Kelsey Hollis Visits Section 36!

Photo Matt Boyd

Section 36 had another visitor! Kelsey Hollis is passionate about autism acceptance and awareness, a talented singer, and the current Miss Capital City. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kelsey Hollis visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Capital City crown?

As cliche as it may sound, I gave a huge thank you to God (right before I ate my celebratory Waffle House All-Star breakfast). When I competed for Miss Capital City I was coming off a rather tough loss at Miss Tennessee where I placed 3rd runner-up. I was proud of myself, but inevitably still defeated. Coming back home to Georgia gave me a little bit of nerves, so I prayed a lot leading up to the pageant that God would just send me a sign that I'm on the right track and still walking in my purpose. Winning Miss Capital City itself meant so much, but I also won all of the overall awards which gave me the confidence I needed at that time to keep going.  

You were previously Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen. Do you think that past experience helps as you compete for Miss Georgia?

For sure! During my reign, I did tons of speaking and singing engagements; sometimes in high stress situations. I believe to some extent a lot of being able to handle that from a mental standpoint eventually becomes second nature. Being Miss Georgia's OTeen helped me to feel comfortable as being MYSELF as I transitioned to being a Miss candidate. I always tell people the experience was so surreal for me because I was able to fit the title to my life, rather than fitting my life to the title. Everything about my reign was genuine. 

What is something that Karson Pennington is doing as Miss Georgia that you would want to emulate? 

Karson is truly doing so many amazing things for our state, it's hard to choose! I personally believe one of the most special things that Karson has focused on is showing how important it is to bring awareness and resources to communities in Georgia that don't all receive the same opportunities in literacy. Aiding equity within our state is something I don't believe too many people before Karson gave attention to. I'd love to keep that same priority in terms of literacy, but also in terms of those who are diagnosed with a disability within our state as well. 

How did you select your social impact initiative?

My older brother, Jeremy, was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age. My mom also is a special education teacher. I believe these two components of my life gave me the perception that everyone in the world was use to, and comfortable with the idea of being around someone with a disability. It wasn't until I got older, and started noticing the differences in my life and my brother's life that I truly realized the dire need for awareness, acceptance, and advocacy on behalf of the (what I like to call) DIFFERENTLY-abled community. 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy about performing on stage?

Photo Rob Metzger

I tell people all the time that for me, it's such an out of body experience. As a child I was extremely shy in terms of large crowds. The first time I ever preformed by myself it was on my 4th birthday in church. I made my mom stand on stage with me, and I sang with my back to the crowd. I truly can say that years later, I now know that singing and preforming is part of my God-given purpose. I love knowing that I have the ability to touch the lives of people simply by doing what I love for Christ. Every time I go on stage I challenge myself to find at least one person in the crowd and talk to them through song. As I'm preforming I make eye contact with whoever God leads that person to be in my heart. I always try to pick songs that I can connect and resonate with, so that hopefully that same conviction and inspiration is able to transpire into the lives of those watching and listening; even if it's just one person. 

You are thinking of a career in sports journalism/sports psychology. What interests you about those fields?

I've always loved sports! The Miami Heat, Big 3 era was really what gave me the desire to formulate a career somewhere in the sports industry. I think in order to help athletes from a mental standpoint, you have to be able to understand their world and the validity of the things that they go through. The communicative aspect of journalism I believe, will give me the proper stepping stones to be successful in furthering my sports psychology aspirations. I would love to ultimately open a practice of traveling sports psychologists that use skill-based techniques such as music therapy and psychodynamic therapy, to aid athletes in their daily struggles.  

What is your personal fitness routine?

Firstly, a huge part of staying in shape for me has been my diet. I'm very careful about my proportions and pretty much only drink water except for the occasional sweet tea or fruit punch on my good days, lol. As far as exercise, try to go to the gym at least once every other day and I LOVE lifting. When you work legs, arms, back, and core often; your body naturally starts to slim down and tone up. Truly, I hate cardio in terms of running; so I use the rowing machine a lot and do things that warrant a lot of movement like jump squats and burpees. 

You had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem game at Fenway Park before a Red Sox Yankees game. What was that experience like?

INCREDIBLE! We lucked up and got to sing for the Red Sox vs Yankees rivalry game, so it was packed! That definitely is the largest crowd I've ever preformed in front of. The atmosphere in Fenway Park is crazyyyy, but in such a beautiful and exciting way. The crowd also was super responsive and supportive after our performance which made it even better! 

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

I'd love to throw the first pitch!! I've never had the chance to do so, but I played softball for a little while when I was younger, and I was the quarterback in high school for our powderpuff team... needless to say, I've got a pretty good arm! I really would love to see how well I can throw it under pressure! 

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That would be so wonderful!

As usual, I want to thank Kelsey 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 Georgia! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Cassandra during her journey as Miss Capital City. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Kelsey, and good luck!

Karson Pennington Visits Section 36!

Photo: Matt Boyd

Section 36 had another visitor! Karson Pennington is passionate about reading, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Georgia. 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 Karson Pennington visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Georgia crown?

I celebrated by spending lots of time with my family! They are the reason behind everything I do. I am very close with my mother, father, and sister, so when I finally got home after spending almost two weeks in Columbus, GA, we did what we always do—play card games and watch movies! I’ve been competing in the Miss America Organization since I was 13 years old, and couldn’t have been more surprised when my name was called as Miss Georgia 2021. It’s been an absolute honor thus far, and I’ll be celebrating this victory for the rest of my life.

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

Honestly, I’m probably the most nervous about the onstage interview! Even though I’m a Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia for introductory American Government classes and spend much of my time in front of my classroom, I still get nervous when put on the spot. However, I love being the connection that students have between the classroom and real life. So, being a Teaching Assistant has helped me in overcoming some of the nervousness I experience during onstage interview!

You were recently able to appear in the iconic Show Us Your Shoes parade at the Miss America 100th anniversary celebration. What was that experience like?

The Show Us Your Shoes parade has been one of my favorite events of my reign! I was able to represent my college, the University of Georgia. While in my undergraduate studies at UGA, I was a four-year member of the Georgettes Dance Team with the Redcoat Marching Band. I had the opportunity to dance at 3 SEC Championships, 2 Sugar Bowl Games, and the 2018 National Championship. UGA sports have played a huge role in my life, so I was honored to demonstrate my love for the school by wearing the iconic Georgette white boots in the parade. I’ll never forget riding in the parade and yelling “Go Dawgs” to everyone I saw!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Reach Out and Read”? 

When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with onset fluency disorder, or stuttering. I had trouble connecting my thoughts to my speech, and struggled to get words out of my mouth. My pediatrician recommended to my parents that they teach me to read as a way to build confidence in my speaking skills. I haven’t put books down since! Reading saved my life, so now I travel the state in hopes that education and literacy can save the lives of others as well.

While at UGA you were a member of the Georgettes dance team. What was that experience like?

Being a Georgette was an experience unlike any other! I will never forget the feeling of dancing in Sanford Stadium in front of 93,000 fans. One of my favorite memories was the Notre Dame game in the 2019 season, which was my senior year. I traveled with the band to Notre Dame in 2017 when we pulled off a close win, so getting to see the Dawgs beat Notre Dame again, at a night game in Sanford Stadium was truly chilling. I love sports, and being a Georgia fan hasn’t always been easy! But, I’m very proud to have been a small part of our recent success. Go Dawgs!

You’re currently a doctoral student in Political Science and International Affairs. Where do you see that field taking you?

I never imagined that I’d be getting my PhD in Political Science & International Affairs, but, now I can’t imagine my life without my research and teaching opportunities. I found my passion for political science in fall of 2016 as a freshman in an Honors Introduction to American Government class, which I had truthfully dreaded taking! I was an English and Journalism major at the time, and didn’t believe I knew enough about politics and government to be successful in the class. When I realized how important history was to political science, it began to peak my interest. By the end of my first semester at UGA, I had changed my major to political science and had a million questions about how our government operated. Now, I complete research about the judiciary and teach classes each week. I love what I do and cannot wait to become a collegiate professor and advocate 

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

I would absolutely be Belle! Though the prospect of being trapped in a castle with a beast sounds horrible, I would love to have access to all the books in the library. I would spend the entire week reading, which is basically my idea of a perfect week anyway! And, my favorite color is yellow, so I’d love to have her ball gown in my wardrobe.

The Braves just won the World Series this year for the first time in over 25 years. As a Braves fan, what was it like to have them do that during the year you’re representing the state as Miss Georgia? 

I’ve been a Braves fan my entire life, so I am absolutely overjoyed that the Braves have won a World Series title for the first time in my lifetime! I had the opportunity to attend Game 3, and of course brought my sash into the game for some pictures. It was such a surreal experience to be wearing “Georgia” across my heart while sitting in Truist Park. I can remember being a toddler, wearing my dad’s oversized Braves t shirts, and sitting on his lap during the games. When the Braves won the World Series in 1995, my dad bought a denim jacket with the Braves logo on it. 26 years later, I wore my dad’s jacket to Game 3! I’m so proud to be a Georgian, and a Braves fan. What a year to be Miss Georgia!

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

My favorite tradition is when Timothy Miller sings “God Bless America”. It’s incredibly moving to see the entire stadium sing along. It makes me more proud than ever to be a Braves fan and an American!

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That sounds like a fantastic experience! 

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

As Karson continues her time as Miss Georgia, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Georgia website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown next month. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Karson, and good luck!

Chelsea Paulding Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Chelsea Paulding is passionate about advocating against domestic violence, a talented singer and dancer, and the current Miss West Georgia. I was excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I was also honored that she is the first titleholder to visit from the state of Georgia!

So, let's see what happens when Chelsea Paulding visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss West Georgia crown?

I was so excited and super hungry afterwards so my family and I went to dinner to celebrate! The next day I told my other friends and family and the support and love was overwhelming. It was an amazing feeling but the hard work had just begun. 

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

I am nervous in general about the entire experience because this is my 1st time competing in the Miss Georgia Competition, but I am mainly nervous about the talent portion. I  will be sining for the 1st time in front of a large crowd. I have sung my entire life with my cousins and family but never on stage. It will be nerve racking but I have been preparing and working with an amazing vocal coach who has been boosting my confidence and getting me show ready. 

  

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss West Georgia?

The most pleasant surprise was being able to connect to not

Photo by The Cam Killa

only so many amazing women in Georgia but having an entire network of lovely women across the country to connect with, hear their stories, and have their support. It was truly the greatest sisterhood that I could ask for. I do not have biological sisters but knowing that so many ladies in the Miss America Organization come together to uplift each other is truly amazing! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Advocating Against Domestic Violence Amongst Women”?

While I was in my undergraduate program I took a course called Violence Against Women and did an internship at a domestic violence shelter named Promise Place and got to see first hand how so many women were victimized instead of loved within their relationships. I was able to help and allocate resources for them to live a life they deserved. I continued to advocate for all women who go through domestic violence situations because I want to see more survivors, not victims. By using my platform to spread awareness and encourage victims to seek help is one step closer to a new life and could potentially save a life.

What is your favorite part about performing your talent during a competition?

When I competed for Miss West Georgia, I danced and love to dance! I danced in high school with the marching band and for my undergraduate basketball dance team. I decided to sing for Miss Georgia because it has been a hidden talent of mine that I want to embrace. My favorite part of performing my talent is having the opportunity to come out of my comfort zone and embrace what makes me happy. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I absolutely LOVE to workout and cherish fitness. I usually workout five days out of the week which consist of cardio and weight training. My eating habitats are generally healthy but I  love a good TollHouse chocolate chuck lovers cookie every now and then. I do believe that fitness is not just physical but also mental, so having that mental stability to push through and not give up on my healthy lifestyle is important. My love for physical and mental health lead me to starting my own nonprofit called Sis, You Got This. It focuses on promoting women's health both physically and mentally while embracing women's empowerment. 

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

I would definitely be princess Tiana because she is a hard worker, doesn't give up on her dream, and has a heart of gold for others. We embody the same characteristics and would love to be her for a week, especially in the rich culture of New Orleans. 

If you had an extra ticket to an Atlanta Braves game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my Poppop if he was still here. I went to my 1stBraves game with him and would do anything to have that time back with him again. He loved sports and loved spending time with his granddaughter, 

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

I would love to throw the 1st pitch some day to start off the game! It probably wouldn't be the best pitch but it would certainly be an exciting experience! 

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That would be so much fun! 

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

As Chelsea continues her time as Miss West Georgia, I encourage you to follow her on Instagram. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Georgia title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Chelsea, and good luck!