Stuart teen Morgan McKeever started competing in pageants when she was just 5 years old, racking up multiple wins over the years. Crowned Miss Stuart in July 2024, she competed in the National All-American Miss Pageant this past November. For McKeever, now 13, the pageants aren’t just about sparkly dresses and tiaras. Competing has boosted her confidence and taught her many valuable life lessons. An avid philanthropist who volunteers for local organizations like The Salvation Army, House of Hope, and the Martin County Police Athletic League, McKeever chatted with us about some of those lessons she’s learned from the pageant world.
What inspired you to start doing pageants?
I used to live in a small town in southern New Jersey called Magnolia, and I’d see Little Miss Magnolia riding on her parade float. A year later, I was old enough to compete and I did. I ended up winning and went on to win Little Miss Camden County and Tiny Miss New Jersey too. It’s so much fun!
You’ve won many pageants, but how do you handle the losses?
I was disappointed when I didn’t make the top 15 at the national competition. But you can either let these kinds of challenges destroy you or build you. Think of yourself as a flower: you can put concrete over it, but it’s up to the flower to grow through it and create something beautiful.
Any advice for girls who might not feel so confident?
I’m not your typical pageant girl—I’m curvy, I’m sometimes messy, I do archery, I do boxing…. I just think it’s super cool to see that an everyday, rough, tough, 4-H girl can wear pretty dresses and still express her authentic self! So I’d say, be authentic, be yourself, chase your dreams, and chase your passions. You might miss your target, but you have so many more arrows to take another shot. Just be comfortable with yourself and let your confidence grow.
Do you have any famous role models?
Morgan Freeman just because of his wisdom, calm, and coolness. And Dolly Parton! Her wildfire spirit is so inspiring. She’s always herself and gives back to her community. I’m planning to get involved with her organization, Imagination Library. When I was a kid, I struggled with reading, and I can see how far I’ve come. Youth literacy is so important.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to go to college for criminal justice, join the military, and get a master’s degree in pyrochemistry.
Facebook Comments