Section 36 has a new visitor! Kylie Blakely is an advocate for preventing soldier suicide, a talented pianist, and the current Miss Osceola. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.
So let's see what happens when Kylie Blakely visits Section 36!
How did you celebrate winning the Miss Osceola crown?
Previous to Miss Osceola I had never competed in a pageant, let alone seen one from start to finish including Miss America. I remember the month prior to the pageant I was struggling getting hours at my job in Lake Nona and I remember praying and asking the Lord to help me find a way to make ends meet for my tuition that was coming up. I was told about the pageant around 6 days prior at a charity event I was attending and I knew God had put me in the right place at the right time. With less than five days to prepare for my first pageant ever it was a whirlwind, the day of even seems like a blur now. I remember being genuinely shocked I had won and simultaneously bursting into tears with sheer joy. That night I was so exhausted I didn’t get to celebrate properly however the next day the Osceola County Fair helped me celebrate by walking the fairgrounds, meeting the amazing men and women who made our scholarship pageant possible and awarding ribbons to the phenomenal FFA kids!
What is your favorite memory from this summer’s Miss Florida Competition?
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Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your remaining time as Miss Osceola?
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How did you select your social impact initiative?
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As a talented pianist, what are your favorite types of songs to play?
I absolutely love Hayden, Litzt, and the carnival of the animals. My favorite pieces to play are ones that incorporate crossing my hands. Due to a soccer related head injury I have damage that makes it difficult for me to play and I was told I could never play again at the level I was on. However, with many many many hours on the bench and an AMAZING instructor I was able to regain some of what I lost. Crossing my arms in a piano piece is me saying YES I CAN to those who told me I'd never be able to play again as it incorporates the part of my brain that sustained the damage.
You have been able to run in the RunDisney Princess half marathon. What do you remember most from that event?
I remember the elation and relief I felt crossing the finish line! I was blessed to represent Childrens Miracle Network the philanthropy of Miss America while running alongside my mentor and former Miss Osceola Jessica Hargrave.
This summer you were able to attend “SI Swimsuit on Location”. What was that experience like?
I’m incredibly thankful for my time participating in the 2019 SI Swimsearch and being VIP at the SI Swimsuit on Location, it was a wonderful event and incredibly empowering. I completely stand behind MJ Day and her choices for the brand, to expand from focusing on the male gaze to what the brand is really about. Sports Illustrated has always taken political stands, featuring Tyra Banks when they
did and doing shoots in Africa during time of conflict to promote awareness. Now in the age of photoshop, negative body image and internalized body dysphoria Sports Illustrated has taken a stand. When you think of the magazine and it’s brand in popular culture most people think “Oh beautiful women in swimsuits” MJ Day has taken the brand to new heights by being inclusive. I had the pleasure of meeting plus sized models, mothers who had become models, models over 40, models with vitiligo and limb differences. MJ Day has given the brand new life by making it more inclusive and body positive, giving women who aren’t supermodels the opportunity to look at SI and say, “This woman is in SI, she’s beautiful and she’s like me! I’m beautiful too!” It’s an incredible environment to be around and I’d love to have the opportunity to do it again!
did and doing shoots in Africa during time of conflict to promote awareness. Now in the age of photoshop, negative body image and internalized body dysphoria Sports Illustrated has taken a stand. When you think of the magazine and it’s brand in popular culture most people think “Oh beautiful women in swimsuits” MJ Day has taken the brand to new heights by being inclusive. I had the pleasure of meeting plus sized models, mothers who had become models, models over 40, models with vitiligo and limb differences. MJ Day has given the brand new life by making it more inclusive and body positive, giving women who aren’t supermodels the opportunity to look at SI and say, “This woman is in SI, she’s beautiful and she’s like me! I’m beautiful too!” It’s an incredible environment to be around and I’d love to have the opportunity to do it again!
If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Marlins, who would you bring with you? Why?
If I had an extra ticket I'd give it to Bella my Sunshine Princess or Maverick my Sunshine Prince from the Miss Florida Sunshine Program. I absolutely love those kids to bits and I’m so excited to be their mentor.
Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?
As Miss Osceola I was supposed to throw the opening pitch for the Firefrogs however due to a scheduling conflict I wasn’t able to make it. I would love to have the opportunity to throw the opening pitch perhaps sometime in the near future!
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I hope she gets to make that happen!
As always, I want to thank Kylie for doing this interview, and for sending along the wonderful pictures. They really make the post a lot more fun.
As Kylie continues her time as Miss Osceola, I encourage you to follow her on her official Facebook page. It’s a great way to see what she’s up to during her remaining time with the crown.
Thanks again Kylie!
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