Interview with Miss High School America – Aryah Redmond

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog it’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.

Can you introduce yourself ?

My name is Aryah Redmond. I am Miss Michigan High School America, I am 16 years old.

What made you enter pageants?

I entered into pageants to help build my self-confidence and be part of a group that empowers women.

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

I have competed for Miss Teen Ohio USA on two occasions, and in 2019 I placed third runner up. I also competed for Miss High School America as Miss West Virginia High. I loved this system so much that I decided to compete again this year as Miss Michigan High.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss High School America System ?

I like the Miss High School America system because of the BRAVE (Building Respect and Values for Everyone) platform. This platform is important because it encourages kindness and inclusivity and discourages all types of bullying. Because of my own personal experiences with bullying this system empowered me to be brave and speak up for myself and others.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

Participating in pageantry has helped me to be a better person by building my self esteem and confidence. I am quiet and soft spoken and I feel like pageantry and helped me to find my voice.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform consists of my book, “Quiet Like Me”, where I detail my experiences with bullying and how I overcame my shyness through pageantry.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title would be to win Miss High School America

If you were to win Miss High School America what would it mean to you ?

If I won Miss High School America it would give me the opportunity to promote the BRAVE platform, by inspiring others to speak against bullying, encourage those who are being bullied to tell someone, and educate others on the effects of bullying

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?

It is important to make friends and have fun competing. You may not always walk away with a title or crown but you can develop a lasting friendship.

What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final ?

I have been active in performing community service by taking food to our local healthcare workers and first responders, who have been working during the Covid-19 pandemic. I have been volunteering at our local food bank. I also have been donating food and toiletries to my local community center.

What’s your favourite ever appearance ?

I have had a couple of favorite appearances. The first was serving nurses pizza at a local nursing home. The second was being a stage manager for a local pageant.

How has the lockdown due to Covid-19 affected your pageant journey ?

Covid-19 has been a difficult transition during my pageant journey. I was unable to start my organization called the Peace Scouts. Where I teach the youth in my community how to maintain peace and unity with one another, by building respect and values for everyone. It has also limited my appearances as well as getting together with my sister queens. Although, this has been difficult I have tried to make the best of the quarantine by preparing for interviewing, practicing my walk, and staying fit.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

A good pageant role model is someone who is kind and honest, has integrity, and works hard to make sure others feel included.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My faviorite pageant round has to be fun fashion. I like this part of the competition because I get to express myself and my creativity through the outfits that I wear and sometimes design and make.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

When I get nervous during competition, I make it a point to talk with others to make sure they feel comfortable and somehow this helps me to relax.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely getting to know you better and more about platform. I wish you all the best at the final. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.