Peach living held a question-and-answer session with Makenzie Ray, the Jemison High School senior who is the reigning Chilton County Peach Queen. Ray is the daughter of Dale Ray and Michele Headley, and the sister of Brittany, 21, and Charlee, 1.

Peach Living magazine: What are your plans for after graduation?

Makenzie Ray: I plan to attend UAB and pursue a degree in nursing.

PL: What are your career interests and goals?

Ray: After attending UAB with a nursing degree, I plan on specializing in neonatal nursing and hopefully make a difference in the lives of families dealing with sick newborns.

PL: What are your favorite hobbies and activities?

Ray: Currently, I am varsity cheer captain at Jemison, and I am a member of several clubs and community organizations. One of my favorite community events to help with is Special Olympics, but in my spare time, I enjoy being with my family and friends and shopping.

PL: When did you start participating in pageants?

Ray: I actually won my very first pageant that I participated in at 2 years old, and it was Baby Miss Easter. I actually started participating in Peach when I was 5 years old. My goal was always to win, and I am so thankful I finally did.

PL: As this year’s Peach Queen, what are your goals?

Ray: My goal as Miss Peach Queen is to promote this county’s famous peaches and hopefully be someone younger girls can look up to. I’m also looking forward to enjoying my reign with my three little Peach sisters. I was most looking forward to taking a basket of peaches to the governor. We actually did that in July. Now, I’m looking forward to representing Chilton County in the Peanut Festival Parade.

PL: Did you receive any advice from the 2011 Peach Queen, Jill Vinzant?

Ray: Yes, Jill did give me and all of the contestants advice before the pageant. But the best advice she gave me was to be myself.

PL: How do you think your pageant experiences and accomplishments will help you in the future?

Ray: In doing pageants you, must display confidence, be able to interview well and be a good role model – certainly qualities I can apply to my future.

PL: Will you continue to compete in pageants?

Ray: Yes, after my reign as Miss Peach, I plan to continue pageants.

PL: What is something many people might not know about you?

Ray: What most people don’t know about me is that I am a “germophobe!” I actually stayed cooped up in the bathroom until my mom came to get me out because I saw a girl leave without washing her hands, and I wouldn’t touch the doorknob.

PL: Do you have any special talents?

Ray: In my opinion, my best talent is singing.

PL: What is your favorite sports team?

Ray: The University of Alabama football. Roll Tide!

PL: Have you traveled anywhere recently?

Ray: This year, I have been to New York City and the Bahamas. I love to travel!

PL: What is the last book you read?

Ray: Heaven Is For Real

PL: If you could spend one day in someone else’s shoes, whose would you choose, and why?

Ray: If I could spend one day in someone else’s shoes, I would spend it in Carrie Underwood’s boots. Because of my love for singing, I would love to know how it felt to sing from a stage to a huge crowd.

PL: Who are your role models?

Ray: I have many role models, but Helen Keller is at the top of my list because of everything she had to overcome in her life and her determination to do so.

PL: What is your favorite thing about Chilton County?

Ray: My favorite thing about Chilton County is how much the people of our county are devoted to Jesus, family, friends and peaches.