Connor Perry Shines Bright

Published in TOPS Magazine, June 2025

photos by Mikey Sanchez (S92 Photography) and Kristy Belcher

Connor Perry, the current Miss Kentucky USA, carries Kentucky with her everywhere she goes. It’s written across her pageant-winning sash, displayed in the roses of one of her many gorgeous gowns and held close to her heart as a woman in pageantry.

But despite her recent success, Perry had never competed in a pageant before the Miss Kentucky USA competition.

“Of course, stepping into something so unfamiliar came with hesitation, but I knew that regardless of the outcome, I would grow through the experience, and it would be invaluable. And I did — it was transformational in ways I could have never imagined,” she said.

She associates the feeling with her time at the University of Kentucky, from which she graduated in 2023 as a neuroscience major.

“Just like at Kentucky, I walked in with no expectations. I stayed present, gave it my all and soaked up every moment. I made lifelong friendships and had the time of my life,” Perry said.

She said what first drew her into pageantry was seeing other women use their platforms to improve their communities.

“I’ve always admired women in pageantry for their poise, eloquence, confidence and presence — but more than anything, I was inspired by how they use their platforms to create change and give back to their communities and turned their passions into their purpose,” she said.

For Perry, after many hours of practice and “pouring everything [she] had into it,” pageantry became like second nature. Only two months after winning Miss Kentucky USA, Perry traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the Miss USA competition, where she became the first Kentuckian to be crowned first runner-up and won Best in Swim at her second pageant ever.

“As someone brand new to pageantry, I was figuring everything out on the fly. My focus was on refining my walk, sharpening interview skills and finalizing my wardrobe — packing was an adventure in itself, especially with a gown that wouldn’t even fit in a suitcase!” she said.

Though she is new to competing, Perry does not attribute her recent pageant wins to beginner’s luck. A combination of hard work, faith and a strong support system helped guide her path. While she is still learning to manage the stress of high-pressure situations like the Miss USA pageant, knowing she is well-prepared helps her handle the competition with grace.

“It’s definitely a challenge — and I’m still learning — but preparation is key. Knowing I’ve done everything I can to be ready gives me peace of mind,” Perry said. “From there, I put my trust in God and let go of the pressure. When you pair hard work with faith, it brings a sense of calm and confidence that carries you through even the highest-stakes moments. That mindset has been a game-changer for me, both onstage and in everyday life.”

Perry credits many mentors and supporters for guiding her along the road to competition.

“Maria Montgomery and Becky Minger helped with my walk and mindset — Becky even styled my hair in LA! Mimi Griffin took care of my hair and brows for both pageants, and Katy Moody Cusick with Team KMC did my makeup for Kentucky,” she said.

She also credits Renee Cunningham (who handmade her “Run for the Roses” state costume that included 1,500 roses), Samantha Jean Moore, Soreyda Begley, Julie at Jovani and the team at Henri’s Cloud Nine for assisting with her wardrobe among the two pageants, as well as Jimmy Langhoff, Joel Marianan and Coach Colene.

“And, of course, my incredible support system — my village — offered love, encouragement and financial support. I truly couldn’t have done it without them,” Perry said.

Beyond those who were there to personally support Perry, she felt the entire state behind her in competition.

“Being born and raised in Central Kentucky — and still calling it home — made representing our state on the national stage such a meaningful honor,” she said. “Kentucky shaped who I am, and to carry its name at Miss USA was the privilege of a lifetime. It was a responsibility I didn’t take lightly, and I’m beyond proud to have shared the heart and spirit of my home with the country.”

For now, though the year of competing is over, Perry would like to focus on building healthier habits, with a main focus being on hydration, a simple task she sometimes struggles to maintain.

“For me, wellness starts from within. I believe that outer beauty reflects inner health — so I focus on gut health, staying nourished, and staying active, even on busy days,” she said. “I’ve actually enjoyed exploring healthier alternatives to old habits. It’s been a journey of learning and loving my body in a more holistic way.” •