“The Road to Miss New York” is not an easy one; and this year there are 31 beautifully-talented women who are vying for the title of Miss New York 2017. Over the next few weeks we will share a bit more about these contestants. The next contestant to be featured as part of this series is Heather Graves, the current Miss Fulton County 2017. Continue reading to learn more about Heather and her journey towards the crown.

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
Hi Everyone, my name is Heather Graves, your, 2017 Miss Fulton County. My platform is an original called the Four Points Project:Exploring the Crown. My platform emphasizes each point of the Miss America Crown: Scholarship, Service, Style and Success.

How long have you competed in pageants?
I have been competing in the Miss America Organization system for 6 years now. Over the last 6 years I have learned more about myself and have become a more confident version of myself. This is my first local MAO title that I have won and I feel over the 6 year period it has made me a stronger person.

How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I’ve always been one to want to accomplish more than one thing at a time. I have always loved the representation of the crown and wanted to do something where I could bring the Miss America Organization into any event that I participated in and teach others the importance of each point of the crown in difference ways.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
Teaching others about Scholarship, Service, Style and Success have made me a stronger individual because I am allowing myself to open up to others who I may never have met before and tell them about my experiences with different topics. In addition, trying to help others be the best version of themselves makes me want to be a stronger individual for not only myself but others that I am trying to help.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
To be yourself and to stay true to who you are. Be confident in everything you do, even if your shoe gets caught along the path your walking on, take your shoes off and strut with confidence.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important messages, which you think you convey to your followers?
To be true to who you are even if you’re different than others. Don’t let others try to change you just because everyone else is following along.

If you were to win the title of Miss New York, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
As Miss New York I would make it my goal to travel to every county at least once to do an appearance.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited New York; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
I would tell my Miss America Roommate that there is something for everyone in the state of NY. Whether you enjoy the outdoors and like hiking or enjoy the city life and a great Broadway show.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
A pair of workout weights to represent the strength of the women that stood/stand in the past, present and future. A pair of comfortable shoes to bring along for the journey ahead of them and a note that says Be beaUtiful and explain the importance of staying true to who you are even if you’re dancing to your own rhythm.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant with a very scrutinizing opinion; For you. personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization. And how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
Public speaking skills have been the biggest asset I have gained from the Miss America Organization. I was very shy growing up and didn’t talk to many people until I got to know them well. Being a contestant and now a local titleholder, I have the confidence to hold a conversation with a complete stranger and even make lifelong friendships out of them at times.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
Not giving up and working hard to make all of my dreams come true no matter how long it takes me to accomplish them.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Facebook and Instagram.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
I can’t stress enough, the importance of being yourself. Stay true to who you are and if that means telling the judges you would rather have cupcakes than a piece of fruit then be true to your personality. No one can be a better you than you.

What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss New York Class of 2017?
I want to say thank you to everyone who continually showed support for me through all of my years of competing. Those who told me to keep going and never give up on my dreams.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thanks for letting me share with you my story and I hope you follow along for my crazy ride as Miss Fulton County 2017 and hopefully Miss New York.