GRACIE HENDRICKSON

On May 8, Gracie Hendrickson of Harvey County was crowned Miss Kansas Teen USA 2022. As a student of Newton High School, she is a volleyball, basketball, and track athlete as well as an active member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Principal’s Council, and STAND. More of her favorite hobbies include lifting in the weight room with her best friends, baking banana muffins, and going to Texas Roadhouse. After high school, she plans to pursue her career ambition as a second generation chiropractor.

Gracie has utilized pageantry as a way to get out of her comfort zone in order to grow and refine her leadership skills. Through competing, she has transformed from a shy young girl to an outgoing, goal-setting, and confident young woman. She strives to use her platform as a way to connect with everyone, mentor future leaders, and advocate for mental health.

One of her biggest passions is to break the stigma of mental health through education, advocacy, and support. After losing her Aunt DeDe due to mental health struggles, she has made it her mission to start the conversation of the importance of mental health and building a stronger mind. She has been able to speak to legislators at the Kansas State Capitol, educate in middle school classrooms, and share her own battles with mental health.

Fun facts; Gracie was born on Kansas Day, has an extra bone, and is in the top 10 fastest times for the 100 meter dash in the history of her school.