Great Scott!

What did you do this year?

‘Not much.. qualified for DECA nationals, aced the district music competition, sang in a musical, won state dancing, graduated high school and was crowned a beauty queen. Whatever.’

GREAT SCOTT!!! I made up that quote, but all of the information describes the young lady you’re about to meet.

Miss Scotts Bluff County, Brittli Sell

She’s a little busy.

Brittli is wrapping up a jam-packed high school career at Scottsbluff Senior High School, all while preparing for the Miss Nebraska pageant in North Platte, taking place in just weeks.

Just this school year, Brittli competed in her school’s DECA program, competing in Districts, State, and qualifying for National competition. She also competed in music, earning a ‘1’, the highest ranking possible, for her solo at the District Music competition. She participated in choir and show choir at Scottsbluff High, and took part in Shrek the Musical.

“I am privileged to announce that I have been accepted into the WNCC (Western Nebraska Community College) Show Choir!!! I am SO ecstatic for what next year will bring!” — Brittli via Facebook, March 9, 2014

Brittli is also a proud member of the State Champion Scottsbluff High Drill Team, which traveled to Florida in recent months.

In the performance world, if you can sing, dance and act, you are dubbed a Triple Threats. Using that logic, Brittli could be called a Quad Threat; she also plays piano and she’ll do it for her talent at Miss Nebraska.

“The moment that changed everything–becoming Miss Scotts Bluff County!” — Brittli via Facebook, August 6, 2013

Brittli has been to North Platte before, competing as Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen last year. Now as Miss Scotts Bluff County, she’s promoting her personal platform she calls ‘The Growl Stops Here, Fighting Hunger In Our Community.’

‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.’ — Mark Twain

I don’t know that there are many things Brittli HASN’T done yet; she is CERTAINLY living life. (And saving lives.. did I mention she’s certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding?!?)

In less than a month, she’ll be able to add one more thing to her ‘DONE’ list; competing for Miss Nebraska.

Connect with Miss Scotts Bluff County, Brittli Sell

on Facebook and Twitter

***

The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

***

PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Lake McConaughy, Chrissy Townsend

NEXT POST.. **SPECIAL FEATURE** Miss Nebraska 2013 JaCee Pilkington

Magic Dance

May13

If you saw the title of this post, and immediately thought of this…

..then YOU. ARE. AWESOME.

Labyrinth. CLASSIC. And yet again, the Miss Nebraska contestants reading this post are probably thinking, ‘what the….’ because it came out in 1986.

Ladies, find it on Netflix. DEFINITELY worth it.

ANYWAY… Magic Dance is one of the songs in the movie. And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is about all I’ve got for you when it comes to dance. Unless you want to check out my post regarding the 10 best moments of So You Think You Can Dance. I CANNOT dance. I can do many things; dancing is not among them. It truly looks like something is medically wrong with me when I try. So, I am in complete awe of people who CAN dance, like the young lady you are about to meet.

Miss Lake McConaughy, Chrissy Townsend

“I have been dancing since the age of 3 so being able to showcase my love for something I’ve been doing for so long is wonderful,” Chrissy told me recently. “Capturing an audience with just the movement of your body is such a great form of expression.”

Chrissy just completed her final year as a member of the University of Nebraska-Omaha dance team, which finished in the top 5 in the National Dance Alliance championships.

Click here to see video of the UNO Dance Team performing.

Chrissy’s time as a Maverick also introduced her to the Make-A-Wish foundation, inspiring her personal platform of service as Miss Lake McConaughy: ‘Be The Change, Make-A-Wish’.

“I have been involved with Make-A-Wish for four years now and it really has changed my life,” said Chrissy. “It all started out with my sorority when I joined Chi Omega and since then my love for it has continued to grow. I have the opportunity to meet Wish families and get to know them on a personal level which makes volunteering with them so great.”

It’s kids like these that make being a titleholder so special for Chrissy.

“My absolute favorite part is being a role model for the younger generation,” said Chrissy. “Both boys and girls really look up to you and admire the things that you do in your daily lives so being able to be a positive influence on them makes it all worthwhile.”

Not so long ago, Chrissy was looking up to Miss Nebraska contestants, as a participant in the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program.

“It was a really great way to prepare for the transition to the Miss division,” said Chrissy. “I also really value the fact that it provides such great scholarships. College has been so rewarding the past four years and having the money to help pay back my student loans is so nice.”

Chrissy not only thinks Lifestyle and Fitness (aka the swimsuit competition) should be part of the program, she calls it great!

“These incredible women do so many different things throughout their lives and should be commended for being able to stay so busy and still have time to live an active lifestyle,” said Chrissy. “We live in an age that being healthy and active isn’t valued. I think the swimsuit portion of the competition showcases and brings light and hope to those who are trying to better themselves.”

CHARISMATIC, QUIRKY, HAPPY

“Anyone who talks to me will notice that I talk with my hands a lot,” said Chrissy. “This means I’m overly excited about anything and everything that I get to talk about. What I’m getting at is that I am always really excited to be so animated in person.”

Maybe that’s the secret to being such a phenomenal dancer–being so excited about life you just can’t contain it inside your body.

I found this quote about dance:

‘Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.’ –H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Fitting, because here’s what Chrissy says about Miss Nebraska:

“It is all about empowering women and providing them with so many opportunities both personally and professionally. I urge people to see the bigger picture. It is way more than pretty girls with sparkles and makeup. These ladies are the future and they do everything and anything they can to make a difference and we need more people in the world today like that.”

Kind of like dancers.. behind the amazing costumes and stage makeup are gifted artists who tell stories through movement and music.

Miss Lake McConaughy is bringing her Magic Dance to Miss Nebraska. And Chrissy, if you need some awesome music to get even MORE excited, the Labyrinth soundtrack is great 🙂

Connect with Miss Lake McConaughy, Chrissy Townsend

On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by email at crtownsend88@gmail.com

***

The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

***

PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Crane Festival, Lianna Prill

NEXT POST.. Miss Scotts Bluff County, Brittli Sell

Fueling the Journey

May12

Someone once told me, ‘you eat like an 8-year old!’

It’s true. I am a junk food junkie.

It is one of my constant resolutions; to EAT HEALTHIER. After all, this 33-year old metabolism is NOT what is used to be!!

I want to eat smarter to look better, to feel better, and to set an example for my boys. I want to set reasonable goals, still allotting for a little (or a lot) of cheating from time to time.

Today’s featured Miss Nebraska contestant doesn’t have that luxury. For a decade, food led to endless pain and discomfort. Everything she ate contributed to a puzzle that took ten years to piece together. Now, she’s determined to save others from the same struggle.

Miss Crane Festival, Lianna Prill

Lianna has Celiac Disease, a genetic autoimmune disease which causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, preventing absorption of parts of food important for staying healthy.

“Since the first grade, I would lie on the bathroom floor every night with constant migraines, sinus infections, stomach issues, etc,” Lianna told me recently. “After countless tests, MRI’s, CAT scans, chiropractic treatments, you name it, no one had any answers for me.”

Ten years later, Lianna’s father was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. (He suffered similar problems for 25 years.) Lianna discovered she also matched the criteria, like the 1 in every 133 people in America living with the disease. Lianna says on average, it takes 6-10 years to be properly diagnosed. She encourages all to check out the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness online, on Twitter and on Facebook.

“Three years later (and for life), I still adhere to a strict gluten and dairy-free diet and am a new woman,” said Lianna. It likely comes as no surprise, ‘Celiac Disease: Experiencing Gluten Freedom’ is Lianna’s personal platform of service.

“Currently the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness Gluten Free Industry Initiatives Intern for Nebraska, I share life-saving information with Lincoln Public Schools, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the state,” said Lianna. “Last spring, I became a D.J.’s Hero from this platform, and am proud to be a part of NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens and Schools program, training universities, campuses and restaurants across the nation to safely prepare gluten-free meals for customers and students.”

Lianna’s work also contributed to her winning the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen title in 2012. She first sought out the program with a passion for singing and performing.

“Where there’s a stage, there’s Lianna Prill,” she said. “Integrating my 4-H sewing fashion modeling, my work ethic from showing cattle, speaking skills from speech team, fitness from a medically necessary healthy lifestyle, a platform to save lives and a need for scholarships for college, it was a no-brainer.”

Lianna also has a personal connection to Miss America’s community partner, Children’s Miracle Network.

“This hits close to home as my younger twin sisters were born at one and two pounds,” said Lianna. “Years later after their micro-preemie survival, our family was involved in the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon in Omaha. Miss Nebraska was made for me.”

VIVACIOUS, STELLAR, SPITFIRE

Lianna’s personal triumphs have also helped shape the woman she has become. Shortly after her Celiac diagnosis, she survived a car accident near Bertrand, Nebraska.

“A pickup blew a stop sign, hit me (I was driving) and we spun several times landing in a ditch and totaling my car,” said Lianna. “I crawled out of the passenger seat, because I was trapped in the driver’s seat. Struggling with an undiagnosed genetic autoimmune disease for ten years and surviving a possibly fatal car crash both made me fight as an advocate for my health and cherish every moment that’s given to me with steadfast faith and spunk.”

They say life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you react to it. Here’s a young lady who hasn’t let chronic illness or adversity get her down; she’s used every challenge as fuel to be BETTER. And Lianna is hungry for a new title in North Platte.

“This is a place for women to grow, flourish and bloom into the person they were created to be,” said Lianna. “Miss Nebraska is a chance for young women to push themselves to become the best version of themselves possible, while representing our state with a good head on her shoulders, class and a hint of sparkle.”

Connect with Miss Crane Festival, Lianna Prill

on Facebook, Instagram and by email at lprill@celiaccentral.org

***

The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

***

PREVIOUS POST.. ***SPECIAL FEATURE*** The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen contestants!

NEXT POST.. Miss Lake McConaughy, Chrissy Townsend!

Special Feature, Nebraska’s Outstanding Teens

May11

“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” — Maya Angelou

Yup. I posted that.

I apologize for the language, but I think Ms. Angelou is pretty accurate with her assessment. And if one of America’s most respected authors/poets wants to swear, who I am to change her quote??

Now, meet the young women taking charge and living these words.

The 9 ladies competing for the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teenager.

This relatively new honor is the sister-organization of Miss America. Women competing for Miss America must be at least a senior in high school, and may range in age from 17-24 years old. Miss America’s Outstanding Teen allows girls ranging in age from 12-17 (in some cases, 18) to participate as well. Just like their ‘Miss’ counterparts, these young ladies compete in talent, evening gown, interview, and a modified fitness portion (no swimsuits, instead a choreographed routine to display health.)

Today, in a special feature, meet the nine teenagers from across the state hoping to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. Several of these young ladies were eager to share a little more about themselves as they prepare for North Platte!

***

Alliance, BreaHanna Harlow

BreaHanna is 16, from Scottsbluff, attending Leyton High School.

“I’m competing because I love teaching others the struggles underprivileged students go through,” said BreaHanna. “I believe that if you can convince one person, you can convince the world.”

BreaHanna is a cheerleader at Leyton High, works at the Buckle, and says she really enjoys the comfort of her family.

“Pageants have taught me that beauty isn’t everything,” said BreaHanna. “All you need in pageants and in life overall is a great personality and knowledge about the future and past. My motto is always believe there’s a better solution to everything and that all you need is support.”

Click here to learn more about the Miss Alliance’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Chadron, Allie Boggs

Allie is 16, from Gering, attending Gering High School.

Her Facebook page is loaded with pictures showing Allie participating in Cheer/Dance at school, including District competitions.

Senior pictures also show off Allie’s love for dance, especially ballet.

Allie also competed last year at the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen pageant.

Click here to learn more about the Miss Chadron’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Crane Watch, Shelbe Stroh

Shelbe is 15, from Elkhorn, a freshman at Elkhorn South High School.

“School has been my number one priority,” Shelbe told me. “I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my first year of high school, I am a member of Elkhorn South student council as well as DECA, FCCLA, and SADD. I play soccer and plan to play volleyball for the school in the fall.”

Shelbe also volunteers in the Omaha metro area, helping the homeless and near homeless.

“I [spend] my time at the Open Door Mission serving dinner and working with the youth in the Lydia House,” said Shelbe. “I also volunteered at the Special Olympics bowling games.”

In what little free time she has, Shelbe says she enjoys poetry, finding new songs for her playlist, hitting the gym, and adding to the ‘tie-dye and hipster fashion’ collages in her bedroom.

“Pageants have allowed me to improve my leadership, communication and thinking skills,” said Shelbe. “I have grown as a person, for I have tested my strength in mind and body. I love the gratification that comes along with success. Each day, I strive to improve myself and feed off failure to obtain success.”

Click here to learn more about the Miss Crane Festival’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Gering, Caylen Calderon

Caylen is from Scottsbluff and attends Scottsbluff High School where she plays volleyball and is a member of the choir

Browse through Caylen’s photos and one thing is clear–she LOVES being a sister.

Family and friends are a definite priority for this young lady. They were by her side as she was crowned Gering’s Outstanding Teen, and no doubt they will be cheering her on in North Platte!

Click here to learn more about the Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Northwest, Chelsea Arnold

Chelsea is 16 from Crete. She attends school at… well, that’s part of Chelsea’s story and her personal platform, ‘The Importance of Individualized Education’.

“My primary goal is to help students reach their full academic potential by exposing them to different models of learning,” Chelsea told me recently. “Whether in a traditional school, home school or as an online student, it’s important to explore differing learning styles and resources. There is no ‘one size fits all’ or standard education. Every individual learns differently and I am passionate about exposing people to new ideas.”

Chelsea has attended private, public and charter schools in Florida, California and Nebraska. She says the traditional classroom didn’t work for her.

“I left traditional school nearly halfway through my sophomore year and took up classes full time through the University of Nebraska High School online,” said Chelsea. “I couldn’t be happier with the education I’m getting right now and I want every student to have that feeling!”

Chelsea said her new schedule allows her more time to pursue other passions including theater, singing and modeling. Chelsea recently appeared on the cover of Oriental Trading Company’s catalog. She also volunteers in her free time.

“When Children’s Hospital would like to have a craft hour or needs someone to man the phones for a telethon, I can be there!” said Chelsea. “I call Bingo twice a week at Tabitha Nursing Center as well.”

Chelsea will stay busy until the day she arrives in North Platte; she is currently on a 3-week cruise to Alaska via Vancouver, Canada!

Click here to learn more about the Miss Northwest’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Omaha, Morgan Holen

Morgan is 16, from Omaha, attending Elkhorn South High School (the Storm will be well represented at Miss Nebraska!)

Morgan is following in some beautiful footsteps; her mom, Jodi, was Miss Nebraska 1988. Just like her mother, Morgan has a passion for dance.

“I have been dancing for 13 years and dance roughly 18-20 hours a week both for my school dance team and for my competitive dance team, Kitty Lee Dance,” Morgan told me a in a recent interview.

Morgan says one of her favorite things about being Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen is volunteering.

“With my title I have been able to volunteer for activities like IHOP National Pancake Day, Race to 50K, and the telethon through Children’s Miracle Network,” said Morgan. “My favorite activity is sponsoring craft hour at Children’s Hospital.”

Morgan is also spreading word about her personal platform of service, ‘Random Acts of Kindness’.

“Many of us have heard about the person who paid for the car behind them at Burger King or Starbucks, but random acts of kindness don’t require money,” said Morgan. “Each one of us has the ability to make a difference in someone’s life every day.”

Morgan also encourages all young ladies to think about participating in Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program.

“I believe whole-heartedly in the Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organizations and would strongly recommend any teenage girl to be a part of it,” said Morgan. “This organization not only provides scholarships, but also encourages poise, confidence and service. I have seen contestants gain success on and off stage no matter where they placed in the pageant. The experience gained is valuable for all who participate.”

Click here to learn more about the Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Panhandle, Alexis McGlone

Alexis is 15, from Mitchell, Neb., attending Mitchell High School where she is a member of the show choir, volleyball team and the cheerleading squad.

Her photos on Facebook show a VERY busy young lady, climbing mountains, participating at Maranatha Bible Camp, even taking part in flour fights!

Alexis has also competed in the Miss America system before, and has many photos alongside girls she’s competing with.

With only a few weeks to go before the state pageant, Alexis is getting ready, singing in front of crowds at her school. As one friend commented, ‘great practice for the pageant!’

Click here to learn more about the Miss Panhandle’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Scotts Bluff County, Allison Baird

Allison is 16, from Gering, Neb., attending Gering High School. (The Bull Dogs will also have two contestants competing for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen!)

Allison, or ‘Allie’ is active in drama at her school, recently starring in the musical Cinderella. She’s also on the dance/cheer team, and part of the state runner-up speech team at Gering.

Allie is also a member of the show choir. If her albums on Facebook are any indication, she is a VERY busy young lady, constantly smiling and surrounded by friends!

***

Western Nebraska, Grace Heggem

Grace is this year’s youngest competitor, just 14 years old. She is from Scottsbluff and attends Community Christian School.

“I’m doing this pageant because I’m excited to improve my speaking skills and I think it greatly helps in improving maturity,” Grace told me recently. “I also, of course, am looking forward to making lots of memories with some amazing girls.”

Grace says she loves to play the piano. She is using her year as Western Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen to spread awareness of her personal platform of service, mentoring.

Grace has been on the honor roll multiple times at Community Christian School, maintaining an A average throughout her 7th grade year.

She also runs track, finishing as a top competitor in the 200 meter run in her division.

Click here to learn more about the Miss Western Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program.

***

Each of these young ladies will at some point probably talk, laugh and take photos with THIS young lady..

Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen 2013, Samantha Washington

One year ago, this teenager was just like all of the girls you just read about; working hard in school, practicing to be a better singer and dancer, and volunteering to make her community a better place. All of those qualities helped Samantha earn the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

She summed up her year of service in a post on the Miss NE OT Facebook page in January.

Hi everybody! I just wanted to share a picture that sums up my whole year. 2013 has been a year to remember. It’s been a year of change. for one, I started out 2013 being 5’3″ tall…I am now 5’7.5″ and of course… I’m 15 years old. But I’ve really changed as a person over the year. When receiving the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen, I was a little nervous. 15 years old, still very immature, going into my sophomore year of high school and just awkward. But having this title has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me (as you can see from the picture below) I’ve met so many friends, new family members (the MNOT crew), tried new things. And grew…physically and as a person. Not too long after the pageant I had found out that my friend had committed suicide. Which forced me to mature to the best of my ability. While at nationals, I and the other 51 girls talked for hours where I brought up the passing of my friend. Those 51 girls helped me realize that no matter what you’re going through, you’re never going through it alone. Something I soon said to my friends back home. This organization helped me see that no matter where I go or what I do in life, as time goes on you meet people who change your life, your legs may grow, your feet may grow, your arms may grow, but most importantly, your heart WILL grow to make room for your growing inventory of lessons, family, advice, friends, kind words and everything that you receive over your travels. Thank you so much everybody for helping me grow (:

WHO WILL BE NEXT?

***

Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen 2014 will be crowned June 7, 2014 in North Platte.

For more information, check out the organization online or on Facebook.

You can also follow the organization on Twitter.

***

PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Northwest, Alex O’Connor

NEXT POST.. Miss Crane Festival, Lianna Prill!

Survivor

May9

At 5 months of age, many babies are making their first attempts at real speech. They are gearing up to start crawling, maybe learning how to sit on their own. A baby’s grasp gets stronger and they start trying to grab things on their own.

At just 5 months old, this young lady was grasping for survival.

Miss Northwest, Alex O’Connor

(Photo courtesy of Impact Images Studio)

“I had heart surgery to repair a left anomalous coronary. It’s a congenital defect,” Alex told me earlier this week. “I was in the ICU for two months at Denver Children’s Hospital.”

A quick search of the condition reveals some alarming phrases. Very rare… sudden death as a complication.. heart attack in the baby.

In this case, a miracle. Alex has grown into a beautiful young woman competing for Miss Nebraska as Miss Northwest. She’s also using her title to share her story.

“My platform is ‘Be Heart Healthy’ because I am a heart survivor,” said Alex. “My mission is to spread the word about how to have a healthy heart.”

Alex with Miss Chadron 2013 Meghan Thalken

Alex says that passion is one of the reasons people should care about the Miss Nebraska organization.

“It is not just a pageant,” said Alex. “All the girls in this organization are truly wonderful and all we ever want is to make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

Participating has also had an impact on Alex. A senior at Paxton High School, she previously competed in Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

“Being in this system I have learned lifelong lessons that I will never forget,” said Alex. “Just overall, I’m more confident and mature for my age.”

Alex says she loves performing in front of an audience, but her favorite part of Miss Nebraska is the Evening Gown portion.

“I love to dress up. I mean, who doesn’t?” said Alex. “I love showing who I am by being confident and graceful.”

As for Lifestyle and Fitness, or swimsuit, Alex says she sees both sides of the controversy, but believes it is a necessary aspect of the competition.

“We are competing for Miss Nebraska, maybe even Miss America, and the lucky lady who gets it needs to be in good shape so she can be ready for anything,” said Alex.

It is truly amazing how life can change and come full circle. From a baby with a sick heart, to a young woman with a heart of gold.

“I want to be Miss Nebraska because it has always been a dream for me since I was little,” said Alex. “For me, it’s not all about getting the crown, for me, it’s knowing that I have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Connect with Miss Northwest, Alex O’Connor

on Facebook

***

The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

***

PREVIOUS POST.. *SPECIAL FEATURE* Miss Nebraska USA Amanda Soltero!

NEXT POST.. ***SPECIAL FEATURE*** The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen contestants!

Special Feature, Miss Nebraska USA 2014

May8

“Who is Amanda Soltero.. and how do I meet her??”

Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is Amanda Soltero, Miss Nebraska USA 2014

..and NOW you know why my friend asked to meet her.

Jaw. Dropping. GORGEOUS. If ever there was a time for me to write a blog using only photos, this would be it.

STUNNING: adj. To astonish; astound; amaze: Her beauty stunned the audience.

(Photos courtesy of Rachel Imdieke, Fadil Berisha and Georgina Vaughan)

Believe it or not, Amanda seems to be just as beautiful, if not more so, on the INSIDE. The same weekend young women from across the state will compete for the title of Miss Nebraska, Amanda will be competing in Baton Rouge for the title of Miss USA. Today in a special feature, get to know Miss Nebraska USA, and find out why she wants your support representing our state.

***

First things first.. what’s the difference between Miss America and Miss USA? I think my fellow KETV anchor and pageant-graduate
Alex Hoffman put it best in saying these two organizations are the most prestigious, well known and respected in the pageant world. They are televised, have history on their side, and have thousands of participants nationwide. While many of the same young women compete for both, they are two different systems.

The Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit organization; The Miss USA/Miss Universe organization is a joint venture partnership between NBC and Donald Trump.

Women who compete for Miss America must be 17-24 years old; women who compete for Miss USA must be between 17-27 years old.

Finally, Miss America contestants compete in swimsuit, evening gown, interview and talent; Miss USA contestants do not compete in talent.

Miss USA Erin Brady and Miss America Nina Davuluri

***

Enough with the facts and figures… meet Amanda!

“I am determined to use my year to make a difference in people’s lives, especially children with cancer,” Amanda told me in a recent interview. “You get one year to be Miss Nebraska USA and even though I come from a small town (Columbus, Neb.), I know I can still make a big difference by using my title to do so! I want to show my state that I can make them proud by representing them in the best way and by truly making the most of my time with the crown, not just for all the glitz and glam.”

Just as each of the Miss Nebraska contestants have a personal platform of service, Amanda is focusing her year on spreading awareness of childhood cancer.

“Pediatric cancer research and awareness is very near and dear to my heart,” said Amanda. “6-year old Sammy Nahorny is a family friend of mine and when they started Sammy’s Superheroes, I knew I wanted to get involved.”

Sammy was diagnosed at 4-years old with Neuroblastoma, cancer that commonly affects the abdomen and adrenal glands and is very difficult to treat. Loved ones formed Sammy’s Superheroes to show their support and raise money for research; more than 10,000 people now support the cause, including Olympic Gold Medalist Curt Tomasevicz. Check out Sammy’s Superheroes online or on Facebook to learn more!

“When you see directly the effects childhood cancer can have on someone you care about, it really hits you hard and makes you want to help in any way that you can,” said Amanda. “I knew that if I won Miss Nebraska USA, I would be able to give a larger platform for Sammy’s Superheroes and really get the word out how desperately funds are needed for research to find a cure.”

Amanda recruiting Miss Arkansas USA, Miss Kansas USA and Miss Oklahoma USA to become Sammy’s Superheroes!

Amanda has also offered her support and time to Team Jack, the organization raising money to fight pediatric brain cancer in honor of Jack Hoffman. Jack and his dad, Andy, are good friends to KETV, sharing their story of Jack’s long battle with a brain tumor, his friendship with Nebraska football player Rex Burkhead, and the now legendary Spring Game touchdown run viewed more than 8.4 million times on YouTube.

I, too, have had the privilege of sharing Jack’s story, and the fight he represents. Team Jack has now raised more than 1.1 million dollars for pediatric brain cancer research, and has the support of tens of thousands across the country.

Click here to watch my story following up with the Hoffmans in the middle of Jack’s fight, as two other families lost little boys to brain cancer

Click here to watch my story about the ‘Year of Jack’ following the touchdown that touched America.

Click here to learn more about Team Jack online and on Facebook

Amanda and Jack at the first annual Team Jack Gala

“I know that the more people that hear and see where their money is going, the quicker we can find a cure!” said Amanda.

It is THIS, not the fancy photo shoots or glamorous trips around the country, that Amanda enjoys the most about being Miss Nebraska USA.

“The appearances I have gotten to do WITH Sammy have had the most impact on me and have been the most meaningful,” said Amanda.

***

While many state titleholders take a year off from school and full time work to focus on service and appearances, Amanda has not; she remains a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and will graduate this weekend with a degree in Broadcasting.

Amanda reporting at a Nebraska women’s soccer game for the B1G Network

But make no mistake; Amanda says she is ready to represent Nebraska at Miss USA.

“I want to make the people of my home state proud and go out knowing that I did everything I possibly could to prepare and leave no stone unturned,” said Amanda. “I want to be a platform for the organizations that mean the most to me, and get others on board as well. I want to represent myself, my family and my state in the best light possible.”

Amanda and her family

Amanda will fly to Louisiana on May 25th, but she’s hoping to take Nebraska with her. You can watch the Miss USA pageant live on NBC June 8th at 8/7 Central, hopefully cheering loud enough that Amanda will be able to hear you 1,000 miles away.

“My hopes for the pageant are to show the world what Nebraskans are made of and to let people know there is more to Nebraska than cornfields and flat land,” said Amanda.

And there’s more to Amanda than a pretty face. This young woman is reshaping how children, families and Nebraskans think of ‘beauty queens’. Beauty INSIDE and out.

GO. BIG. RED. Represent, Miss Nebraska USA!

Connect with Miss Nebraska USA 2014 Amanda Soltero on

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

on the Miss Nebraska USA website

and on Amanda’s blog

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PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Alliance Staci Craighead

NEXT POST.. Miss Northwest, Alex O’Connor!

A Bull Dog in a Pair of Pants

May7

DO NOT mess with Miss Alliance.

Studies biochemistry. Likens pageants to football. Emotionally tougher than nails.

Let’s compare; I can’t follow a recipe most of the time. My nickname on the softball field is 1-3 (as in, I hit it back to the pitcher). I get choked up watching Carter’s commercials.

Yeeeaaaaaa… I’m out.

Miss Alliance, Staci Craighead

Staci’s been to North Platte before; the last time winning the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen in 2010. (She’s one of three former Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teens, including Rachel Foehlinger and Lianna Prill).

“I earned the title [at 17] and fell in love with the four points of the Miss America crown: scholarship, success, style and service,” said Staci in a recent interview. “My family’s values are very similar to these four points which allowed me to grow as a person with my family and the Miss America Organization.”

Staci sees strong leadership at home; her mom Joni is running for the Nebraska legislature, and has actively been involved in the state’s Republican party for 20 years.

“Watching my mother progress and succeed as a businesswoman, politician, and volunteer has solidified my tenacity,” said Staci. “Once I set a goal for myself nothing can get in my way, no matter the course.”

Staci has also experienced setbacks, including a tragic loss several years ago.

“I lost my father to cancer at 14 years old and hold on to his many words of wisdom as I grow into a young woman,” said Staci. “Being earnest comes from my father’s value of honesty and sincerity. His kindness and encouragement were the foundation for my love of service and appreciation for life’s gifts.”

“Happy Father’s Day to the turtle dove that greats me at my car every morning, and on my porch every evening. Love you Daddy.”

Staci has also faced disappointment; dismissal from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shortly after beginning her college career.

“I found myself lost in the transition between ‘assigned’ learning and ‘selected’ learning. I had no idea where I wanted to start my education to further a career and ended up losing interest in my classes,” said Staci. She took a year off to work and ‘grow up’, and was granted another chance at her scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

“Most will tell you that you’ll never go back to school if you stop after the first year or two, but I was determined to prove that staple wrong, and I did,” said Staci. “[I am a] Chemistry major with an emphasis on biochemistry and [hold a] 3.75 GPA. I want to do Bio-defense research for the military after earning a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. I am a firm role model for those who have lost the spark for education as my college experience is proof that you can succeed in every aspect of life.”

TENACIOUS, GREGARIOUS, EARNEST

As Miss Alliance, Staci is taking her personal story to schools and students planning, or not planning, for college.

“As a young woman and student, I have observed and experienced a rising problem among other young Americans. Desensitization to debt and lack of appreciation for the opportunity to pursue an education are variables that are causing a decline in graduation rates across the United States,” said Staci. “I am passionate about educating young Americans about the process of earning scholarships, the fundamentals of fiscal responsibility as newly independent individuals, and understanding what an incredible privilege it is to achieve a higher education.”

Staci calls her platform of service ‘Financial Education: The Dollars Make Sense’.

“I witnessed many of my classmates struggle to pay for school and keep up with the cost of living as a college student, which led me to realize that students are not adequately prepared for the financial difficulties that come with an education,” said Staci. “I plan to work with high school juniors and seniors, teaching them how to set up a monthly budget, establish an understanding of student loans, and succeed in applying for scholarships.”

Staci also volunteers at Crossroads Mission Center in Kearney, in addition to her studies and preparing for the Miss Nebraska pageant.

She also sings at local events, like here for an Omaha Beef arena football game, but Interview is her favorite part of competition.

“Sharing experiences, values, and honesty with the judges brings the process of competing in pageants full circle as it reminds me of why I am there, services and action,” said Staci.

She doesn’t need a reminder about WHO she is.

“I am a woman with a thirst for knowledge, a passion for service, and a hope for the future of education,” said Staci.

One more thing.. this beauty queen plans to become a soldier. Staci says she will join the Army Reserve in her junior year of college.

The Army. Competing for Miss Nebraska.

<<speechless>>

Staci: “I think camouflage and crowns go quite well together!”

We’ll find out soon–Miss Nebraska begins ONE MONTH FROM TODAY.

Connect with Miss Alliance, Staci Craighead

via email at srcraighead27@yahoo.com

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The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

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PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Eastern Nebraska, Alyssa Howell

NEXT POST.. ***SPECIAL FEATURE*** Miss Nebraska USA Amanda Soltero!

The Kid Whisperer

May5

The Kid Whisperer… wow, that sounds like an AWESOME reality show.

‘You’ve seen the Dog Whisperer.. You loved SuperNanny… now meet, THE KID WHISPERER! SHHHHHH!!!!’

I’d DVR that.

Here’s the show’s premise: a beautiful young lady who makes miracles happen through her love of working with and being around children. Her name?

Miss Eastern Nebraska, Alyssa Howell

(Thanks to Deyo’s Photography for use of Alyssa’s photo!)

Children are Alyssa’s focus during her year as Miss Eastern Nebraska and they are her future; the Creighton University student plans to become a Child Life Specialist for the Children’s Miracle Network, working in facilities helping patients and families navigate the challenges of childhood illnesses and hospitalization.

“When I made my first onsite visit to a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at age 15, I knew that was where I could make the largest and most meaningful impact,” said Alyssa in a recent interview. “Ever since, I have been working towards raising awareness, fundraising, but most importantly, interacting with patients to make their days a little brighter.”

“My family and friends call me the Kid Whisperer!” said Alyssa.

CHARISMATIC, PASSIONATE, FUN!

Children’s Miracle Network is Miss America’s community partner, so it made perfect sense to Alyssa to tie in her passion with competing for Miss Nebraska.

“The Miss America Organization is one of the most outstanding programs for young women in the world,” said Alyssa. “It is the place where I feel I can do the most for my community through the emphasis of service, learn and grow as a person, and most of all, have fun while meeting new people and enhancing my interview and performance skills! Young women are valued and rewarded in this organization for excelling as leaders in education, service, the arts and living healthy lives – that’s important to me.”

Alyssa also respects the tradition involved with the Miss America Organization, even the more controversial aspects, like Lifestyle and Fitness. Alyssa notes the entire system started as a swimsuit competition in Atlantic City in 1921.

“The swimsuit competition is such a rich part of Miss America’s history and should be embraced,” said Alyssa. “Aside from that, swimsuit is a great way to encourage proper nutrition, fitness and self-confidence. Truly, the judges are looking for a healthy girl, one that has good muscle tone and body shape, not just a skinny girl.”

Alyssa goes as far to say most contestants have fun strutting their stuff! Still, she says, Interview is her favorite aspect of the competition.

“It allows you to interact with the judges in a one-on-one environment,” said Alyssa. “I love being able to tell my story, express why I am there and most of all, meet some pretty amazing people!”

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No doubt some of her tiniest friends may come up in Alyssa’s interview. She’ll be advocating for them right up until her trip to North Platte, even hosting an online fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network on Friday, May 9th. From 5-8 pm, Alyssa hopes to raise $1000. Find out more by heading to her event website.

Alyssa’s reality TV debut may have to wait. After all, she’s already earned the title of Kid Whisperer.

Now she’s aiming for Miss Nebraska.

Connect with Miss Eastern Nebraska, Alyssa Howell

on her Facebook page devoted to her personal platform, ‘Making Miracles Happen’

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The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

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PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Metro, Kimberly Brennan

NEXT POST.. Miss Alliance, Staci Craighead!

Making Noise

May5

Every single one of the young women competing for Miss Nebraska has a voice, a message they want as many people as possible to listen to.

Today’s featured contestant is working extra hard, because the same people she is trying to help CANNOT always hear her.

Miss Metro, Kimberly Brennan

Kimberly is nearly deaf in her left ear. A virus, contracted when she was 14, stole her hearing. A virus that was not diagnosed for several weeks, despite Kimberly’s complaints about ringing in her ear and an inability to hear things clearly.

“It took an ENT five minutes to diagnose a virus in my ear. If I had only known weeks earlier, my hearing could have been saved,” said Kimberly in a recent interview. “I want to share my story and take the message of hearing loss prevention on a state and national level because I don’t want others to risk this same fate.”

Kimberly now travels to schools and other groups sharing her story. She also hands out earplugs and has plans to ‘take on’ companies that produce products like ear buds to make listening devices safer.

“With the ever growing prevalence of noise induced hearing loss, now is the perfect time to take on the issue,” said Kimberly. “The answer lies mainly in providing the knowledge.”

PASSIONATE, COMPASSIONATE, GENUINE

Kimberly’s explanation behind her personal platform is only a glimpse of the passion she has for her roles, not just as Miss Metro, but as ‘Miss Brennan’. Kimberly graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha and has been accepted into the CADRE Masters of Education program, where she plans to obtain her Master’s Degree in education WHILE teaching full-time.

“Student teaching was a high point in my educational career,” said Kimberly. “I loved and was energized by teaching students each day and dedicating myself to helping them learn and grow.”

Kimberly also spends about 21 hours a week teaching baton at Sue’s Stepperettes, where she became a national and world champion despite her hearing loss. She still trains there several hours a week.

“Imagine trying to throw a baton, jump, spin and balance, all while having the balance on one side of your body minimized,” said Kimberly. “It took a lot of hard work and perseverance to regain the balance that I had; winning [those titles] have been some of the proudest moments of my life so far, because I had to work so hard to get there.”

Kimberly will compete for Miss Nebraska side by side with her fellow baton twirlers Miss River City Rachel Foehlinger and Miss State Fair Aleah Peters.

See if you can spot them in KETV’s story on Sue’s Stepperettes when they celebrated 40 years in May of 2013.

No matter where she’s teaching, speaking, or twirling, Kimberly says she tries to show every person and group she cares about them.

“I want them to do well, I want them to accomplish great things and I want them to feel cared for,” said Kimberly. “I try to talk to everyone I meet and I take a genuine interest in them. I am truly fascinated by the things you can learn simply by talking to people you come across.”

That passion fuels Kimberly’s desire to serve others.

“I never feel better than when I am volunteering my time with others,” said Kimberly. “I have had amazing opportunities to help by raising money, plunging in freezing cold water, reading to children at libraries and schools, speaking about hearing loss, passing out ear plugs, dancing, greeting people, running bid boards, doing arts and crafts, modeling, all while taking about a million photos to commemorate the life changing experiences! I’m always looking for more opportunities to serve others, so PLEASE feel free to contact me if you know of any place that could use volunteers!”

Need proof? I spotted Kimberly THREE TIMES in the April issue of Metro Magazine, volunteering or making appearances at events in the Omaha area. In every photo, she is flashing a warm, welcoming smile.

“What you see is what you get. I am proud of who I am and what I have accomplished so far in my life,” said Kimberly. “I am confident in the fact that I am compassionate, passionate, dedicated, loving, caring, hard working, reflective, helpful, confident and intelligent. But I also accept the face that I have lazy days sometimes, that I can procrastinate, that I over-schedule myself, that I have a sweet tooth and that I can be impatient. We all have our negative qualities, but we need to be willing to embrace them and to better ourselves each day by serving others and gaining knowledge about anything and everything that strikes our fancy.”

Kimberly says the Miss America Organization highlights the positive, making the pageant still relevant in 2014.

“Turn to mass media and I bet you can find multiple stories about violence, celebrity happenings, people with eating disorders, and tragedies that happen every day,” said Kimberly. “While there are some positive stories about people who are doing great things and fighting to make a change, they are far fewer than those that are disheartening and discouraging. That is where the Miss America and Miss Nebraska pageants shine. These contestants are women who are actually doing something about these problems. They are women who are willing to put themselves out there and work like crazy to have a positive impact on the world.”

Kimberly’s out there, alright. Trying to make people hear her story, on behalf of those who can’t.

She’s ready to make some noise at Miss Nebraska.

Connect with Miss Metro, Kimberly Brennan

by email at kabrennan@unomaha.edu

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The Miss Nebraska pageant takes place June 5-7 in North Platte, Nebraska. For more information, visit the Miss Nebraska website.

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PREVIOUS POST.. Miss Western Nebraska, Morgan Yost

NEXT POST.. Miss Eastern Nebraska, Alyssa Howell!

One Moment In Time

May4

You know you’re a good singer when…

A) You are performing at New York’s Carnegie Hall

B) You receive a full-ride music scholarship to college

C) You know that under no circumstances should you ever, EVER try to sing Celine Dion, Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston at karaoke. Just don’t do it.

Ok, that last one is one of my own personal rules. But can I get a ‘Heck, yea!!!’ from my fellow singers out there?!?!

I am merely a car-concert performer. My audience is occasionally my two little boys in the backseat, and the poor souls in my neighborhood who can hear me through my sunroof. (My apologies.) Today’s featured Miss Nebraska contestant is the REAL DEAL..

Miss Western Nebraska Morgan Yost

I don’t know how she feels about option C, but Morgan is making A and B reality! She is a busy young woman, participating in show choir and choir at Western Nebraska Community College, majoring in Pre-Dental Hygiene, all while making appearances throughout her year of service as Miss Western Nebraska.

“Not only does the Miss Nebraska/Miss America organization provide many scholarships and other wonderful opportunities, but it provides real-life preparations,” said Morgan in a recent interview. “It allows a person to be themselves while serving their state and community.”

Morgan has been participating in pageants for eight years, encouraged to try her first one at the age of 13.

“To be in a pageant, you don’t have to be pretty or perfect,” said Morgan. “You have to be yourself, the person who God simply created you to be. If you put your faith in God, wonderful things will happen.”

Morgan describes herself as a ‘farm girl’ who raises pigs, loves to sing and likes getting dressed up on occasion.

“Pigs and pageants?? I never would have put those two together,” said Morgan. “Pageants have made me into the person I am today. There’s something that has brought me back each and every year.”

As Miss Western Nebraska, Morgan is promoting her personal platform to prevent distracted driving, which she calls ‘Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks.’

“Over a year ago, my community and hometown was hit with many fatalities that occurred because of distracted driving,” said Morgan. “Having to attend funerals of girls who I went to high school with was never part of my plan at such a young age. I wanted to choose a platform that made an impact on the lives of others.”

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Morgan has teamed up with the Nebraska State Patrol to speak at schools and other civic organizations across Nebraska’s panhandle, encouraging others to not only practice safe driving, but to make it a habit.

“There is nothing that can compare to the possibility of saving a life,” said Morgan. “Although good things do not come out of every situation, God will be there in the end to answer and comfort your heart. We must trust in His plans and purposes for life.”