathy as much as possible! I know firsthand that it can be super difficult to get adequate sleep during that week when nerves are running high and time is running low. Sometimes even putting in Airpods, playing comforting music, wrapping yourself up in a blanket, and using a stuffed animal as a pillow can make you feel even a bit better. Whether it is ten minutes or three, that little bit can get you out of your head and give your body a minute to regenerate. 

4. Prepare For Questions- Be prepared to get asked about your chronic illness in Private Interview (if it is on your paperwork). I can think of millions of times that I was asked about my Heart Condition in an interview, sometimes kindly other times not. If you are asked about your illness with a harsh tone, remember that it can come from a lack of understanding and not meant to come off as rude. Be prepared to talk about the accommodations you would put in place for yourself, and that you are still “capable” of doing the job of a titleholder despite a chronic illness.

5. Schedule- If you have the opportunity to become a titleholder within the Miss America Opportunity, it is very important to schedule appearances wisely. For women without a Chronic illness it might be possible to schedule three appearances in one day for themselves but often it may not be for you. I reduce additional exhaustion and sickness by being realistic with my schedule, if there are three appearances I want to do in the same day I pick the person who asked me first, or one that most aligns with my mission (If I was not asked). It can be upsetting to not be able to attend everything under the sun unlike most titleholders, but unfortunately there is not a fix to that. I always remind myself that I would rather be fully present and active for one appearance, rather than not representing my mission, and the brand of Miss America correctly for three

With this, remind yourself of the strengths that a chronic illness brings to you, like being able to give you a story. Miss America represents ALL different types of women, especially those with different issues. You get a space to represent people who are often under represented in the media and pageantry. Think of how it might have felt to grow up without correct representation for your chronic disease, now you have the opportunity to be that representation for children and adults alike.

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Etta Tidd is the currrent Miss Pike Creek's Teen (WI). You can find her on Instagram at her title's account, and her personal account.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Build a better you

By Brynli Felps

As I stand before you today, I am proud to share with you “Build a better you with Brynli.” My community service initiative is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, healthy coping mechanisms, and self- care. Mental Health is deeply personal to me as I have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of bullying and mental health struggles. 

Throughout middle school and half of highschool, I endured relentless bullying that pushed me to the brink of despair. In a desperate attempt to escape the pain, I attempted to take my own life. But by the grace of God, I was given a second chance. It was in that darkest moment of my life, that I found solace in my faith and was saved by the love of Jesus. 

This transformative experience ignited a passion within me to help others who also are struggling. I realized that I was not alone in my pain, and that many others in my community were suffering in silence. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas had a 12.9% suicide rate, with suicide being the 2nd leading cause of death among Texans aged 15-34 in 2022. 

The statistics underscore the urgent need for mental health support and resources in our community. Through “Build a better you,” I aim to provide a safe space for individuals to share their stories, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and practice self care.  By empowering others with the tools and support they need, I hope to prevent others from walking the same painful path I did.

As I reflect on my past terrifying situations, I am reminded that my greatest accomplishment is not my academic or extracurricular activities, but rather my survival. And now, I can help others through my experiences become survivors as well. I am determined to not only change the world, but to save the ones struggling to live. Day by day, with or without a title, I will change the world, and I will leave an everlasting legacy. 

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Brynli Felps is the current Miss Plano's Teen. You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Finding My Voice

By ShayLee Raye

Growing up with a disability, I rarely saw people like me represented—especially in the world of pageantry. The glamorous gowns and confident women on stage inspired me, but I never imagined someone with an ostomy bag, feeding tubes, and scars could stand among them.

That changed when I took a leap of faith and entered my first pageant. At the time, I was juggling full-time jobs to graduate debt-free, but pageantry quickly became more than a competition—it became a platform. Each time I stepped on stage, I challenged perceptions of beauty, proving that resilience and confidence shine brighter than any crown.

Through hard work and determination, I earned titles like Ms. Utah Prime 2022-2023 and placed 2nd Runner-Up in Miss Davis County, winning awards for sponsorships, photogenic appeal, and the People’s Choice vote. But beyond trophies, I found something even more valuable: a voice.

Pageantry gave me the space to advocate for "Invisible Disabilities; Visible Awareness"—to show that strength comes in many forms, including scars and medical devices. It led me to the love of my life, a deeper sense of purpose, and now, the honor of holding the title of Mrs. Utah Petite 2025.

This July, I will walk the national stage as the first queen to showcase an ostomy bag, feeding tube, and scars. I am becoming the role model I once needed, proving that beauty is not about perfection but about embracing who you are—fully and unapologetically.

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ShayLee Raye is the current Mrs. Utah Petite. You can find her on her Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Why the Toughest Interview of My Life Was Actually My Best

By Kaili Ruth

Photo: Malea Ellett

Throughout my years competing in the Miss America Opportunity, I’ve always loved the private interview portion of the competition. I enjoy sharing who I am, what I stand for, and the changes I want to make in the world. Typically, my paperwork leads to the same questions in every interview, so I’m always prepared. I’ve learned how to guide the conversation in the direction I want, and it’s never been a problem until my most recent interview.

This time, I walked out in tears.

It felt so heavy, so serious. I was asked questions I hadn’t anticipated, despite not changing my fact sheet. I had done countless mock interviews, yet not a single one had gone the way this interview did. For the first time, I felt like I had lost control, like I was failing.

And the question that stumped me? “What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?”

I completely blanked.

After a few moments, I admitted that I couldn’t think of anything at the moment but told them to come back to it so we could all have a laugh. I powered through the rest of the interview, but the second I got in the car, the emotions hit me. I felt like I had completely bombed it, and the weight of that was crushing—especially because this was the competition I wanted to win the most.

But interview was only one part of the competition. I still had 70% left to prove myself, so I put my best foot forward. By the time I finished my on-stage question, I felt fully confident again.

Then came the awards.

To my absolute shock, I won Best Interview.

I had been so sure I had failed. And yet, looking back, my interview was filled with depth, personality, and authenticity. I got to talk about my love for Taylor Swift, even quoting gold rush to highlight her songwriting. I spoke about integrity, what it means to me, and the power of being a woman.

And, in the end, I was crowned Miss Washington County.
This experience taught me something invaluable: just because things don’t go the way we plan doesn’t mean they aren’t working out in our favor. Sometimes, what feels like failure is actually setting us up for something even greater than we imagined.

I’m grateful for that lesson as I prepare for my first state competition this summer—because now, I know that even in uncertainty, I am more capable than I think.

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Kaili Ruth is the current Miss Washington County (UT). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

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.