–tcomer@my.apsu.edu
Jessica Gray | Staff Photographer
Miss Lesleigh Stanfill of Houston County, Tenn., took home the title Miss Austin Peay 2013 on Saturday, Nov. 3.
Stanfill is a seasoned competitor, who began participating in pageants at five-months old.
Stanfill first competed in Miss Tennessee preliminaries at the age of 17.
After nabbing her Miss Austin Peay title, she will compete in the Miss Tennessee pageant in Jackson, Tenn., in June.
“I felt that it would be an honor to have the chance to represent APSU, and it, being a scholarship pageant, would help me pay for my education,” Stanfill said.
Stanfill’s charity platform is volunteerism with an emphasis on people with learning and developmental disabilities.
This platform hits close to home for Stanfill because her brother falls into this category.
Stanfill said the charity was an easy choice, describing her brother as “the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Stanfill sported a black evening gown during the beauty portion and a gold dress with a train during the talent portion.
For her talent, Stanfill chose to play the piano.
She began playing piano as a little girl and decided to pick it back up as a personal challenge, as well as a way to perform for her Tennessee preliminaries.
“Most people sing or dance, and I wanted to do something different,” Stanfill said.
“Plus, the elegance of pianists always stands out to me.”
Stanfill said she is still shocked and grateful to have been chosen as the 2013 Miss Austin Peay.
“Lesleigh wears a beautiful gown tonight, and she nailed her interview, making her an easy choice for tonight’s winner,” said pageant judge Ashlee Spearman.
Stanfill plans on making several future appearances at APSU, as well as throughout Clarksville and surrounding communities.
“I am excited to show everyone how great a university APSU is,” Stanfill said.
Her goal for her future in pageant competition is to concentrate on Miss Tennessee and to represent APSU well.
Other winners include:
1st Runner-Up- Jordan Davis
2nd Runner-Up- Jessica Wimberly
3rd Runner-Up- Victoria Davis
Talent Winner- Carmen Fowlkes
Fitness Winner- Jordan Davis & Lesleigh Stanfill (tie)
PR Winner- Brooke Cox
Miss Congeniality.- Jessica Wimberly
