Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1474724
8 • 129th AnnuAl grAvette DAy • Saturday, auguSt 13, 2022 A s Gravette gets ready to crown this year's pageant winners, we checked in with the two exceptional young women who captured last year's Miss Gravette and Miss Teen Gravette titles. SheaLee JenSen, MISS teen Gravette Shea is going into her junior year at Gravette High school, where she participates in many after school activities including journalism, debate, National Honors Society, track and field, and golf. She considers herself an environmentalist. She loves nature and all types of animals. Why do you love Gravette? I love Gravette because of the ability to come together, not just as people but as a community, and help anyone who needs it. What was it like being Miss teen Gravette this year? Being Miss Teen Gravette this year, I got to give back to amazing people who have helped me in the past. What made you decide to try out? Last year, when I was competing for the title of Miss Teen Gravette, I was fighting the opinions of what other people thought. I was told that I wouldn't be able to be Miss Teen Gravette because I wasn't pretty enough and because I would just make a fool out of myself on stage. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used those negative words to help me win. What has been the best part about being Miss teen Gravette? The best part is getting to interact with all the little girls and boys who say "mommy there's a princess!" as well as getting to talk and share with people in all walks of life. What advice do you have for the next Miss teen Gravette? If I could give any advice to whoever will hold the values, strength, and inspiration that comes with the title, I would say: go to as many events as you can and listen to DaMayla (the pageant director.) She knows what she's doing and will help guide you, as she did me, on this new journey. What are your plans for the future? I want to graduate high school with high honors and get into the University of Arkansas, where I plan to study law and become an environmental lawyer. KaItLyn LOyD, MISS Gravette 2021 22-year-old Kaitlyn Loyd is the youngest of 5 children, with 3 sisters and a brother. She attended Gravette schools from kindergarten until she graduated in 2018. One of Kaitlyn's favorite things to do is go duck hunting with her parents. And she also loves musicals…her personal favorite is "Hamilton." Why do you love Gravette? I love the small town feel about Gravette, everyone knows everyone and the people in our town are always so friendly. My favorite thing about Gravette is when families are in need, the entire community steps up. We are one big family. What was it like being Miss Gravette this year? I loved every second about being Miss Gravette! Being able to meet all the people in our community and being able to help/ step up any way I can! What made you decide to try out? I have always dreamt of being Miss Gravette since I was a little girl, I have always been involved in the community and winning Miss Gravette has helped me be more involved! What has been the best part about being Miss Gravette? Being able to get to know all of the people! And seeing all the young girls 2021 pageant winners reflect on their royal year