For three Georgia high school girls, a dream they never thought possible is now their reality. Lillian Maybin, Hayden Barlow, and Molly Grace Wall, the winners of GG Formals in the City: Season 2, will soon step off the plane in New York City for an experience of a lifetime—modeling in the fashion capital of the world. But their journeys to this moment weren’t easy, and each of their stories is filled with resilience, self-discovery, and hope.
Lillian Maybin: The Power of Perseverance
For Lillian Maybin, an 18-year-old from Tarrytown, Georgia, winning GG Formals in the City was more than just a title—it was proof that failure is not final. Last year, Lillian competed in the first season of the competition but didn’t even make the Top 10. Instead of giving up, she came back stronger, determined to prove to herself that she belonged. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” she said, referencing the famous quote often attributed to Michael Jordan. Even when doubt crept in, Lillian kept going. When she won the first round’s social interview, she was in shock. “There were 25 amazing girls, and I was just trying to be myself,” she said. But after that moment, something changed—she believed she had a real chance. Through the competition, Lillian also learned something deeply personal—her own strength. “I didn’t know anybody at first, and I didn’t have my friends competing with me. But I realized I could do this by myself,” she said. “I can be independent.” With overwhelming community support—friends, family, and even strangers rallying behind her—Lillian took home the win. And now, after coming up short last year, she’ll be on that plane to New York, proving that perseverance always pays off.
Hayden Barlow: From Small-Town Girl to Big-Time Winner
If you had told Hayden Barlow, a 17-year-old from Cadwell, Georgia, that she would be walking the streets of New York City, she wouldn’t have believed you. In fact, when she won, she had no idea what Broadway even was. “I literally woke up after winning and asked my grandma, ‘What the heck is Broadway?’” she laughed. Hayden’s disbelief wasn’t just about the competition—it was about her own self-doubt. “At first, I kept comparing myself to other girls. I kept thinking, ‘I need to do something better, I need to stand out more,’” she admitted. “But then I realized that I just needed to be myself.” It was during the social interview round that Hayden truly faced her fears. “I struggle with anxiety, and talking to new people has always been a challenge for me,” she shared. But the experience helped her step outside of her comfort zone and realize her own worth. “The biggest lesson I learned is that I am exactly who God made me to be,” she said. “I don’t need to change for anyone else.” When Hayden got the winning call, she was literally in the shower, completely unaware of what was about to happen. “I screamed at the top of my lungs. I was like, ‘Is this real?’” she said. “And then I had to remind myself, ‘Wait, yeah, I’m alive!’” Now, Hayden is about to step into a world she never thought she would experience. And while she may not have known what Broadway was at first, soon, she’ll be standing right in the heart of it.
Molly Grace Wall: A Light in the Darkness
For Molly Grace Wall, this win was more than just a competition—it was hope in a season of hardship. At only 16 years old, Molly was the youngest winner. But in many ways, she had been through the most. While Molly was competing, her mother was battling Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Every step of this journey, every round she advanced, every milestone she reached—it was all happening while her family was facing one of the toughest battles of their lives. “I’ve been in a season where it felt like everything was against me,” Molly admitted through tears. “It felt like every piece of news I got was bad. This win... it was a glimpse of hope.” Her emotions were raw when she got the winning call—she immediately burst into tears. “I never thought I would actually make it,” she said. “I was just so overwhelmed with joy because I had finally done something that made me feel like I was moving forward.” Throughout the competition, Molly relied on the support of her best friend Lilly, who also competed. The two had been side by side through pageants and competitions before, always supporting each other. “We competed against each other before—last year, she won, and I was first runner-up,” Molly said. “But we always lift each other up no matter what.” Now, as Molly prepares to go to New York, she carries not just her own dreams, but her mother’s love and strength with her. “I know my mom is proud,” she said.
Three Different Journeys, One Shared Victory
For Lillian, Hayden, and Molly, winning GG Formals in the City wasn’t just about the title—it was about proving something to themselves.
For Lillian, it was about not giving up.
For Hayden, it was about embracing who she is.
For Molly, it was about finding hope.
But their journey isn’t over yet. From April 25th to 28th, the three will take their first steps into New York City, where they will experience a professional modeling photoshoot, walk the streets of one of the world’s fashion capitals, and see Broadway with their own eyes. The city, with its flashing lights and endless opportunities, will be a stark contrast to the small towns they come from—but these girls have already proven that they belong. They may have entered the competition as hopeful contestants, but they are leaving as inspirations. Their stories are proof that with perseverance, courage, and faith, dreams—no matter how impossible they may seem—can and do come true. And come April, the lights of Broadway won’t be the only thing shining—so will they.