CULLMAN, Ala. – This year’s Miss Alabama Strawberry Festival pageant was held at Cullman High School on April 12 and Cold Springs’ sophomore Lainey Gerstman went home with the crown. She has been competing in pageants for several years, but this was her first time competing for Miss Strawberry Queen. The nerves were there for her at first, but she got some help from a few friends. Being in a lot of pageants helped her prepare for the competition and being around so many talented girls helped her get more comfortable as well.
“It was very nerve-racking, but I loved talking and making friends with the other contestants to ease my nerves,” Gerstman said. “It helped me learn the things I needed to improve on and what I needed to keep doing. Of course, experience is a big thing for pageants. It was a great experience being able to watch everyone else and learning from them, so I can better myself in every pageant.”
Lainey learned a lot during the pageant, and she had a lot of help during her preparation for the big event. Having her sister Avery by her side helped her out so much and she learned a lot from her in her pageants over the years.
“I learned that in the pageant world, it’s not always about winning. It’s about having fun and making new friends along the way. No matter what, never give up on yourself. God does things for a reason. I made sure my dress was steamed and ready. I got my shoes and earrings together. Then, two days before, my amazing mom, Shanna, spray-tanned me, and of course, I practiced my walk with my sister, Avery, to make sure it was perfect,” Lainey said. “It was amazing being able to have her help me with all my pageants. Avery is probably my biggest supporter. I don’t think I could’ve won this pageant without her. She is always cheering me on, no matter what I’m doing. She showed me how to perfect my walk and smile. Watching her in all of her pageants taught me to be slow and steady while also looking confident.”
Lainey did something special before the pageant got underway, and she was shocked when she heard that she had won.
“Before any of my pageants, I always pray that it goes smoothly for me and everyone else. I talk to my sister to calm my nerves,” she said. “I was not expecting it at all, and when they called my name, I was super happy and excited to have been chosen to represent the Strawberry Festival. All of the other contestants were very happy for me and congratulated me. My family and friends were all super excited and proud of me.”
A lot of girls watched the pageant, and Lainey wants to be a role model for them now as well. She shared some advice for any girls that want to compete in pageants themselves.
“It means the whole world to me. I love that I can influence future generations to always be kind and love everyone, no matter who they are, and always give our God the credit,” she said. “My advice would be to make sure to walk slow and be comfortable. Never give up if you don’t win a pageant. You’ll win some, you’ll lose some, but the real prize is the friends you make on the way and having fun.”
Lainey made a lot of great friends and a lot of great memories at this year’s pageant, and she talked about her most memorable moment.
“It made me feel very welcome. Making friends is my favorite part of pageants like this. I am a super social person, and I am always talking to new people and learning things about them. I love looking back at my pageants and remembering how fun it was and how kind everyone else is,” she said. “It was probably after we all walked. We stood in a group just talking about our walks and dresses and just getting to know each other.”
God has played a huge role in Lainey’s life and she shared a couple of her favorite Bible verses. She also talked about one of the most meaningful things she’s learned from participating in these events.
“He has been a part of all of my pageants. He is the reason for everything. Winning pageants is because of Him. He allows me to have that opportunity, and even though it is disappointing if I don’t win, I love to watch other people win and put the glory to God. He is the foundation to everything and the answer to all problems,” she said. “One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 5:7: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight.’ It helps me a lot when I’m competing, because it’s a reminder to always have faith in myself and not worry about what anyone else but God thinks about me. Another one is Proverbs 16:3: ‘Commit all your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.’ That is why I give God the glory for all of my accomplishments in anything. I learned that you will find good people, no matter where you go. If you just talk to people, you get to know who they are, and it will open up a lot more opportunities for so many people.”
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