Meet Miss Central Georgia’s Teen Carrington Hayes: Platform, goals and future plans

Carrington Hayes shares her journey, platform and what’s next after being crowned Miss Central Georgia's Teen.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Miss Central Georgia’s Teen Carrington Hayes is beginning her year with a focus on community involvement, mentorship and raising awareness about the connection between oral and overall health.

Hayes joined 41 Today to discuss earning the Miss Central Georgia Teen title, her longtime involvement with the Miss Georgia organization and her community service initiative.

Her pageant journey began years before earning her current title. Hayes participated for eight years in the Miss Georgia organization’s Belle Program, which pairs younger participants with titleholders who serve as mentors.

Hayes said she worked with three mentor queens during her time in the program. Now, as Miss Central Georgia Teen, she will have the opportunity to bring five girls into the Belle Program with her.

Her community service initiative, “Heart Smiles,” has a personal connection to her family.

Hayes said she developed the initiative after her stepfather was diagnosed with endocarditis, a heart infection she said was linked to an infected tooth.

“I spread the word that your teeth are not just about brushing your teeth and flossing,” Hayes said. “It’s really about your whole entire body.”

During her year as Miss Central Georgia Teen, Hayes said she hopes to visit dental offices in Macon and conduct interviews to further educate people about oral and overall health.

Outside of pageants, Hayes is a freshman at Tattnall Square Academy and participates in the school’s dance line and tennis team. She is also a magician.

Hayes said she is looking forward to becoming more involved in the community and spending the year alongside her fellow titleholders.

“I’m just ready to get out into my community and change Macon and change the girls that I’m around,” Hayes said.

Winning the title was especially meaningful for Hayes because she was the first titleholder crowned during the pageant, allowing her to remain on stage as the other winners were announced.

Among them was her best friend, Emmy Taylor, who was crowned Miss Macon’s Teen.

“Watching her get crowned and seeing her look at me and be like, ‘Oh yay, we’re going to go through this together,’ it was just so heartwarming,” Hayes said.

Hayes said she is looking forward to the experiences ahead as Miss Central Georgia Teen and continuing the mentorship and sisterhood that first introduced her to the organization.