Kayla Wright Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kayla Wright is passionate about talking about sexual abuse, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Statesville. 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 Kayla Wright visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Statesville crown?

In the moment I won Miss Statesville, I immediately started crying. Miss Statesville has been a dream of mine since I was 8 years old and the people within the organization have always been like family to me. Winning the title was more than just receiving a crown and sash, it was culmination of hard work. Statesville is my hometown, and I knew that if I ever got the chance to compete at Miss North Carolina it was the only place I wanted to wear across my chest. After winning, I took lots of pictures, cried with family and friends, and then went to eat a huge burger! 

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Statesville?

While I have many goals, my biggest is to make Statesville proud. That may sound cliche, but if I make the people of my town proud to have me as representative then I have done my job. I hope to make them proud in many capacities so keep up with me to see just how I do it! 

What is something you learned about yourself at Miss Statesville that will help you when you compete for Miss North Carolina?

Well for one, I cannot wear a strapless evening gown! I was pulling it up all night so I don’t think that would be the best decision for Miss North Carolina. More seriously, I learned that the people that were also competing for the title didn’t view it as a competition between each other. By this I mean that we did not view each other as competitors but as friends. I still talk to the girls I competed with and I hope that our friendships continue for a long time. The committee of Miss Statesville mentioned that we were the closest group of contestants, Miss and Teen, that they had seen. It was truly a women supporting women moment. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “L.I.A.R.”?

Four years ago, I was sexually assaulted by my boyfriend. For a long time I didn’t believe myself to be a sexual assault survivor because it was my boyfriend that did it and not a stranger or acquaintance. When I finally felt comfortable to tell my story to close friends, they provided me with comfort, telling me that it didn’t matter if he was my boyfriend when it occurred. I believe there are thousands of men and women that haven’t told their stories because they felt the same way I did. I want to empower these people and teach others that sexual assault does not only happen with strangers or acquaintances and it does not only happen at social gatherings or in alley ways. It can happen with someone you thought you loved in a place you once found comforting.  

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

As a dancer of 19 years, the stage is my home. Dance provides with a place to be free and express myself with movement. I love telling stories through my dances, and I hope that my Miss North Carolina talent is one that resonates with everyone. 

At Clemson, you’ve been a member of the Tiger Strut dance team. What was that experience like?

I was a member of Tiger Strut for my Freshman, Sophomores and Junior year. I am now a co-captain and team member with two other amazing ladies in my last year on the team. This team has provided me with a family at school and has allowed me to continue dancing in college. Not everybody gets the chance I’ve been afforded and I’ll forever be grateful for what Tiger Strut has given me. 

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

I would love to be in “Inside Out” as one of the emotions. When I watch that movie I like to think that’s how my feelings work. It’s a feel good movie with the perfect mix of comedic relief. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Charlotte Knights baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

If I were able to pick anyone it would be my papa. Although that is a chance I’ll won’t get because he is no longer with us, he would be the perfect baseball game companion. He was a huge Atlanta Braves fan and was definitely cheering them on when they won the World Series. 

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

I would love to throw the first pitch or sit inside the producing room. Two very different things but both amazing experiences. Throwing the first pitch would be a moment I would never forget, but being in the production room would give me an inside look into how games are called and how producers choose what is played to fans on television. I have put emphasis on sports in my time at Clemson in hopes that one day I could work for a professional sports team so any feature or activity in sports is an amazing experience and opportunity!

---

Thise are two very different goals, and I love them both.

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

As Kayla continues her time as Miss Statesville, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Kayla luck when she competes for Miss North Carolina! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Kayla, and good luck!

Melody Hager Visits Section 36!

Photo by Donald Latham

Section 36 has another visitor! Melody Hager is passionate about music therapy, a talented singer, and the current Miss Statesville. 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 Melody Hager visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Statesville crown? 

Directly after winning/competing, I always make a pit stop to Cook Out. It's a southern fast food chain and you can get everything imaginable there. I'm usually running on adrenaline during the day, so when I finish the night, I need something fast and preferably greasy! :) The next day after winning Miss Statesville, I visited the local assisted living center that housed my grandfather for years. I thanked them for what they do and payed homage to the man that has inspired me! 

What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself at the Miss Statesville competition? 

I am resilient. In 2018, I had a panic attack on stage while competing for another title. I was so bogged down and burnt out and I didn't listen to my body or my brain. I decided that I needed a comeback, but I needed to be FULLY Melody when I returned. So I reconnected with myself, and lo and behold, I won!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Statesville? 

My biggest goal is to continue my advocacy work through my

Photo by Donald Latham

SII Music is Medicine: Music Therapy Matters. Ideally, through my advocacy of the practice and the therapists, I'd like to secure music therapy recognition through licensure in our state. That would require legislation, but would better protect clients and music therapists. It's already in the works! :)

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Music is Medicine: Music Therapy Matters”? 

I was inspired by my grandfather, PaLuke. He had a stroke after my grandmother passed in 2012. I come from a deeply musical family, so we played old tunes that we hoped would resonate with him. Amazingly, we watched as his mood, speech, and memory improved while interacting with the music. I delved into research and discovered music therapy! Since then, I've felt a deep love for the practice and the people who make it possible. 

As a talented singer, how do you select the perfect competition song? 

Photo by Donald Latham

First and foremost, it needs to mean something to me. Even the best entertainers can fall flat if the song has no connection to them. I always select pieces that have sentimental value. After that, I choose songs that showcase my range and power. I have a strong belt and want to showcase my years of experience. I also LOVE to bring some Rock 'n Roll to a stage! 

You currently work as a school counselor. What do you like about that field? 

Working in Learning Support at my current school is so rewarding. During such a hectic year due to COVID-19, the kids needed stability and trusted adults. I'm so honored to be that for so many of my students. I love human connection, and have a particular passion for advocating for children. Through this job, I've gotten to know them as people and helped them as they develop into adults. I may or may not have cried when my seniors said goodbye!! 

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

My first job was actually dressing up as Disney princesses for parties and charitable events! I'd have to say Elsa. For one, having ice powers would be a great conversation starter. But knowing the influence she has on young girls would give me the opportunity to promote independence and following your dreams. Elsa and the Frozen franchise was (and continues to be) a cultural phenomenon, and would be one I could use to help nurture the next generation of women leaders.

If you had an extra ticket to a Charlotte Knights baseball game, who would you take with you? Why? 

Photo by Donald Latham

My dad! I don't I've ever been to a baseball game with him before. Neither of us know much about the sport, so I can only imagine the laughs we'd have trying to figure out what's going on. Cheer when our section cheers! 

You recently had the opportunity to sing the national anthem before a Charlotte Knights game. What was that experience like? 

Singing the anthem is always nerve wracking. It's the one song you can't mess up. As a Charlotte native, I understand how important Knights games are to our local community and knew I had to bring my A game. Even with my years of experience as a performer, I still get nervous before singing the Anthem! It went off without a hitch though, thankfully. The staff at the ballpark were so hospitable and welcoming. It was an honor. 

---

I can imagine that would be stressful!

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

I encourage you to follow Melody on her Instagram account. 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 North Carolina title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Melody, and good luck!