Nolen wins 2016 Junior Miss Peach (updated)
Published 9:38 pm Tuesday, June 21, 2016
2016 Junior Miss Peach Grace Nolen stands along with her court of Sara Kate Emmerich, first alternate; and Grace Ann Porter, second alternate. (Photos by Anthony Richards)
Grace Nolen was declared the 2016 Junior Miss Peach during a pageant on Tuesday in the auditorium at Chilton County High School.
She joins Little Miss Peach Mary-Henning Dale and Young Miss Peach Cresley Claire Haggard as 2016 winners.
“I feel like this is all a dream,” Nolen said. “Someone pinch me.”
The first alternate was Sara Kate Emmerich, while Grace Ann Porter was named second alternate.
Nolen has been competing in pageants since she was 7 years old, and has had success by being crowned Little Miss Peach in 2009 and Young Miss Peach in 2011.
Prior to her victory on Tuesday, Nolen finished fourth alternate and second alternate in her two previous attempts at Junior Miss Peach.
“I have been in this pageant for many years, and I believe that prepared me for this moment,” Nolen said. “It has always had a special place in my heart. Everybody is just so overjoyed.”
Nolen already has the message in mind that she will try to convey to young girls and those in need throughout the next year.
“Be confident in your abilities and believe in yourself,” Nolen said. “Whatever happens, never give up.”
Grace Nolen (left) was overcome with emotion as she was crowned by Grayson Gann, the reigning Junior Miss Peach.
Emmerich racked up the awards on the night by also winning the casual wear and Miss Congeniality portions of the event.
“This is the first time that I’ve placed in Peach, so it’s really exciting,” Emmerich said.
According to Emmerich, it was a last-minute decision to enter the pageant. She got her dress a couple of weeks ago and her casual wear the week before.
The lack of time to prepare allowed Emmerich to focus on her performance and not fixate on the position that she found herself in.
“It all just kind of flowed together, and I never got that nervous feeling,” Emmerich said.
The final peach queen will be crowned during the 2016 Miss Peach Pageant on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Chilton County High School.
