WHY KATIE GRAY LOVES SHELBY COUNTY

North Shelby County’s Katie Gray, 15, was crowned 2018 Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen this summer. As part of her community service platform, she is involved with the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition and Nicole’s Dancing Angels Foundation, and she is a member of Key Club at Oak Mountain High School, where she is a sophomore. Her parents are Danny and Debbie Gray. She has a brother, Chase Gray. The family has three dogs named Bernie, Jake and Tucker.

What are you most looking forward to as 2018 Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen?

I am looking forward to promoting my platform “Above the Influence – A Drug Free Campaign” by speaking to children in schools and members of my community. I am also excited about meeting the citizens of Shelby County at the Columbiana Christmas parade and Liberty Day festivities.

What’s something interesting people might not know about you?

People might not know that I am cross dominant. Being cross dominant means that I can do one thing with one hand and everything else with the other hand. In my case, I write with my right hand and do everything else with my left hand.

If we asked your friends what you’re most likely to be doing when you’re not at school, what would they say? 

My friends would say that I could be found taking dance classes and hanging out at Exclusively Ballet and Dance.

If you could leave tomorrow for anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?

I would love to go to New York City because I have always dreamed of seeing a Broadway show and taking a dance class at a professional studio. I also think that it would be fun to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and to also see all of the city’s landmarks.

What’s your favorite local event?

I enjoy the 5K walk/runs that raise money for worthy causes such as Children’s Miracle Network, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Down’s syndrome and cancer research.

What do you love about Shelby County?

I love that Shelby County has many diverse activities within a short drive. You can see a variety of concerts at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre and hike or camp at Oak Mountain State Park. Shelby County is also home to many wonderful golf courses. There are also plenty of fun places to spend time with friends.