Hilyer, 21, is a student at the University of Alabama. A native of Clanton, she is the daughter of Jimmy and Elizabeth Hilyer and has a brother, James Hilyer, 18.
PEACH LIVING MAGAZINE: What was your reaction to being named Miss Chilton County this year?
KATIE HILYER: I was so surprised and excited! I had prepared for the pageant for months and am now preparing for Miss Alabama.
PL: What did you do to prepare for the 2013 Miss Chilton County Pageant?
KH: I had to choreograph a talent and practice interview, which are the two most important parts.
PL: As Miss Chilton County, what will yours and the other queens’ responsibilities be this next year?
KH: As representatives of the county, we will attend events that occur throughout it.
PL: How do you think this experience will impact your life?
KH: It will give me an opportunity to help people in ways that could not happen otherwise. I am blessed to be able to promote my platform, the Wounded Warrior Project, and have a wonderful county as a support system.
PL: What are you looking forward to the most?
KH: The Miss Alabama Pageant of course!
PL: Was this your first time to compete in the Miss Chilton County Pageant?
KH: Yes it is. I have been to the pageant for the past five years, and I am so thrilled to be up on that stage this year.
PL: Have you participated in other pageants over the years? If so, which ones?
KH: Pretty much all the Chilton County pageants, Miss Swedish Fest, Miss Chilton County, Miss Peach and about eight Miss Alabama preliminaries across the state.
PL: Have you received any other titles or awards?
KH: Nope, this will be my first title.
PL: What is your major?
KH: Double major in political science and public relations.
PL: What activities are you involved in?
KH: I am a senior Crimsonette and a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
PL: What are your plans for after graduation?
KH: Get a job in PR and continue to prepare for the LSAT to attend law school in fall of 2015.
PL: Do you still plan to participate in the 2014 Miss Alabama Pageant in June? How will you prepare for it?
KH: Yes I am, and I will need tons of preparation and practice in all of the categories of competition (swimsuit, evening gown, talent, on-stage question and interview).
PL: Do you know anyone else competing in Miss Alabama this year?
KH: In fact, two of my sorority sisters will be competing and one of them is also my Crimsonette sister, plus I have met other girls on campus and through competing in other preliminaries.
PL: What will competing in Miss Alabama entail?
KH: There will be three days of preliminary competition where I will compete in a different category each night. Then, on Saturday, the top 10 will be announced and they will compete in all the categories again.
PL: How do you think this opportunity to compete in a state-level competition will help you?
KH: It definitely will help prepare me for the future in more ways than one. It will teach me how to represent not only myself, but my county, and also how to promote my platform, which is very much like public relations.
PL: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
KH: I love to cook, and macaroons are my specialty. I love to work out and run. I am a big history buff and enjoy reading.
PL: If you could spend one week somewhere you’ve never been, where would you go and what would you do?
KH: I would want a European adventure full of food and great scenery!
PL: What is the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
KH: I went on a family trip to Mexico.
PL: What is the last book you read?
KH: “Under Fire” by Henri Barbusse.
PL: What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
KH: I loved the Clanton Christmas Parade growing up. We always went and had the best time.
PL: What is your favorite thing about Chilton County?
KH: I am so lucky to be a representative of this wonderful county. I love that no matter where you go around here, you can always find someone to talk to who is encouraging and positive. Chilton County’s people are my favorite thing about it. They have supported me and my platform since the day I won, and I am so excited to give back to such an awesome community.