During Covid, while many of us were in our homes wondering what we should do next, Grace Smithey was going door to door in Polk City, Iowa starting her path to be a pageant winner. Smithey was seeing if she could gather enough donations to be a part of her first pageant; The National American Miss. Not only did she get the $250 she needed to enter the pageant, but she realized that this was not going to be just a one-time deal. “I was hooked”, says Smithey who then decided it was time for even bigger adventures.
Today, she’s the newly crowned Miss Teen Iowa for 2024!
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Grace Smithey recalls her journey to Miss Iowa Teen USA
With the support of her parents and family, Grace made the decision to become actively involved in the pageant circuit. “Of course I liked the glitz and glam and sparkly dresses, but I get to share my passion,” recalls Smithey when looking back on her journey to compete for Miss Iowa Teen USA.
She was determined. “…going to go to Miss Iowa Teen USA” was the mindset she needed along with having the chance to “share your voice.” It was this drive that put Grace on the stage to compete for the title of Miss Iowa Teen USA on June 23rd. Grace looks back at what truly came to mind the day of the final. “Being able to connect with them (the other 9 contestants) was so special.”
It was that day that Grace will remember forever as she was crowned the new Miss Iowa Teen USA 2024. For all of the young ladies who want to rise to the challenge that Grace did, she tells them to “Go for it! Do whatever it takes to get to where you want to be.” Find out more about Grace’s path to success and her upcoming Miss Teen USA competition in this week’s podcast.
Community and Volunteerism
As part of her participation in the Miss Iowa Teen Volunteer pageant, Smithey emphasized the importance of volunteer work and why she got involved in Miss Teen USA. “Volunteerism is one of their five points of their values,” she explained. “I got to compete with so many amazing girls across the country.” She placed first runner-up in the Miss Teen Volunteer America Nationals, further highlighting her commitment to community service and volunteerism .
Through her platform “Lead by Learning,” she encourages people of all ages to get involved in their communities and pursue their passions. She targets her initiatives particularly at her peers, helping them navigate the transition into college or new careers by advocating for the pursuit of personal interests and community involvement .
The path to Miss Teen USA
Smithey has been highly involved in high school activities such as student council, musicals, drama, cheer, and sports. She emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of modern pageantry, which goes beyond physical appearance to include elements such as interviews and fitness. She values the connections and opportunities pageantry has provided her and is passionate about using her platform to inspire others to pursue their passions.
She is preparing to compete in Miss Teen USA on August 1st, 2024, in Los Angeles.