DC Native Sierra Hadley proudly wears her crown as the reigning Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012 as the trophy of her hard work and ambition. Using the tragic passing of classmate Alonzo Guyton, Hadley decided to stop living small and created a bucket list to keep her focused on attaining her goals in life. Hadley used her passion to help people to motivate her as she prepped for her first pageant spending hours working on her walk, talent, and hair.

Miss Sierra describes feeling nervous and unsure if she was ready before she took the stage, especially after an untimely fall backstage before the evening portion. Ultimately Miss Hadley recovered her balance and used her self-confidence combined with her endearing personality to sway the judges.

Since winning, Hadley continues to pride herself on being a key player in making a difference in her community. Basing her platform on building confidence in youth thru fitness and health initiatives, Miss Hadley continues to use community service to start making changes. While her community service roster lists food drives, toys for tots, and volunteering at the YMCA, Miss Sierra lists her work with the troops as her most memorable experience. “We made the most unusual care packages,” says Hadley, “We tried to send things that people don’t normally send.”

A rising sophomore at Howard University, Sierra studies nursing with the goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner but only after she runs for Miss DC after her current term ends.

Hadley advises those who want to follow in her footsteps to practice but always remember their personality. “The best advice I ever got was to remember that nobody likes a Pageant Patty or someone who isn’t relate-able,” says Hadley referring to girls who are dry and boring from over practicing. She also recommends potential contestants keep calm, smile thru their bloopers, and most importantly remaining true to themselves.

Anxiously preparing for her next pageant, Sierra  has been engulfed with shopping for dresses, practicing new hair styles, and most importantly perfecting her walk.

Hadley will take the stage on July 28th to compete for Miss Teen USA. Vote for her here: missdistrictofcolumbiausa.com The winner of the fan vote automatically gets a spot as a semifinalist.