MINOT, N.D. (KXNET) — When she’s not competing in pageants, the current Miss North Dakota Teen USA is caring for her two siblings and cheerleading at her high school.
Jaycee Parker has only lived in Minot for about a year, but this is not the Alabama native’s first foray into pageantry, having begun competing at age 6.
Parker said that when preparing for a competition, it’s more important to stay mentally sharp than to practice and find the right dress.
“That’s important, for sure, but you also need to make sure your mind is in the right place so you can focus and do your best and not worry about other people,” Parker said.
There were various prizes for the winners in the various categories, but it was Jaycee Parker who took home the title of Miss North Dakota Teen USA.
“Of course I got a crown and a flag and a bouquet of flowers. And my sister, Codi Miller, got one too. She’s Miss North Dakota USA,” Parker said.
Contestants competed in three categories: an interview with the judges, a fitness competition and an evening gown competition.
The girls who made it into the top five also had to answer questions pulled from a fishbowl, but that wasn’t the most difficult part for Parker.
“I just tried to keep my nerves in check. I always have stage fright before I go on stage, I get a little nervous and my stomach lurches, but I also knew that once I was on stage, everything was going to be OK, it was in God’s hands, and my family was with me,” Parker said.
Parker said the greatest joy of winning Miss North Dakota Teen USA isn’t just the prize or the title.
“It just means I can be a role model for the younger generations. Growing up with my two younger siblings, I always had to be a role model for them. So it’s a really good opportunity for me to be a role model for girls who want to be in pageants or who just need a role model or a role model,” Parker said.
Active in the community as a part of Miss North Dakota Teen USA, Parker is drawing inspiration from her own journey to create alarm keychains for teens who may be traveling alone.
They urge girls to be aware of their surroundings, especially as human trafficking is on the rise around the world.
“Especially when you start driving and going to gas stations late at night, having a pull alarm on your key fob can scare off anyone that approaches you,” Parker said.
In the future, she hopes to partner with Polaris, the leading human trafficking hotline.
She also wants to create a safety keychain with additional features such as a mace, seatbelt cutter and window breaker.
Parker said she doesn’t know what career she wants to pursue when she grows up, and is debating whether to become a lawyer, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, a pediatric oncologist or join the Air Force.
She will compete in the national competition in Hollywood on August 1. The competition will be broadcast live on The CW, so be sure to tune in.
