Feature Story & Photos By: Larry H. Oskin
Hailey Bladek, life-long resident of South Lake, has recently been crowned as Ms. Lake County and will soon move on to represent Lake County in state pageants. Bladek already has plans to represent Lake County in 7 parades, to read books to elementary school children, help with more fundraisers and help write holiday cards for local retirement homes.
Hailey Bladek was crowned in the Lake County Miss Cattleman’s Sweetheart Pageant, earned first runner up in the 2021 Denims & Diamonds Pageant, and participated in the Miss Lake County Pageant. She says, “I’ll try anything once!” Lake County Pageant Director Jackie Croft notes, “I love that Hailey Bladek is very eager to serve her community. Our program is a community service-based pageant. Each girl will participate in over 100 service hours before the end of their reign.”
Bladek is a graduate of South Lake High School, where she also earned an Associate’s Degree. She was active in FFA, 4H and student government as well as with numerous community events and charitable projects. She is currently enrolled as a Junior at the University of Florida, majoring in agriculture communications and agricultural law. Besides raising and showing cows on her grandparent’s farm, she works at a local insurance agency.
The 19-year old says, “I am from Clermont. I know all of Clermont, Minneola and Groveland areas like the back of my hand. This is my hometown. I was raised by my mom who has challenged me to be successful in any way possible. If I did not want to do something, she still made me do it and every single time I ended up loving it. I love being a single child because it makes my friends feel like my close family/siblings. I was a student at South Lake High School for my freshman and sophomore years, but my junior and senior years, was dual-enrolled in college. I graduated South Lake High School with my high school diploma and my Associate’s Degree.
Bladek’s absolute favorite restaurant and breakfast food is Donut King of Minneola. She loves the local Tiki Bar for its tater tots, burgers and wings; and shopping in locally owned Clermont and Minneola boutiques. She always looks forward to time with friends, parties and going to Disney. July 4th is her favorite holiday, followed by her birthday when everyone helps her celebrate.
Hailey Bladek has some favorite words to live by: “Beef – It’s what’s for dinner!” She explains. “My love for agriculture will be with me until the cows come home. I buy steers and cows to raise them one at a time to show and sell them at the fairs.”
She continues, “I encourage everyone to get involved in pageants. You may not always win, yet you will learn self-confidence and earn self-esteem. No matter what the outcome, keep trying.”
“My special life dreams are as simple as being a hard worker and being as successful as possible in anything I put my heart to. She confides, “I have to be successful as I like expensive things!” She adds, “Go Gators. I wake up excited every day to advocate for future generations and agriculture.”
Her mom Michelle notes, “Hailey is always happy and laughing. Very little ever upsets her. I’m proud of all her achievements. She loves raising and showing her cows at the County and State Fairs. She has always been active in Future Farmers’ competitions and supports charitable causes to help our community.”
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Ms. Lake County Pageant is a diverse scholarship pageant with participants ranging from young girls to adult women (single/married/ with children). The annual pageant is open to all Lake County females.
More than $30,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Lake County students over the years.
For More Information, call Jackie Croft, Pageant Director at 352-267-7043, email: info@misslakecounty.com, JackieAC2002@aol.com or visit: http://www.misslakecountypageant.com/.
