NHS sophomore Joie Kennedy shines at Miss Colorado Teen pageant

Joie Kennedy, a sophomore at Niwot High School, has made a name for herself in the world of pageantry. Recently, she was a semi-finalist in the 2024 Miss Colorado Teen USA competition and was named Most Photogenic.

Kennedy's journey in pageantry began relatively recently. "I've only done two pageants so far," she shared. Her inspiration came from watching Madison Marsh win Miss Colorado. "It was really fun to see her win and then go on to win Miss America," she said.

Competing in Miss Colorado Teen was a memorable experience for Kennedy. "All the girls are super nice, but there's also a lot of competition," she said. "I've learned a lot about myself from competing and I'm excited to compete again next year."

When she found out she was named a semi-finalist, Kennedy remembered she was "really happy, but also nervous for the on-stage question part." Despite the nerves, she excelled in all aspects of the competition, including the talent portion where she showcased her ballet skills.

Kennedy was also named Most Photogenic. She recalled, "It made me feel more confident about myself. It was my first pageant and winning that title gave me a huge boost in self-esteem."

Preparing for pageant competitions involves both mental and physical preparation. "I had never walked in heels before, I'm always in tennis shoes and sandals," she explained. "I also practiced speaking with my parents and friends to prepare for on-stage questions and interviews."

Kennedy credits her mother, Jami Kennedy-Bierbrodt, for her significant support throughout her pageant journey. "My mom helped me through all the ups and downs."

To anyone interested in starting pageantry, Kennedy says, "It's really fun, and you'll meet so many girls who will become long-lasting friends. It's not just about the competition, it's about who you become as a person."

As new as Kennedy's pageant journey is to her, she doesn't feel intimidated by the cultural connotation. "Colorado isn't the biggest pageant state, so most of the girls are usually about to go into college or their senior year. I'm proud of what I've accomplished."

Beyond pageantry, Kennedy is a captain of her club volleyball team and a member of the NHS girls volleyball team. As she enters her sophomore year, she is looking forward to her role in Student Council and spending time with her friends. Her favorite subject in school is English, thanks to an "amazing" teacher last year, she explained.

Balancing school, pageants, and extracurricular activities requires organization and time management. "I use a calendar every day to keep track of my schedule," she said. "Staying organized is key."

Her pageant journey is not just about personal achievements, it's also about spreading awareness on important issues. She realized pageants gave her a platform to share the story of her dad, Joe Kennedy, a former major league pitcher who died at age 28 from a heart ailment before she was born. "I sadly lost him to cardiomyopathy," she said. "Competing in Miss Colorado Teen gave me a platform to advocate for heart health."

"It's important to go in-depth with your doctors at your appointments," she said. Kennedy herself visits a cardiologist regularly, "Nothing is wrong with my heart right now, but I take precautions because of what happened to my dad."

As Kennedy continues her journey in both pageantry and academics, she remains a shining example of perseverance and dedication. With her eyes set on future competitions and her heart in raising awareness for important causes, Kennedy is poised to inspire many along the way.