13 Things You Might Not Know About Me

In honor of Friday the 13th (and competing as contestant number 13 in the Alpha group at Miss America) here are 13 facts you might not know about me!

One.

I have worked with animals and livestock my whole life. My grandpa breeds racehorses, so four-legged friends were always a part of my childhood. Horses then led to sheep, pigs, dairy cattle, goats, and chickens!

Fun fact: the pig I raised was lovingly named Jimmy Dean.

JessiKate Riley showing sheep
JessiKate winning a sheep showman competition around age 13.

Two.

I am a Utah State Champion sheep showman. I have a pretty competitive spirit, so when it came down to me and some boys, you better bet I stepped it up!

Three.

While I may not be a famous artist yet, I have accompanied many accomplished musicians including Jackie Evancho, David Archuleta, The Piano Guys, Lindsey Stirling, and William Joseph.

JessiKate Riley playing violin William Joseph
JessiKate performing with William Joseph.

Four.

I served as Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen 2014. At the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition, I tied for a non-finalist talent award with Miss Wisconsin’s Outstanding Teen!

Five.

I have played a 3 million dollar violin. When I went looking for my current violin, the violin shop owner allowed me to play the Firebird Stradivarius!

Six.

My Miss America roommate was Miss Alabama! Fun fact 2: her name was also Jessica! Whenever anyone said “Jess” we both answered.

Seven.

I have skied in the Swiss and Italian Alps. Two of my most embarrassing moments in life came from this trip, so if you need a laugh next time you see me, ask away!

JessiKate Riley Ski crash
JessiKate in the snow with her skis.

Eight.

My FAVORITE food is Ben and Jerry’s, Tonight Dough Ice Cream. Yes. It’s food.

Nine.

At the age of 9, I attended an international music camp in Turin, Italy. While there, I was chosen to perform as a soloist and pretended to be a street musician earning enough money to pay for my plane ticket back home!

Ten.

I completed my senior year of high school at Brigham Young University as a freshman in their Music Program.

Eleven.

I am 5’9”. Okay, you caught me, 5’8”¾ but who’s counting?

Twelve.

When I competed for MUOT, I didn’t even know what foundation was! Luckily at the workshop, I was sitting next to who would become a dear friend. She met me at Walmart, and we found a foundation that matched my skin tone.

Thirteen.

My violin has a name. Sam! He is 115 years old and Austrian. I named him because when you spend so much time with something (2-4 hours a day), it needs a name! When I got to Miss America and Sam Haskell heard his name, he thought it was hilarious!

Thanks for reading! Hopefully, you all feel like you know me a little better now. See you soon!

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