Kaycee Krell Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaycee Krell is passionate about bullying and suicide prevention, a future wellness specialist, and the current Miss Cowley County. I was so flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kaycee Krell visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Cowley County crown? 

After I was crowned Miss Cowley County 2023 in September, my amazing parents took me to Braum’s (my road trip treat) and we drove the three hours back to Leawood. I vividly remember getting in the car and crying just staring at my crown and sash feeling so proud that I did it! 

What part of the upcoming Miss Kansas competition are you most nervous about? 

I am a diehard perfectionist and hold myself to an incredibly high standard. I wouldn’t say I am nervous per se, but I am definitely anxious about being able to perform the way I practice! I put my heart and soul into everything I do, especially when preparing for the Miss Kansas competition, so the pressure to reach my goals and make myself proud is immense! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Cowley County? 

Definitely the partnerships and sponsorships I have established. I knew that I wanted to expand my CSI this year of service, but I am incredibly humbled to have brought on REDCARD KC, DARE Greater Kansas Chapter, and BabyJay’s Legacy of Hope as my partners. I still have some in the works! At this point, I have also brought on 15 brand new sponsors and counting. I am just surprised and appreciative by the amount of support I have received from local businesses and organizations this year! 

How did you select your CSI “The MIRROR: A Reflection on Bullying and Suicide Prevention? 

My passion stems from my own tragic story as a bully victim. Six years ago, I was forced out of my high school when I was falsely accused of “snitching” on students using illegal substances. I faced a mob of over 400 students chasing me down the hallway trying to kill me. I endured daily abuse, hate crimes, death threats, and all of the horrible acts you could ever imagine. Not only was this detrimental to my growth and development as a brand new freshman, but it followed me to the next four high schools that I would later have to attend because I could never escape the false persona made for me or the bullying that it attracted. Yes, my experience was traumatic, but it led me to build an entire platform focused on saving the lives of bully victims and helping them regain their strength, just like I did. 

I established six steps toward overcoming bullying guided by the acronym M.I.R.R.O.R., because I want everyone to be able to look into the mirror and recognize their inner strength–recognition and reflection are the first steps to healing. This framework brought me out of some of my darkest times and I have seen firsthand the impact it has on the lives of others who have gone through similar experiences. 

You’re currently studying Community Health at the University of Kansas? What drew you down that path? 

I actually started out as a Journalism major wanting to go into

News Anchoring. I quickly realized I was listening to everyone else’s opinion of what I would be good at instead of what I knew deep down I wanted to do. I have always been passionate about healing others, whether that was abandoned animals at an animal shelter, cancer patients at my local hospital, elderly individuals in a nursing home, or ultimately victims of bullying like I once was. My sophomore year, I found the courage to deviate from the path that was chosen for me, and instead follow my dreams of pursuing a career in healthcare. 

As someone who has struggled with health conditions, I was validated by many healthcare professionals and I want to replicate that positive and nurturing experience for others. I want to be a Wellness Specialist either in a corporate setting, for a nonprofit organization, or a hospital. This ambition stemmed from serving as the Wellness Specialist for a sorority I was part of in earlier years of college. Promoting the utmost healthy lifestyle (mentally and physically) is a passion of mine and I want to help others reshape their behaviors and patterns and live a life they can’t wait to wake up to! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

I would be Mirabel from Encanto! Her story resonates with me a lot and I see myself in her. She was surrounded by others who received “gifts” and spent years searching for her own, but she was always encouraging those around her despite her own internal struggle. She never villainized her family members who had gifts or acted on jealousy, she was in awe of them and treated them as such. Her gift was not something tangible, it was the power and knowledge she possessed inside. She is a perfect reminder that the gifts we have in life may not be traditional, but we are always given exactly what is meant for us! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Kansas City Royals, who would you take with you? Why? 

Last year around this time I saw the Kansas City Royals play the St. Louis Cardinals and, of course, KC won! If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Royals, I would take my sister who is my best friend. Although she is not into sports at all, I think she’d be amazed by the funnel cake (but only if it is dairy free!) 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? 

In high school, I was the designated National Anthem singer for all of the sporting events and it was the biggest honor and joy for me. I’d love to sing the National Anthem at an MLB game for sure!

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That would definitely be a fantastic experience!

As always, I want to thank Kaycee for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Kansas! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Kaycee during her journey as Miss Cowley County. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. In fact, check out her whole linktree. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Kaycee, and good luck!