Trigger Warning: This story mentions bullying and suicide ideation.
For Kaycee Krell, a first-year Master of Public Health student at WashU’s Brown School, pageants are more than just crowns and sashes – they’re a powerful platform to champion bullying prevention and suicide awareness. Since 2017, Krell has competed in the Miss America Organization, using the stage to advocate for these important causes, which are deeply personal to her.
As a high school freshman, Krell faced relentless bullying after being falsely accused of “snitching” on classmates using illegal substances in a campus bathroom. Due to social media, Krell could never escape the bullying or the title “snitch”, and safety concerns forced her to switch schools five times. This painful experience ignited her passion to turn her tragedy into triumph and help others facing similar challenges.
“In the Miss America Organization, you’re asked to choose a platform, but I feel like my platform chose me,” Krell said. “Bullying and suicide prevention go hand in hand.”
Recently crowned Miss North Kansas City 2025—her sixth title—Krell is now preparing for the Miss Missouri competition in June. She credits her pageant journey with shaping her career aspirations in public health and her pursuit of a Master of Public Health degree. She found the Brown School to be a perfect fit.
“The Brown School was the only public health program I found that offered a mental and behavioral health concentration. That was huge for me because it directly aligns with my public health interests,” she explained. “The research that I get to do in my classes, the papers I get to write, often focus on my platform, tying directly to my future career goals. It’s just been amazing. I know I’m meant to be here for a reason.”