CRISFIELD, Md. - With December right around the corner for Crisfield native 2022 Miss Maryland Kayla Willing, that means the Miss America pageant is also fast approaching.

The 2023 Miss America competition runs Dec. 8-15 in which a new Miss America will be crowned. However, Kayla's journey starts long before the first stage lights are turned on.

"I'm leaving on Dec. 8 and I'll go to New York for a few days for some media and PR things," Willing said. "And then we'll be going into our preliminary competition so that starts that Monday. And that Tuesday and then finals will be on that Thursday"

After New York, the competition is in Connecticut. Soon Kayla will pack these bags which will be challenging.

"Everything has to be fit into these two large suitcases and then we get one carry-on," Willing said. "So we talk about sponsors and as Miss Maryland, I have a lot of sponsors. However, I think the best one is my brother because he willingly, or unwillingly, gave up his room and this has become the designated packing room."

Kayla's parents, Steven and Crystal Willing, could not be prouder even in the midst of the challenges that come with wearing the Miss Maryland crown.

"Her endurance is outstanding, she does really well," Steven Willing said. "Not only does she have to stay up with her schoolwork at Lancaster Bible College, she has all of her engagements as far as miss Maryland as well."

"She was curling her hair and a piece of her hair burnt off. And the curling iron smoke everywhere, burning hair smell, the whole 9 yards," Crystal Willing said. "I was about in tears, but she just took a deep breath and said this could have been worse. And I was just amazed at how well she handled the situation. and that's what gives us assurance that she's ready for this challenge. And it will be challenging and it will be hard, but she's ready."

As Kayla prepares for her competition of a lifetime, she will rely on her singing and her platform which promotes writing and critical thinking. She is so thankful for community support, especially financially, as she embarks on this life-changing journey and hopes to finish her story by bringing the Miss America crown home to Somerset County.