The Jensen Hoover Impact Award
“HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?”
This question was asked of all the contestants vying for the title of Miss Virginia 2016 in the weeks leading up to the state pageant. Jensen Hoover, our Miss Virginia Association of Fairs and pageant representative, answered “Always smiling and laughing”. Six years later, as I sat among hundreds of people celebrating the life of this beautiful, talented, intelligent young woman taken from us too soon, the answer to this question became clear. It was the impact Jensen made on so many family members, friends, colleagues, and even people she didn’t know. From athletics, to academics, to pageantry, to her fair participation, to her life’s work, to her dedication and love for her family and friends, Jensen touched and changed so many lives – all the while with her beautiful smile and contagious laugh.
At the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Pageant, Jensen’s legacy will continue to impact young women through the Jensen Hoover Impact Award. Annually, one contestant will be awarded a $500 scholarship and a special award. Contestants are invited to submit a one-page essay, poem, drawing, or another creative mode answering the question, “How do you want to be remembered?”. Three finalists will be selected and interviewed by a separate panel of judges during pageant weekend. Applicants will be evaluated on the impact they have made in their communities – school, church, volunteer activities, job, family, and other avenues, AND the impact they strive to make in the future. In addition, contestants are asked to submit two letters from individuals who can provide additional insight on your contributions. Applications and recommendations (in sealed envelopes) shall be submitted with the application package.
Donations to our new scholarship are appreciated. Please send donations with your application package. Please include the attached form indicating how you or your pageant would like to be listed in our program book. All donations will be acknowledged. Please direct questions to me at missvafqueens@gmail.com. Please join me in honoring Jensen and helping our contestants to make an impact on those around them.
Wendi Gruninger
Director, Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Pageant
In Honor of our Dear Friend and Queen:
It is with heavy hearts that we share some devastating news. Jensen Hoover, our Miss Virginia Association of Fairs 2016, passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident that occurred on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
While we are still searching for the right words to express our grief, we wanted to invite you all to share your memories of Jensen so that we may CELEBRATE her life.
The year Jensen won Miss VAF in 2016, our theme was “Celebrate.” Some may remember our pageant shirts were black with the gold sparkly words on the front, “Celebrate Miss VAF 2016.” Today, even though our hearts are breaking, we ask you all to share your memories of Jensen to help us celebrate our beautiful and uniquely dynamic Miss VAF 2016.
Outside of her long list of accomplishments from a collegiate athlete to business owner and state pageant winner, Jensen was kind, hard-working, funny and goal oriented. Her presence brought a bright light to every space she entered. Daughter, sister, wife and friend. Loved by so many and an inspiration to others for her fierce determination to accomplish her goals and for her work around her platform on mental health. Jensen was never shy when it came to speaking out for what she believed in and giving a voice to those who did not have one.
Thank you for your service as Miss VAF 2016. We love you, Jensen. You will be so deeply missed.