Jayden Jackson’s Extraordinary Journey

by | Jun 2022

“I AM. I can. I will……I am. I can. I will,” she repeated silently, studying the judges’ faces and feeling hopeful about her chances.

The top five had been called to the stage, and each contestant stood regally composed, or so they hoped. Minutes were passing like hours as their nerves threatened to betray them. The five were willed by their family and friends in attendance to hold on just a little longer, knowing they were winners awaiting their rank.

“She is. She can. She will…….She is. She can. She will,” her mother repeated silently, fixing her gaze on her daughter’s face, telepathically conveying her confidence that the results would be favorable. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes and whispered a prayer for her daughter.

Only two spots remained. Her knees were weakening. She drove her heel into the stage floor for stability.

“Tennessee’s Fairest of the Fair’s first runner-up is Jayden Jackson!” the emcee announced.

For the first time since 2006, Bedford County’s Fairest of the Fair queen placed in the top five of the State’s Fairest of the Fair pageant. Each county crowns their fairest then they all compete in January for the Tennessee’s Fairest of the Fair title.

The pageant is more than sequined gowns and hairspray; it’s a sisterhood. Jackson competed in the fair’s young miss division in 2016, 2017, and 2018, then took a break to allow time to further mature. She returned to the competition in 2021 stronger than ever. Her time spent there has helped shape her life.

“I have met great friends, as well as the fair board and the pageant director, who have grown to be great influences in my life,” Jackson said.

Pageant Director Brandi Smith said, “It has been amazing watching Jayden. She always pays close attention to details, her dress, her walk, hair, and makeup. She has been a huge help during fair week and never shies away from talking to younger girls who look up to her. We’ve been so incredibly proud to have her represent

Bedford County in the last year and know that she will remain part of our fair family for a long time.”

“Competing in pageants has definitely helped me in many different ways. It has given me a sense of confidence as a young woman, that I don’t think I could have experienced without it. It has helped me
so much with communication skills, getting to speak with different judges and young girls who have similar, but different, interests. You get to learn so much about yourself as a person, what drives you and makes you want to be successful in all you do,” Jackson said.

The pageant created a connection that resulted in her being invited to Fashion Week in New York this year.

Jackson said, “It was such an amazing opportunity. I got to meet so many great people, but one of the best parts of going to Fashion Week was seeing such diversity. All of the fashion and the models there were super cool.”

She will crown the 2022 Fairest of the Fair Queen in
July. Although she will retire her crown at that time, her work with the pageant and her connection to its people will continue.

The composure and tenacity Jackson exudes in pageants carries over to the show ring. Jackson and her family have been a presence in the Tennessee Walking Horse arena for many years.

She will crown the 2022 Fairest of the Fair Queen in July. Although she will retire her crown at that time, her work with the pageant and her connection to its people will continue.

The composure and tenacity Jackson exudes in pageants carries over to the show ring. Jackson and her family have been a presence in the Tennessee Walking Horse arena for many years.

Her Poppie, Jack Heffington, and mom, Jacquelyn Way, publish The Scoop, a walking horse trade publication. Her father is hall of fame horse trainer, Chad Way. One of the greatest influences in her life has been her Nannie, Nancy Ballentine Elliott, a former Miss North Carolina, who championed her in pageant competitions and showing horses. Although her Nannie has passed away, Jackson feels her ongoing encouragement and presence.

Jackson began showing when she was 5 years old and won her first world championship at the age of 6. She’s won 14 world championships and two world grand championships and will be showing three of her horses in this year’s Tennessee National Walking Horse Celebration.

Jackson and her five-year-old brother, Wylder, show together in the lead line class. Their time together at the barn and in the ring is more than a shared passion for horses. It’s Wylder’s therapy. Jayden has seen Wylder, who has autism, benefit from his involvement with the horses.

“It’s very calming. You learn to appreciate the small things. He’s my best friend,” she said.

She’s committed to looking out for Wylder and others with his diagnosis. As an ambassador for Autism Speaks for two years, Jayden and the group’s mission is “enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.”

Jayden will be a sophomore at MTSU in the fall, having just finished her freshman year majoring in biochemistry. She plans to apply for the physician’s associate program upon graduation.

“I’m just an ordinary girl who’s decided to take extraordinary opportunities,” she said.

Expect to see her succeed. -GN

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