Clanton native Katie Hilyer was recently crowned Miss Alabama United States 2015.

Hilyer, 23, was crowned April 12 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham, and will represent Alabama at the national United States Pageant in July in Washington D.C.

Hilyer said there will be a swimsuit, evening gown, onstage question and interview portion, and the finals will be held July 5.

“After I compete at nationals, I will start my first year of law school this August at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University,” Hilyer said. “I am also currently acting as the Court Liaison for the 19th Judicial Circuit’s Veteran Court.”

In 2013, Hilyer was named Miss Chilton County, which she said helped her grow as a person.

“For those wanting to compete in pageants too, I have competed in every pageant circuit, and what I have learned is you can gain something positive from every pageant you do,” Hilyer said. “From the Peach Pageant to now Miss Alabama United States, the pageants have taught me how to interview, a skill I have used professionally many times, and I have figured out my goals for my career after participating in the Miss Alabama America system.”

Hilyer graduated from the University of Alabama in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences and a double major in public relations and political science.

Hilyer was also a member of the Crimsonettes for four years.

“Sometimes I see girls get down because they didn’t place or didn’t win a pageant and it breaks my heart because they had the courage to get on stage and give it their best, and there is a lot to be said for that,” Hilyer said. “Keep your head up and keep at it until it is your time.”

Hilyer is the daughter of Jimmy and Kay Hilyer, Elizabeth Hilyer and Dr. Barry Ginsburg and the sister of James Hilyer.

For more information about the United States pageant visit www.missalabamaus.com.