Ellsinore teen to perform at National Junior Beta Convention

“As soon as she was talking, she was singing,” laughs Brandy Bradford, sharing memories of her talented daughter Hailey. “She always had a sense of rhythm, and at 3-years-old she declared she was going to sing on the Grand Ole Opry!”

The talents of the soft-spoken, demure 14-year-old are well known in the East Carter County School District, and among members of her local church.

“The first time she sang in public,” remembers Brandy, “she was 7-years-old and it was a Sunday morning. The invitation was given for church members to sing ‘specials.’

“We couldn’t believe it when she stood up and went before the congregation. We were even more surprised at what came out of her mouth.”

The proud mother is obviously in awe of her daughter’s talents.

“It wasn’t really something I planned,” explains Hailey, “but it was a song I knew well, and it felt so natural to be there singing.”

Hailey admits that she was nervous to be in front of a crowd, but reveals, “I had this feeling that I was supposed to be there, and singing was what I was supposed to do.”

The teen says she still has tinges of nerves, but that the feelings of self-assurance bolster her confidence and put her at ease to perform.

In her recently completed eighth-grade year, Hailey won the Special Talent category at the Missouri State Junior Beta Convention, and was the first place winner at the East Carter County School District Talent Show.

Her winning performances featured the young crooner playing guitar and singing an original song she had composed. She, and other Junior Beta winners from around the country, will compete at the National Junior Beta Club Conference in Oklahoma City this month. Hailey will also be participating in a group talent event with other East Carter Junior Beta members. In addition to the musical performers, a visual art winner will also be representing East Carter at the convention.

Hailey will be a freshman at East Carter in the fall, and is excited to begin her preparation toward gaining entrance to college.

“I certainly hope to be able to go to college,” Hailey said. “I want to pursue a degree in music performance because I feel like performance is what I’m meant to do.”

While she will be enrolled in guitar and advanced choir music courses next year, Hailey admits that she is drawn to the academic studies.

“My favorite subject is science,” she said. “I like meteorology and life science. I think they are so interesting.”

As a top student and performer, Hailey is obviously disciplined in her studies and her musical pursuit.

“I feel like anything I do, I have to do my best,” she said. “I want those people who love me and support me to be proud of my accomplishments. That determination to succeed is what fuels my ability to get up and perform, and my desire to be the best that I can be.”

Said Brandy, “She is so hard on herself. I just want her to be happy and to be successful in whatever career she chooses.”

Hailey and her mother share their home with 12-year-old Grayson. The family lives near Ellsinore.