Halle Sullivan will bring a maturity beyond her years into her role as Young Miss Peach.

Sullivan was crowned by 2014 Young Miss Peach Kassidy Payne at the pageant Monday at the Chilton County High School auditorium.

Sullivan was Little Miss Peach as a seven-year-old 2011, after two previous years of competing in the category, making the top-10 in 2009 and first alternate in 2010.

After sitting out 2012 as a reigning Peach Queen, Sullivan could have competed in Young Miss Peach in 2013, but she was named Young Miss Chilton County.

Last year marked Sullivan’s return to the Peach Pageant stage with a second alternate finish.

Sullivan’s 2015 court included Alli Kate Calhoun, first alternate and casual wear winner; Alivia Brown, second alternate; Sophie Porter, third alternate; and Taylor Driver, fourth alternate.

Sullivan’s mother, Shanda Bowen, said Sullivan has a better understanding of what is expected of her as a Peach Queen.

“She’s been the little one,” Bowen said. “She knows more about peaches in general and what the farmers do. And she doesn’t meet a stranger–so I’m sure she’ll talk and try to promote more.”

Sullivan focused on performing well on the interview portion of the pageant, but her hard work seemed for naught when she arrived late, with mud on her pants—and with no earrings.

However, she said the situation may have, in a strange way, allowed her to be herself and open up to the judges.

Sullivan participates in Alabama’s Rising Stars, a mentoring program as part of the Miss Alabama Pageant.

When Sullivan was Little Miss Peach, Miss Peach was Jill Vinzant, who now competes in Miss Alabama.

“That’s who she looks up to,” Bowen said. “She set the bar.”

There’s much to enjoy before Sullivan reaches that point, though, including a year-long reign as Young Miss Peach.

There will be events and meetings with politicians, but Sullivan said she know what she is most looking forward to.

“I really like the free ice cream at Peach Park,” she said.

The 2015 Junior Miss Peach was to be crowned at the pageant Tuesday. See ClantonAdvertiser.com and Thursday’s newspaper for coverage.

The Miss Peach Pageant is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the CCHS auditorium.