Riverside grad crowned Miss Wyoming

A Greybull woman has earned the title of Miss Wyoming and will represent her state early
next year at the Miss
America competition in Orlando, Fla.

Baylee Drewry, the daughter of Scott and Brandi Drewry, was crowned Saturday evening on the campus of the University of Wyoming, where she’s enrolled as a student.

The university had chosen Drewry to be its representative. To advance beyond the state level, she had to top a field of contenders that also included Jessica Yang of Casper, Brittney Herman of Evanston, Jacey Webb of
Rock Springs and Hannah Jost of Sheridan.

A weighted scoring system was used, with a private interview accounting for 30% of contestants’ scores, fitness 20%,
talent 20%, evening wear 20% and an on-stage question 10%.

Drewry said the private interview with a panel of judges lasted about 10 minutes and consisted of a wide range of questions — from what qualities she embodies from the state of Wyoming to her stance on whether transgender athletes belong in sports.

For the talent component, Baylee presented a “Her Story” monologue. In it, she shared her personal experiences and how, as head girls wrestling coach in Laramie, she empowered girls ages 4 to 15.

For the on-stage interview, she was asked how a community can get involved in cheering on female athletes. It’s a subject that’s close to the Baylee’s heart. In April, she launched a campaign to encourage and support women’s participation in sports. Her message is that through sports, they grow into leaders and become healthier physically and mentally.

It’s not just talk. Baylee has lived that life.

She arrived from California at the age of 13 or 14, immediately enrolling in Greybull schools. As a middle schooler, she played on the football team. In high school, she wrestled. Although looking back on it now, she feels her strongest sports were softball and baseball. 

After completing her sophomore year at GHS, Baylee transferred to Riverside High School and eventually graduated with the Class of 2021.

She’s now at UW, finishing up a bachelor’s degree in history with concentration on middle eastern history. She has only one class left to take — and it’s only offered in the fall. 

After that, she plans to attend law school. 

Pageant background

Baylee’s first experience in the beauty pageant world came at the age of
15 when she competed for the title of Miss Wyoming Teen USA.

She didn’t win — but in a way, she did. Baylee said the reason she entered the competition in the first place was to meet new people and form friendships. “Of the girls I competed against when I was 15, one has since had a daughter and I’ve become her aunt and another got married and I was in her wedding,” she said. “So I feel like I accomplished my goal.”

Undeterred, Baylee made a second run at the title of Miss Wyoming Teen USA in 2020 and won. Soon after, however, came the Covid-19 pandemic.

“That year was crazy,” she said. “I had the unique challenge with the organization to figure out how to make an impact from home. I still made a lot of appearances; they were just by Zoom and social media.” 

Because of its impact on the pageant schedule, Baylee got to wear the crown for almost two years.

In 2022 and 2023, Baylee was the youngest contender for the title of Miss Wyoming USA, and while she didn’t win either time, she gained valuable experience.

Looking back on it now, she believes “the timing just wasn’t right,” adding, “I was still searching for myself, and leading wasn’t in the cards for me then like it is now.”

Among the people in attendance on Saturday night in Laramie were her parents, grandparents, supporters from out of state and members of her softball and youth wrestling teams in Laramie.

When asked what thoughts went through her mind when she won, Baylee said, “First and foremost, I was honored.” Then the realization set in. In an instant, her life had changed — for the better.

Along with the title of Miss Wyoming, Baylee walked away with just over $22,000 in scholarship money, which she will relieve some of the pressure of paying for law school.

Looking ahead, Baylee will be making appearances around the state in the coming months with Miss Wyoming Teen, who is from Cody.

She credited her parents “for always believing in me” and Mr. Joel Kuper, the speech coach at GHS, for helping her refine her communication skills.

“The whole weekend, I was praying for peace — peace over my heart, peace that wherever I landed and whatever position I got I would be happy with myself because I was in a good place with God,” she said. “I credit him for giving me the confidence and ability to know I can make a difference.”