Groesbeck Alum Crowned Miss Wayland 2024

Twenty-year-old Groesbeck alum Adrianna Rich was crowned Miss Wayland 2024 on Saturday, Nov. 18. Rich is a junior at Wayland Baptist University majoring in Biological Sciences after graduating from Groesbeck High School in 2021. She was sponsored by the Wayland softball team and will represent the university in her year-long reign. In addition to being the representative of the university, she also received a $750 scholarship. When asked what drew her to the pageant, she mentioned she was initially reluctant to participate but the pageant director requested she do it. The director explained it was a scholarship opportunity “and so I was like, why not?” Rich said. When asked about her favorite part of the pageant, she answered, “During the preparation, it was getting to know the other contestants, forming new friendships, and growing closer to the lord through the mini-devotional sessions we would do before practicing. During the show, it was the talent portion.” For the talent portion of the pageant, she performed a public speaking presentation on how to hit a softball with life lessons included. Rich intends after graduation to further her education by attending UMHB to get a doctorate in physical therapy. She will then pursue a career in sports rehabilitation, eventually opening her own practice.