By Gage Wilson
For Glasgow News 1
Highland Ridge Assisted Living hosted its first-ever beauty pageant earlier this month, bringing contestants, families, volunteers and residents together for an event organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
The idea for the pageant came from Highland Ridge resident James Hurt, who suggested the facility host a pageant after meeting 12-year-old Carlee Brooke Briggs earlier this spring.
Briggs, the 2026 American United Miss Kentucky Preteen, had visited Highland Ridge in April with her friend Harbour Powell to host a Kentucky Derby Tea Party. During the visit, the two spoke with residents about their experiences in pageantry.
Hurt told Briggs he thought it would be meaningful for Highland Ridge to have a pageant of its own.
“Mr. Hurt expressed how meaningful it would be for Highland Ridge to host a pageant of its own, and the idea quickly became a reality,” Briggs said.
Briggs also incorporated the pageant into her community service initiative, Carlee’s Cars & Crowns, through which she collects unwanted crowns and repurposes them for others.
After Hurt suggested the event, Briggs searched her collection of crowns donated and found three matching pairs that could be used for the contestants. Sashes were ordered from her teacher, Melissa Tobin, while the winning sashes were donated by Kimberly Ball of Bardstown.
The pageant was offered free of charge to participants and featured two age divisions.
In the 5-7 age division, Evelyn Mayes, daughter of William and Bailee Mayes of Barren County, was named first-place winner. Braelyn Hudson, daughter of Billy and Missy Hudson of Nelson County, was named first runner-up, while Dallas Clark, daughter of Hunter and Brandy Clark of Barren County, was named second runner-up.
In the 8-12 age division, Amelia Kepley, daughter of Mark and Vicki Kepley of Hardin County, took first place. Ava Kemble, daughter of Josh and Courtney Kemble of Edmonson County, was named first runner-up, and Emry Secula, daughter of Trista and Kyle Secula of Barren County, was named second runner-up.
Young men and women from around the community took part in the inaugural Highland Ridge Pageant. Submitted
Brie Gossett, USOA Mrs. South Central Kentucky, served as emcee, while Powell, the 2026 Amerifest National Preteen; Harper Gaffney, 2026 Barren County Preteen; and Loran Haley, 2026 Preteen Butler County, also volunteered.
Elaina Barker, founder of Squeeze the Day, a nonprofit supporting Toys for Tots, participated in the event, while Harper Gearlds, Kentucky Volunteer America Teen, provided acoustic guitar and singing.
Michael Thomas Shirley, son of Aaron and Annie Shirley of Barren County, led the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening ceremony.
Briggs also credited Renee McGuire for helping coordinate the event and keep it running smoothly.
Briggs, the daughter of George and Jennifer Briggs of Cave City, attends Caverna Middle School. She was recently named the 2026 Children’s Day Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Dr. Bhaharat Mody.
Following the inaugural pageant, organizers said the response from residents, families and volunteers has sparked interest in bringing the event back next year.
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