Hello again! I just finished competing in the 2015 Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen pageant a few weeks ago :) It feels like just yesterday I was
blogging about this amazing opportunity and it already flew by in a week's time. Wow!!
There was a lot of preparation that went into entering this pageant. Each contestant had to choose a platform issue, or an issue that they felt passionate about. My platform was 'Serve: Community, Country, World.' My mission is to help meet the basic needs of people; food, water, shelter, and love. When we help stabilize those in our own communities, this will then have a ripple effect throughout our country and eventually to the nations of our world as others begin to serve as well. We had to write a paper about our platform and how we would promote it as the new Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen. Also, we had to write a resume, showing our involvement in our schools and communities as well as our academic achievements. Us girls were all encouraged to raise money for the Miss America Organization's national platform, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. After hours of writing these papers, practicing interview questions, and talent prep, I was ready to begin this exciting new journey.
Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with a welcome event at Maurice's, rehearsals to learn the opening/closing numbers and fitness routines, practicing talent, and trying to squeeze in a few hours of sleep in between. We were also able to perform our opening number routine in the first Miss Kansas prelim Wednesday night!
Each contestant chose an outfit that represented their personal style to be photographed.
Thursday was packed with prelim dress rehearsals, games with the Sunflower Princesses, interviews, talent rehearsals, and the second Miss prelim.
On Friday, everything seemed to get real. We had our first prelim at 11:00 am where I competed in fitness, evening wear and on-stage question. My two questions were about my resume and platform paper, which were, "How did you get started blogging? Tell us a little about it," and, "You enjoy traveling a lot. Being so young, how did your interest to travel internationally begin?"
After a short lunch break, the 3:00 pm prelim began. Here I performed my talent, singing 'Your Great Name' by Natalie Grant.
The day didn't stop there! We had to hurry and change clothes shortly after we finished and go downtown to be in the Miss Kansas parade. (Catch me wearing this cute pie dress
here)
And finally, Saturday morning came! Our finals had arrived. We performed our opening number once again, and then the top ten were announced in random order. I was announced ninth and didn't expect to make finals at all! That was my goal for this year. I was also elated because all of my closest friends had made finals as well.
Everyone immediately had to change into our fitness outfit to perform our fitness production number. Afterwards, the top ten stayed to perform individual fitness a second time.
From there, we moved into talent. I did not sing my best that morning, but I know it was all a part of God's perfect plan (again, I was still thrilled just to be competing in the finals!)
Evening wear and on-stage question went wonderfully, my question being "Do you think social media has been detrimental to our society? Why or why not?" I answered something along the lines of, "Yes, I know social media has had its negative effects on our society as a whole, but I think it's important not to forget all of its positive benefits as well. It connects us with people all over the world and is also a great place to promote awareness about issues or positive campaigns."
Then crowning time came. I knew I hadn't made the top five, but I was okay with that. Overall, I felt great about how I had done for my first year, especially since I hadn't prepared as much as I would have liked to. I learned so many lessons, made so many new friends, and fell in love with the Miss America Organization.
It was no surprise to me when one of my best friends, Ashley Pringle, was crowned the new Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen 2015. She is an opera singer, beautiful, kind, classy, and genuine. It was her first year competing in the pageant, too! Ashely, I wish you the best of luck in your year of service and continue glorifying our Savior like I know you will :)
We did not perform again, but my family stayed that evening to watch the Miss Kansas finals and was able to see Hannah Wagner crowned Miss Kansas 2015. Congratulations, Hannah!!!
Lots of thanks to all of the spectacular Miss Kansas and Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen volunteers who took care of us that week. You are amazing, thank you for all that you do.
And a special thank you to all of those who have supported me on this journey. I could not be where I am today without you!!!!
Words cannot express my newfound love for the Miss America, Miss Kansas and Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen Organizations. Believe what you want about pageants and the young women who participate in them, but I could not be more proud to be a part of this organization. Promoting style, service, scholarship, and success; four values I hold strongly in my life, these programs help women reach their dreams in ways they never imagined possible. I will definitely be competing in the MKSOT pageant again next year. Who knows, I may decide to compete in the Miss division when I get older, too.
"For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." -Psalm 149:4
His Biblical Beauty,
Paige
