When I joined the Miss America Opportunity, I could never have anticipated the incredible blessings that would come my way. Throughout my life, I struggled with confidence and anxiety, often feeling overwhelmed by worry. That all began to change the moment I stepped onto the Miss Morganton stage for the first time. It was then that I experienced true self-confidence. Holding this title has allowed me to learn more about myself than I ever thought possible. Through the Miss America Opportunity, I have discovered passion, purpose, and lifelong friendships, and I am profoundly grateful for this transformative experience.

As Miss Caldwell County’s Teen, I am deeply committed to breaking the stigma surrounding teen mental health. I am determined to show that mental health is an issue deserving of attention and action—not just from teens, but also from adults. Having faced my own challenges with mental health, I understand how difficult it can be to speak up and seek help. My initiative, Lander’s Lifeline, aims to create a safe space for teens to share their struggles and access the resources they need to thrive. By partnering with local schools, leveraging social media, and hosting my podcast, To The Pointe, my goal is to reach teens across the country and empower them on their mental health journeys.

I am currently a high school junior, where I am an active member of the National Beta Club and the Varsity Dance Team. I aspire to attend a four-year university to major in business and minor in fashion design. Fashion has been a lifelong passion of mine, with sketches of my designs dating back to when I was just six years old. My future dreams include becoming a dance instructor, choreographing beautiful pieces that inspire the next generation of dancers to reach their full potential. I also plan to launch a line of inclusive dancewear, ensuring dancers of all shapes and sizes feel confident and beautiful while practicing and performing.

Outside of my academic and dance commitments, you’ll often find me in the studio, as dancing has been a part of my life for the past 15 years. Dance allows me to express myself and connect with audiences through movement. When I’m not dancing, I love spending time with my family, especially my two older sisters. From movie nights to lunch dates, we cherish creating priceless memories together. I also have a passion for cooking and baking, often experimenting with recipes alongside my dad. Whether we’re preparing classic dishes or inventing new ones, the time we spend in the kitchen is always special.

I invite you to follow my journey to Miss North Carolina’s Teen 2025! You can support me on Instagram at @misscaldwellcountysteen_nc, on Facebook at Miss Caldwell County’s Teen, and on TikTok at @misscaldwellcountyteennc. Thank you for joining me on this exciting adventure!