Miss McMinnville Kristen Gallant visited the area recently touring two schools and various businesses in an attempt to introduce herself to the community and talk about her upcoming trip to the Miss Tennessee Pageant. The state competition will be in Jackson on June 17 – 20.
The 18-year-old will graduate from Pigeon Forge High School in May, and has been accepted to attend Middle Tennessee State University. She plans to major in broadcast journalism, with her dream to be on “Good Morning America.”
The Miss McMinnville Pageant is a Miss Tennessee preliminary, but also part of the Miss America system. Local director is Susan Burks, with Gallant being crowned the first Miss McMinnville.
With the pageant being part of the Miss America system, different cities hold pageants and open them up to contestants from across the state. You do not have to live in the town where you are competing to win the title.
“Kristen has represented McMinnville in several activities, with her recently taking part in the grand opening of the Hard Rock Café in Pigeon Forge, as well as speaking at a conference at Bryan College,” said Burks. “While at Bryan she promoted her pageant platform on adoption, all while wearing her Miss McMinnville sash.”
Gallant is adopted, and she happily tells her story and how she feels her adoption has been a blessing to her.
“I want to share my story with others, and I feel my platform might help create families through adoption,” said Kristen. “It’s my story and it’s important for me to share with other children to help them know they are not alone.”
Preparing for the Miss Tennessee is a daunting task, one she and her mother Tracey embrace. Kirsten is at the gym working each morning at 5:30 a.m. before going to school. She practices her singing each day, emphasizing her voice exercises have to be done regularly.
“I have to practice a lot for the personal interview, keeping up with the news, writing down info and trying to stay up to date on current events,” said Kristen.
She says she is enjoying her reign, especially coming to McMinnville and learning more about the town. On this particular visit, she read to elementary students at both Boyd Christian and Bobby Ray Memorial, and followed with a question and answer session.
“Susan has been so helpful to us, and everyone has been very welcoming,” said Kristen. “I just love this town, I love being able to walk up the street, do some shopping and even have a cup of coffee or a cup of yogurt. It’s just a nice place, and I promise to represent McMinnville to the best of my ability.”