And just like that, I am done with my second year of law school 📚 Swipe to see the transition from this year to last.
When I think of who I was in May 2023, and I compare her to who I am in May 2024, I find myself looking at two different people with the same soul. I have laughed, cried, felt like I could conquer the world, and questioned if I could do the task ahead all in the same day. I have grown and been tested more than I could’ve imagined, and I wouldn’t trade a second of it.
This has been the hardest and greatest year of my life. This time last year, I was nervous. The feeling that I could potentially be the next Miss Missouri was exciting, but I was scared about possibly balancing the role of a state titleholder and a law student at the same time. As the months of my new life followed, these thoughts never went away, but my perception of this idea did. Through facing my fears head on, I have realized that we can handle far beyond what our insecurities tell us we are capable.
Throughout this year, I have tried to be authentic in this journey. I wanted to showcase to young women that we really can do it all. It has been so special to share my journey as a law student and titleholder with young women across this state. I hope that my experiences have shown others that pursuing your career goals and the Miss America Opportunity can go hand in hand.
Here is to six more (less stressful) weeks as your Miss Missouri.
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#missamerica#missamericaopportunity#missmissouri
This moment still doesn’t feel real ✨
Swipe to see my reaction being announced as Miss Missouri for the first time 🥹
Exciting things are ahead- I can’t wait to bring y’all along for the ride.
#missamerica#missmissouri
So many thank yous were shared this past week, but the biggest thank you goes out to my sweet fiancé and parents.
So many sacrifices were made from each of them this past year. They truly shared me with Missouri while I traveled the state and balanced the demands of law school.
I can’t thank them enough for loving and supporting me through it all- I truly couldn’t have done it without each of them.
I’m looking forward to beginning this next chapter of my life. @parker_stratton LET’S GET MARRIED! 🤍
My Miss America dream began at just 8 years old. Little did I know the profound impact that the Miss America Opportunity would have on my life.
Missouri, thank you for trusting me with this tremendous opportunity. I feel so undeserving and thankful to have been part of something so much bigger than myself.
Every county I went to, every speech I gave, every event I attended, and every person I met has left a lasting impression on me and made me the Miss Missouri I am today.
I am humbled and changed for the better, praying for a legacy of love.
I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life as I turn the page on this one. 💜
With so much love,
Miss Missouri 2023
Hayley Leach
Can we have a little commotion for these dresses ✨
The biggest thank you goes out to the Royal We who has so generously provided my wardrobe for the week!
See what else I’m wearing this week by tuning into our preliminary shows! Thursday night preliminary competition begins at 7:00 pm CT on Watch.pageantslive.com
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@royalweprom#missamerica#missamericaopportunity#missmissouri
The end of an era 💜
This morning I completed my final pageant interview ever. It feels surreal that this journey is coming to an end. I am immensely grateful for the skills gained, lessons learned, and the advice that has been given these past 18 years of interviews.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey- I am so thankful for your love, support, and mentorship.
70 full days left in this amazing role ✨
Thank you @devinestudios for your support of the Miss Missouri Organization and me 💜 You all are the very best!
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📸: @devinestudios
💄: @loradevine
Happy World Autism Awareness Month! 🧩
Matthew and I kicked off this important month with a national news appearance on Fox News to discuss ways that our society can support and recognize those with autism.
I know I have said it a million times, but I couldn’t be more proud of Matthew and his work as a self advocate. I’m so thankful the title of Miss Missouri has opened so many doors for us to expand our advocacy efforts.
Stay tuned for more exciting events and appearances from Matthew and me during this very important month!
Watch our interview via the link in my bio.
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#missamerica#missamericaopportunity#missmissouri#autism#autismawareness#autismawarenessmonth
