Pageantry had been around for decades, and as someone who knows virtually nothing about it, I got curious and decided to reach out to Kalylyn Mills, Miss Yorba Linda’s Teen 2024, for an interview. 

Kaylyn, only fourteen years old, is an 8th grader at Tuffree Middle School. She’s an avid volleyball and music player with an expertise in trombone, bass trombone, and baritone. She is an active member of her church and enjoys hanging out with my dogs, traveling with my family, playing card games, and public speaking. 

The one thing I figured about pageantry is that it’s stressful, so the first thing I asked Kaylyn was what exactly it took for her to prepare for the stage. 

“First and most important of all, always listen to Sabrina (Sabrina is the choreographer) Whether it was to memorize dance steps, answer questions, or just to not look like a fool. Sabrina was always there to tell us when we’re wrong, and we love her for it.” 

Sabrina is amazing, and from what I gathered was the behind-the-scenes star of the show. She prepared Kaylyn and the other contestants for the many rehearsals to get ready for group numbers, walking in heels, the timeline of the show, each girl’s talent, and answering questions. 

“These rehearsals were vital to our success in the competition”. Kaylyn emphasizes. 

On top of that, Kaylyn and the other girls had to prepare for mock interviews, since the morning of the competition they each had a 10-minute interview with the judges with free for all questions. And on top of that, the contestants needed to choreograph a dance number. 

“Luckily, I did a pretty good job, and the audience loved it,” Kaylyn shares. 

My second question was about how people got involved in pageantry in the first place. Was it because they saw it on TV, and it piqued an interest? Or does their family have a history in pageantry? Neither applied to Kaylyn. 

“Participating in this pageant was completely spontaneous. I have never done a pageant, never seen a pageant, and never even knew how they really worked”. 

She simply shares how “my counselor called me up to her office and said that she got the chance to nominate five girls for this pageant and I happened to be one of them. I ended up being the only one who did it”. 

It was definitely meant to be. Kaylyn talks about how that one decision gave her the opportunity to meet and create lifelong relationships with so many incredible women.

To participate in a pageant in the first place is incredibly impressive, but to throw your hat in the ring with no experience is both confident and inspiring. 

I asked Kaylyn what her mindset was and whether or not she faced any barriers in terms of confidence. 

 “There were a lot of times where I doubted myself or worried about my preparation for the 

night. I knew that I would be going up against girls who have been in the pageant game their entire lives. Also, being one of the youngest to compete, I felt very inexperienced, and totally out of my element which makes things very stressful at times”.

Kaylyn coped by talking to her parents.

“They helped me so much through this entire process and are still helping me be successful as a title holder. I would talk to them about what is scaring me or what I feel I’m doing wrong, or what I need help with, and they were always there right by my side the entire way. Their reassurance motivated me to keep going no matter how scared or unprepared I felt, and they are the reason I am Miss Yorba Linda’s Teen today.”

Most people would’ve given up at the first error, but Kaylyn stuck it through and came out on top. She is hardworking, perseverant, brave, and is honestly one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met. I am so glad I got to meet her. Congratulations Kaylyn!