Year in Preview: Miss Shelby County to be crowned in July

Hayley Barber was crowned Miss Shelby County in 2015, and the Pelham resident is ready to help find a new pageant queen on July 15, 2016.

The Miss Shelby County pageant offers college scholarships, and winners go on to compete in Miss Alabama and represent their chosen platform throughout the year. Barber, whose platform is supporting children with vision impairment, said she won $4,000 in scholarships from the competition and is preparing for Miss Alabama in June.

“Miss Shelby County is an opportunity to grow and push yourself to learn more about yourself, your community, your state and your country,” Barber said. “There is an unparalleled confidence that comes from knowing who you are, and participating in Miss Shelby County forces you to do that.”

Barber will be on hand in the Miss Shelby County pageant this year, helping backstage, dancing and presenting on stage. At the end, she will pass on her crown to a new winner. She encouraged Shelby County young women to participate even if they have no prior pageant experience.

“I have learned much more about Shelby County than I would’ve thought and had the chance to meet people who are always willing to help in my pursuits,” Barber said.

Applications for Miss Shelby County will be available in June and are due one week before the pageant. More details on pageant participation can be found at missshelbycounty.com.