Miss Southern Missouri emerged Saturday night to claim the title of Miss Missouri 2023.
Hayley Leach, 24, of St. Louis told the Ledger on stage right after winning the crown she just needed to …
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Miss Southern Missouri emerged Saturday night to claim the title of Miss Missouri 2023.
Hayley Leach, 24, of St. Louis told the Ledger on stage right after winning the crown she just needed to regroup, get something to eat, and hit the road.
“I am in complete shock but I am so honored and I am so ready for this job Miss Missouri and to travel the state and speak to Missourians,” Leach said. “I’m going to hit the ground running with this job.”
Leach’s talent was a monologue that sounded more like foreshadowing as she spoke about what it means to be Miss Missouri. Leach also isn’t new to speaking. She and her brother Matthew have a podcast called “Puzzle in Progress” that explores the world of autism which also happens to be Leach’s Community Service Initiative (CSI). Leach said the next episode is already in the works.
“My brother and I already have a podcast scheduled with an autism specialist so we’re going to put out a new episode of Puzzle in Progress,” Leach said.
Networking and making connections is a big part of the Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization but Leach has been able to make a special connection with a fellow competitor in Miss Kansas City International Christina Beard whose CSI is “Autism Through a Lens.” Both ladies have a brother who is autistic.
“Just being able to share our experiences as siblings and that connection that I didn’t have when I was a little girl made me so happy and honored to be part of an organization where I can form life-long bonds with girls,” Leach said.
Leach also praised the community for everything they have done for her and the other contestants.
“The hospitality here is unmatched,” Leach said. “Mexico opens up their community to us and welcomes us with open arms. Without the volunteers in this community, the competition wouldn’t be possible.”
The rest of the top five included first runner-up Miss Branson Holly Enowski of Eldon; second runner-up Miss Springfield Route 66 Katie Farr of Jefferson City; third runner-up Miss Gateway Halie Hebron of O’Fallon; and fourth runner-up Miss Kansas City Georgia Barge of Kansas City.
