5 fun facts about Miss Teen USA 2016 winner Karlie Hay

Karlie Hay was crowned the winner at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Miss Texas Teen Karlie Hay battled it out with 50 other contestants to win the coveted title of Miss Teen USA 2016 on Saturday (30 July). The pageant winner reportedly impressed the judges in every sphere with her choice of attire as well as her answers during the nerve-wrecking Q&A session.

Dressed in a floor-length yellow ball-gown, the Tomball high school senior was crowned as the winner at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Former Miss USA Olivia and Vine star Cody Johns were the hosts for the teen pageant.

As Hay prepares to represent all the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the year ahead, IBTimes UK has compiled a list of fun-facts about the 18-year-old.

Future plans and career goals

The Miss Teen USA winner has grand plans for her future once she graduates this year. Although she wants to stay close to home, Hay plans to enrol at the prestigious Texas A&M University and become a businesswoman in the future.

Ideas and causes she champions

The teenager has reportedly grown up in a family where alcohol was a problem hence she made it her Miss Teen USA platform to raise awareness of the ill-effects of alcoholism. According to her official bio on the pageant's website, it is "[Hay's] goal to be a national voice about the effects of alcoholism and drug abuse on family members." It further read, "Were her fondest wish to be granted, every child would grow up in a stable and loving home."

Several years ago, I had many personal struggles and found myself in a place that is not representative of who I am as a person. I admit that I have used language publicly in the past which I am not proud of and that there is no excuse for. Through hard work, education and thanks in large part to the sisterhood that I have come to know through pageants, I am proud to say that I am today a better person. I am honored to hold this title and I will use this platform to promote the values of The Miss Universe Organization, and my own, that recognize the confidence, beauty and perseverance of all women.
A photo posted by Miss Texas Teen USA 2016 (@karlie_hay) on Jul 31, 2016 at 12:07am PDT

Active cheerleader and more

The ambitious teenager has a wide range of interests that varies from cheerleading to community services. She even participates in a number of extracurricular activities that include "varsity cheer captain, yearbook editor and photographer".

My first and only fish of the day! But hey it was a good first time fishing in a long time ðŸ˜‚â¤ï¸ thanks babe for showing me how the pros do it.
A photo posted by Miss Texas Teen USA 2016 (@karlie_hay) on Apr 28, 2016 at 4:30pm PDT

Fitness enthusiast

Miss Teen USA 2016 loves to break a sweat as she begins her day with a workout. Even her Instagram photos are testimony to her amazing physique and the hardcore workout regime that she indulges in and in between working on her abs, the teenager takes time out to pursue fun activities like fishing.

Staying ready ðŸ’ªðŸ¼ðŸ’ªðŸ¼ #30days #roadtomissteenusa #TeamTexas
A photo posted by Miss Texas Teen USA 2016 (@karlie_hay) on Jun 26, 2016 at 10:44am PDT

Fashion alert

Hay is truly a champion in every field. While she impressed judges with her smart answers and personality, she charmed everyone with her fashion choices as well. From cute LBDs to smart active wears, the teenager carries all her attires with panache.