Owensboro teen Lauren Wallace was crowned Miss Teen Kentucky County Fair this weekend in Louisville. Wallace is the first representative from Daviess County to earn the state crown, an honor she doesn’t take lightly.
“It was an amazing feeling; I’ve never been in a pageant of that size or caliber before,” Wallace said. “It made it even more special to be able to go and bring the title back to Daviess County.”
Wallace was crowned Miss Teen Daviess County Fair in 2020 and retained the crown this year because of the pandemic. She has been competing in pageants for more than three years and said her favorite part is meeting and interacting with her fellow competitors. This weekend wasn’t any different.
“It was quite the experience,” she said. “All of the girls I competed against are unique and amazing in their own way; I enjoyed getting to know them and building relationships.”
The pageant consisted of an introduction in casual wear, an interview, and an evening gown walk. Wallace relied on the guidance of her two coaches — Katie Cusick and Knyja Gadson — and the support of her friends and family.
“Katie is an amazing coach; she helped me tremendously with the interview and evening gown walk,” she said. “Knyja was my public speaking coach and assisted me in articulating my words correctly; she’s been a blessing.”
Despite quality coaching, a plethora of mentors, and a huge fan section, Wallace said the experience was quite overwhelming.
“I always get a little stressed out, but this one was different for me. I had a great mindset and outlook, which relieved a lot of my stress,” Wallace said. “I definitely looked to God for relief so I could get on the stage and do what I do best.”
Wallace is also grateful for the continued support of her parents, who are “constantly encouraging” her and helping to ensure she what she needs to compete. She said she also leaned on Shealyn Mason, who mentors her in her efforts, and Latasha Shemwell, the pageant director in Daviess County. Both Mason and Shemwell were there to share in the celebrations Saturday.
“I was completely overwhelmed; I’m still in shock,” she said. “They were calling the top five, and I wasn’t hearing my name. My initial thought was, ‘I’m not going to place.’ Then they called my name. It was an amazing feeling. After coming off a couple of losses, I felt like I got my confidence and sparkle back.”
With the accomplishment comes a long list of obligations. Wallace will travel the state to serve as emcee at several pageants and forward the missions of the competition.
“I love pageants and participating in them,” she said. “They definitely bring out a sense of confidence I didn’t even know I had. Miss Teen USA is a long-term goal for me.”
