Williamsburg’s Morgan Moses reaches top 11 at Miss Kentucky Pageant

Williamsburg’s Morgan Moses turned in a stellar performance in the Miss Kentucky Pageant Saturday night, finishing in the top 11 and securing the People’s Choice Award.

Williamsburg’s Morgan Moses finished in the top 11 at Saturday’s Miss Kentucky Pageant and received the People’s Choice Award. Moses is a 2016 graduate of Williamsburg High School.

The 2016 graduate of Williamsburg High School is majoring in biology and pre-med at the University of Kentucky.

She is the daughter of Christey Moses.

For her work in the pageant, Moses earned $1,500 in scholarship money.

Moses said spending the week leading up to the pageant with the 30 other contestants was amazing.

“It was packed full of really cool opportunities,” Moses said explaining that the contestant had the opportunity to tour Kroger Field at UK, packaged food at God’s Pantry Food Bank and visited with veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

The competition kicked off Wednesday with the interview portion.

Moses said the judges asked a variety of questions on everything from political topics to where you got the outfit you chose to wear.

Thursday and Friday were devoted to swimsuit, evening gown and talent competitions.

Moses elected to sing “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical, “Wicked.”

“I had seen a performance of “Wicked” in Nashville and the song was just so powerful and amazing,” Moses said when asked why she selected that song.

Moses said the highlight of her week was making the top 11.

“Hearing my name called, that was my goal,” Moses said.

Moses said she was so thankful for the way Williamsburg and Whitley County rallied around her as she remained near the top of the People’s Choice Voting.

“It was amazing that I got to win the People’s Choice Award,” Moses said.

Moses said while the scholarship money and the award are great, the best thing to come out of the contest was having 30 great new friends.

“I have made some really awesome, lifelong friends. Pageants are not as competitive or catty as people think. The contestants really support each other,” Moses said.

Moses said while her focus will return to school, she isn’t ruling out competing again.

“I had such a good time and surpassed my goal. I would like to come back and compete next year and set an even bigger goal,” Moses said.

Two other local ladies participated Saturday.

Bailee O’Kuma and Brooke Way, both of Corbin also competed.

“Competing for the job of Miss Kentucky was hands down the most beautiful experience of my entire life. Through many tears, group hugs, wonderful stories, and laughs I am elated to say I’ve gained 30 new sisters who have done nothing but encourage me to be the best version of myself I could be,” O’Kuma wrote on her Facebook page. “The goal of this opportunity, for me, was to grace the stage with complete and utter confidence. I have received so many kind words and messages about how I have empowered someone to love themselves for who they are and for that, I am satisfied.

Way won the Images Modeling Scholarship Award.

“Thank you all so much for all the love and support! I am so thankful for my amazing community,” Way wrote on her Facebook page.