Say hello to your new Miss West Virginia USA, Lauren Roush. Lauren is a student here at WVU majoring in Secondary English Education.
Q: Where are you from?
LR: Mason, WV
Q: How long have you been doing pageants?
LR: I have been competing in pageants since I was 16.
Q: What inspired you to start competing in pageants?
LR: My aunt Soni competed in pageants, and I had the dream of one day becoming the local fair queen for the Mason County Fair. My aunt served as my mentor on my journey through pageantry.
Q: What was the first ever pageant that you won?
LR: Miss Pocahontas County’s Outstanding Teen 2012. This title sent me to compete for Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen.
Q: How many titles/crowns do you have?
LR: I have won four pageants in my life. Only two of these wins, including my current title as Miss WV USA, were not preliminary pageants. Normally at preliminary pageants, more than one girl will win because it sends you onto the state pageant. However, I have competed about 50 different times. I now realize that every time I lost was a positive, because I am now so incredibly thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. There really is immense power in perseverance.
Q: How did you feel whenever you realized you were going to be crowned Miss WV USA?
LR: It was an out-of-body experience. I have dreamt about that moment my entire life, and I truly was in disbelief when my name was called as the winner. I remember falling to my knees and then being helped up by the other contestants. I also remember pointing up to give all the glory to God and looking out at all of my family and friends who have supported me along this journey. It was a moment that changed my entire life.
(http://www.pageantupdate.info/blog/miss-west-virginia-usa-teen-usa-2017-results-recap)
Photo credit: Superior Pageant Productions
Q: How does it feel to be representing WV in the Miss USA Pageant?
LR: It is the biggest honor I have ever received in my life. I can’t even put into words the amount of love I have for our state. From the beautiful mountains to the nicest people in the world, West Virginia is so incredibly beautiful. I am humbled to represent the state that I hold so dear.
Q: What are you most nervous about for competing in the Miss USA Pageant?
LR: Right now, I am not nervous at all. I am so extremely excited. I have dreamt my entire life about announcing myself on national television as, “Lauren Roush, West Virginia.” I can’t believe I will finally have my moment.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in competing for the Miss USA Pageant?
LR: I am looking forward to getting to know the other 51 contestants competing for Miss USA. Only one girl will win a crown, but everyone will have the opportunity to win the friendships of a lifetime. We are all bound by this precious sisterhood, and I am really blessed to be a part of it.
Q: Do you have any advice for girls who would want to start getting into pageants?
LR: To the girls who wish to compete, I would say always stay true to who you are. Anytime you are openly allowing people to judge you, it is extremely scary and, at times, brutal. I’ve competed on almost 50 occasions, and won only a few times. You cannot be too hard on yourself, and you cannot obsess over “perfection.” Your character is not reflected in your ability to win over the hearts of 5 random people in minutes…your character is determined by your ability to lose consistently and still chase after your dream. This “road to the crown” has no destination…I’ve found that in the end, it is about the amazing journey of becoming the best possible version of yourself.
Photo credit: Ashley Singh Photography