After five years of competing in Kentucky County Fair pageants, Hayden Grissam received her highest placement this past weekend.
The 15-year-old Clark County native was named first runner-up in the teen division, after two years as fourth runner-up.
“I was super excited,” Grissam said. “When they called fourth runner-up and they didn’t call my name, I thought I wasn’t getting anything.”
In previous competitions, Grissam has represented Taylor, Robertson and Rowan counties. Winning first runner-up while representing her hometown made the experience more meaningful.
“It’s my last year in teen, so it made it a lot better,” Grissam said.
Her pageant career began five years ago with a win in the pre-teen division at the Clark County Fair. Grissam said she developed a love of pageants and hopes to continue competing throughout high school.
“I like that you get to make new friends, and it builds confidence and it helps you prepare for your future, like interviews and learning to think on your toes. It helps you communicate better,” Grissam said.
In addition to pageants, she also enjoys playing the guitar and hopes to play for the talent portion of a pageant some day.
Grissam plans to compete in the Miss Clark County Fair Pageant in 2013.
“It’s kind of nerve-wracking because it’s a big step up from teen,”¿Grissam said.
The Miss Teen Kentucky County Fair Pageant was in Louisville Saturday. Grissam competed against 84 other contestants and became the first Clark County representative to place in the top 5 in the teen division.
