It’s not every day a young lady with a sash and crown walks into your store but that’s what happened for a lot of business owners in Mexico last Tuesday, Aug. 8, when Miss Missouri strolled through town.

Miss Missouri, Hayley Leach, was in town with her host last week meeting with folks to thank them for their support and to get some sponsorships for her run at a Miss America title next year.

“Some people when I walk in with the sash and crown don’t quite know,” Leach said. “Why is this girl with a crown and sash here?”

Leach has been busy since late June when she was crowned Miss Missouri here in Mexico. Getting back to Mexico frequently is a priority for Leach so she can support those who have supported her and the Miss Missouri Scholarship Fund.

“We have so many local sponsors who do so much not only during the competition week but year-round for the organization,” Leach said. “I think it’s important to do those in-person thank yous and showcase what their support looks like whether it’s in the program book or for my year of service.”

Leach just got back from Atlanta, GA, where she was working on her evening gown and she’s been practicing her talents. But a majority of her time has been spent working on her community service initiative which is autism awareness. Leach’s brother, Matthew, is on the autism spectrum and she does a podcast with him to help spread awareness. Next week she has a meeting with a national organization to see where she can help impact.

“I do a lot of work with Autism Speaks Heartland in St. Louis,” Leach said. “We’re going to see what my brother Matthew and I can do nationally.”

Leach is also on the road a lot and thanks to a car sponsorship she has a new Ford Escape to travel the state in. This week she’ll travel to Springfield to throw the first pitch at a Cardinals minor league game. However, she’s really looking forward to that first pitch in St. Louis which is also on the calendar

“I’m really excited about that,” Leach said.

Leach also has to prepare for the Miss America competition which should be sometime in January but no official date has been set. Leach said she’s anxious to know the date but regardless she’ll be ready.

“I do want to know the date just for my friends and family so they can plan to come but I feel I’ve put the work in before Miss Missouri to be Miss America ready,” Leach said. “I feel like my job as Miss Missouri gets me prepared every single day for Miss America.”

One of Leach’s stops in Mexico was Dagwood’s where she ran into some familiar faces and supporters.

“I like to support local businesses but it’s wonderful when they also give back to the scholarship organization,” Leach said. “It does make such a difference in young women’s lives.”