06/13/2026
“Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat
Nor hurl the cynic's ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.”
—The House by the Side of the Road By Sam Walter Foss
The full poem was one of my grandfather’s favorites. I read it at his funeral. It was one of mine too.
There was a time, not so long ago, when I cheered for the home team. I rallied the banner for the underdog. I sang the praises of those I believed in. But life changed me in ways I’m still not figuring out completely. I just know that I’m not the same friend to man I used to be. I keep my words guarded, and my heart even more secure. My faith in people isn’t what it used to be. And often, I find myself clinging to hope that someone somewhere will help turn that around again. Because deep inside, I still cheer for the underdog, and hope the home team wins.
So when I say I want to share this young lady with the world, that is a monumental statement. Those who are from here know her. Those who are not, should. Her name is Katie Dice. She is Miss Berkeley County 2026. Next week she will spend three days competing for the title of Miss West Virginia.
I am very aware of many people’s aversion to “beauty contests.” I 100% agree. But this contest is more than a beauty contest. It is a testament to the dedication of service, humility, leadership, and selflessness of the women in our communities. Miss West Virginia represents the best of the women in our state. Their strength and determination, service to others, and commitment to excellence is something to behold. They must be comfortable in their own skin. They must be willing to answer tough questions and be knowledgeable about world issues. They must promote a platform of service to the community. And they must find a way to shine.
Katie is the real deal. She is a genuine soul, who has committed herself to serving her community through her role as Miss Berkeley County to reach and inspire our young women to be brave, be themselves, be their best. She advocates for Healing through A.R.T. with her nonprofit Katie’s Kits, that provides art supplies to classrooms, hospitals, and centers throughout the state.
Katie isn’t creating an image to earn a title. Katie is sharing who she is with the world to make a difference for others.
Katie believes in being the role model our young girls deserve. She loves talking with people and touching their hearts. I have seen it not once or twice, but each and every time she encounters others. It is her passion. And those connections are real.
Katie knows what it feels like to be a wallflower, and she wants to encourage our girls to grow, and shine in their own light exactly as they are. She inspires them to be the best of who they are, not only for themselves, but for the good of others.
Her enthusiasm and zest for life is contagious. Her desire to serve others is inspiring. Katie is more than beauty, poise, and grace. She is strength, character, honor, integrity, and all the ideals we thought were no longer in circulation. If she were to win the title of Miss West Virginia, Katie would represent the whole of us with so much grace and presence not only as we are, but as who we all should aspire to be. She would represent the best of us, and she would lead by example.
My most sincere hope is that Miss Berkeley County goes on to become Miss West Virginia to represent the very best of our state in the Miss America contest, showing the world who we really are, and not an image the rest of our country has perceived. When the world looks at Miss West Virginia, I want them to feel the admiration in their hearts I feel when I see Katie representing us. I want them to know that if she were Miss America, she would show the world the good that the hearts of America still hold. The values we believe in, we fought for, still ring true today. They aren’t just ideals of time since past, but still thriving in the men and women who built this country, and who work so hard to keep it thriving. I could not think of a finer example of America than our very own Miss Katie Dice.
One sweet young woman with a fire in her belly and a light in her soul has brought out the banner in my heart to wave in her corner. Not that she needs it. She will shine all on her own in all that she does. But I will be proud to be cheering in her corner.
This coming week I will be praying for Katie to shine her light on that stage, being unapologetically herself. And I pray she steps into the role she was made for—Miss West Virginia 2026.
Photo by Dicetography
