Karrington Childress, Miss West Virginia 2023, recently took a moment to look back on her year of service, expressing that it has been the most fulfilling time of her life.
Throughout her tenure, Childress has connected with people all across West Virginia and has been a passionate advocate for literacy, notably through her initiative, Karrington’s Kids Readers are Leaders.
An Enriching Journey
Childress feels immensely grateful for the abundance of opportunities she encountered during her reign, describing the experience as deeply enriching.
She particularly cherishes her collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Education and its Read Aloud West Virginia program, where she had the privilege of working alongside State Superintendent of Schools, Michele Blatt.
Community-Focused Endeavors
Her collaboration with the Department of Education has not only amplified her impact but also provided a platform to expand her community service initiative, Karrington’s Kids Readers are Leaders. This program, which includes a weekly book club and a Sunday evening story hour, continues to be a central focus for Childress, even as her reign comes to an end.
Educational Pursuits and Love for Reading
Before donning the crown as Miss West Virginia, Childress was pursuing a degree in elementary education at Shepherd University. Her passion for reading has always been evident, and she utilized her platform to inspire children across West Virginia to develop a love for reading.
Touching Lives Through Outreach
During her tenure, Childress made it a priority to visit approximately 50 elementary schools, engaging with over 3,000 students in the process. Additionally, she set a personal goal to visit all of West Virginia’s breathtaking Almost Heaven Swings, a goal she is close to achieving with the help of her mother.
Looking Forward with Optimism
As she reflects on her journey, Childress has no regrets and offers a piece of advice to fellow travelers: plan your journeys meticulously, especially when relying on GPS systems.
She eagerly anticipates supporting the contestants of the 2024 Miss West Virginia/Miss West Virginia’s Teen competition as they prepare for their upcoming endeavors.
Childress’s reflections provide a heartfelt insight into the meaningful work she has undertaken during her time as Miss West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, compassion, and service.