Tag Archive | Miss America

There’s No Place Like Home

I’m heading to the Rascal Flatts concert at Omaha’s CenturyLink Center Saturday night.

I. HEART. RASCAL FLATTS.

I can be in a horrible mood, but when I crank up my country in my car and star in my own, personal concert… everything is better. One of my favorites: ‘No Reins’.

Like a painted wild Mustang, Flyin’ out across the open range
Finally gets to live her life that way, No fear, no fences, nobody
No reins, no reins

Meet a young lady who IS flying, living life her way, and soon, this Mustang is coming home to compete in the Miss Nebraska pageant.

Miss Douglas County, Megan Swanson

Megan’s a proud Mustang at that, a 2011 graduate of Millard North High School, born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. She’s pursuing a Commercial Voice Music Major at Nashville’s Belmont University, with the goal of further pursuing a career as a Christian Music artist.

I won’t even keep you in suspense–click here to listen to Megan’s music!

Music is not only Megan’s passion, right now, it’s her life.

“In addition to my actual class work, we also have anywhere from 2-4 ‘zero-credit’ mandatory classes per week, have to practice our primary and secondary instruments, prepare for lessons, set up rehearsals, go to concerts, and perform in concerts!” Megan told me in a recent interview. “Not to mention, any of us who are pursuing a full-time career in music are trying to gig as much as we can outside of school!”

Off-stage and out of class, Megan also works two jobs, and devotes what little time she has to service, volunteering in her community and church.

“Miss Nebraska, to me, is someone who is a woman who takes charge of her schedule instead of being overwhelmed by it,” said Megan. “A woman who is strong and courageous, mixed with class and grace.”

DYNAMIC, COMPETITIVE, CHAMELEON

Here’s another side of Miss Douglas County..

Photos courtesy of Fawn Photography

At 6-feet tall, Megan has been modeling since the age of 11. She also plays basketball and dances, activities that all bring out her inner competitor.

“I learned that sometimes in life we aren’t going to be the ‘winner’, but it’s about deciding whether the goal is something you truly want, and choosing to press on toward its fruition,” said Megan. “To me, competition is about trying new things, working hard, and learning that God placed you on this earth to be YOU, so there’s absolutely no reason to compare yourself!”

Helping others find that same confidence has become a mission for Megan, inspiring her personal service platform she calls ‘Total Body Wellness: Mind, Body and Spirit’. Despite pursuing a rigorous diet and exercise routine to feel better about herself, Megan says she still continued on a downward spiral.

“It wasn’t until the end of freshman year [in college] when something went off inside me that I had to change what was on the inside to affect change on the outside,” said Megan. “With the support of my family, leaders of my church, and God within me, I began my research of how to strengthen ourselves from the inside out.”

Megan hopes to spread her message through an upcoming event she organized call ‘Queens of the Kingdom’, described as a one night mini-conference for teenage girls and women to learn more about wellness of spirit, soul and body through the eyes of faith and identity. She’ll donate a portion of proceeds from the event to the Children’s Miracle Network, Miss America’s community partner.

“TBW also focuses heavily on going into schools,” said Megan. “Connecting how one’s environment plays a huge role in wellness, and how we can help our own self-esteem by choosing to stand against bullying, believing that everyone was created for a purpose and that everyone deserves an equal chance to live a happy and healthy life!”

THERE SHE IS..

Megan says her work as Miss Douglas County, and the work of her fellow Miss Nebraska contestants, show why the pageant and the women who are involved are still relevant in 2014.

“She isn’t a pretty face, she’s a businesswoman who markets, books, and sells herself in conjunction with her platform to bring a message that matters,” said Megan. “For some reason, putting a crown on your head and a sash around your waist makes many people listen, and the job of Miss Nebraska is exactly that; an opportunity to say something meaningful and have it impact lives.”

I’m not sure if Megan is a country music fan like me. Maybe when she flies home next month, her I-Pod will be loaded with her own creations, something inspiring to awaken her spirit for the competition ahead. Or maybe, she’ll just be smiling and humming along to Judy Garland. After all, and especially when your sash reads Miss Douglas County, there’s no place like home.

Connect with Miss Douglas County Megan Swanson

on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram, on YouTube,

and on the Miss Douglas County website, where you can also sign up for Megan’s Queens of the Kingdom event, taking place Saturday, May 17th in Omaha. Tickets are $15; space is limited.

Megan is also hoping to raise money for her wardrobe and other expenses as Miss Douglas County. Connect to her online fundraising campaign here.

Click here for more information on the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County/Miss River City Pageant on Facebook

Click here to follow the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County/Miss River City Pageant on Twitter.

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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 Sugar Valley Tosha Skinner

NEXT POST…. Miss River City Rachel Foehlinger!

A Spoonful of Sugar

Apr24

For generations, Mary Poppins has been teaching kids everywhere that you can do anything with a positive attitude. Maybe it’s just cleaning your room, like the Banks’ kids, but with a ‘spoonful of sugar’ you can accomplish it, and with a smile.

Think of today’s featured Miss Nebraska contestant like a 2014 version of Miss Poppins…

Miss Sugar Valley, Tosha Skinner

The college junior from Hay Springs, Nebraska is trying to make life a little sweeter for people across the state, especially young women and children. Tosha has dubbed her mission BEAUTY, representing the words Believe, Embrace, Accept, Transform, You.

“I personally have struggled with Body Image Disorder and the numerous side effects most of my life,” Tosha told me recently. “When people realize they are not alone, it is easier to deal with. I want to spread the word in order to not only make it known, but also to help people that are suffering from any form of Body Image Disorder.” Tosha not only speaks at events about her platform, she has also created a blog to share her story and spread awareness.

Tosha first got involved in the Miss Nebraska system as a Little Sister, a program partnering young girls with the Miss Nebraska contestants. These kiddos get to dress up and escort their Big Sisters during the competition itself, perform on stage during the pageant, and form friendships with the young women who are so often role models to them.

“It gave me a chance to be up on stage, which is one of my passions,” said Tosha. “But as I have gotten older, it has helped me grow into the woman I am today. I attribute pageants to so much; my ability to speak in public, my strong leadership skills and my passion for service are just a few.”

One of Tosha’s new friends she made as Miss Sugar Valley

Tosha credits the Miss America organization for helping women everywhere find their voices and passions, bettering themselves along the way.

“I love being surrounded by women who are just as passionate and dedicated as I am!” said Tosha. “And people should care about Miss Nebraska because the women who are competing are our future leaders in our country. Every woman competing will make a difference, whether it’s through politics, business, philanthropy or anything else they set their mind to.”

DETERMINED, PERSISTENT, BLESSED

Anyone who thinks beauty queens just walk around waving their hands and smiling all day need only look at Tosha’s daily schedule. The full-time student is involved in five organizations on campus (holding office in four of them), holds an internship at Talent Plus, Inc, and is paying for college by herself. Still, she wants more; she wants the job of Miss Nebraska.

“I am ready to take on this job,” said Tosha. “Being Miss Nebraska is about more than competing at Miss America and appearances, it’s a full-time job. It will allow me to take the negative stigma away from body image and allow people to understand that everyone’s bodies are different. But loving yourself inside and out is what it takes.”

And a spoonful of sugar never hurts.

Connect with Miss Sugar Valley, Tosha Skinner

on Facebook, Twitter, via her blog, and by email at tskinner_32@hotmail.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 Kool-Aid Days Jessica Littlejohn

NEXT POST…. Miss Douglas County Megan Swanson!

Omaha! Omaha!

Apr14

DISCLAIMER: Omaha’s my town. Ok, Papillion is actually my hometown, but Omaha is my ADOPTIVE town. (I have dual citizenship.)

I’ve been a volunteer with the Miss Omaha organization for a few years now, so I know Miss Omaha and her fellow titleholders Miss Douglas County and Miss River City a little better than I know some of the others. I’ve been following one of these young women ever since she competed as a teenager back in 2011. The first night I saw her compete, I remember this tiny little girl walking on stage, opening her mouth to sing.. and my jaw DROPPING in awe of her voice.

Miss Omaha, Payton Merritt

This young woman is not only on a mission to win the title of Miss Nebraska in June, but to shatter every stereotype about pageants along the way.

“My job isn’t about outer beauty, but compassion and intellect,” said Payton, who recently received nearly a full-ride scholarship to Creighton University. “I want others to see that and understand that not everyone is simply seeking a place in the spotlight, but that we truly want to make a difference.”

As Miss Omaha, Payton is waging war against eating disorders, something she says she has personal experience with.

“It is not always the easiest thing to talk about, and the fact that it isn’t so is the exact reason I am doing it,” said Payton. “It was difficult for me to choose this as my platform because of the shame I had felt for so long, but ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I needed to set a precedent for others suffering. It is my hope to let people know it is okay to talk about and reach out for help, but also to make friends and family members aware of the severity and warning signs.”

I asked Payton, as I did all of the contestants, if Lifestyle and Fitness, aka the swimsuit competition, should remain part of the Miss Nebraska pageant?

“Many illnesses can be prevented from establishing healthy eating habits and exercise routines,” said Payton. “To me, fitness in swimsuit is about working to become the best you can be inside and out and truly loving and embracing yourself and your body as God created it to be.”

Payton with Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen Morgan Holen at Omaha’s St. Patrick’s Day parade

Payton graduated a semester early from Lincoln East High School in December, and travels to Omaha frequently to take part in events. Most recently, she sang the national anthem for the University of Nebraska-Omaha baseball game versus Kansas State. (Click here to watch.. and listen!)

“I am young and have a lot to learn, and that openness to learning allows me to relate to a broad spectrum of people, tirelessly devote myself to a multitude of causes, and to fully embody the job and mission this title brings,” said Payton.

BELIEVER

“My faith tells me that I am exactly where I need to be,” said Payton. “I believe in the power of one person, but more importantly, I believe in the power of one person and an organization as prestigious and respected as the Miss America Organization.”

The Super Bowl may be over.. but the Super Bowl of pageants is about to begin. THIS Payton is ready for Miss Nebraska.

Connect with Miss Omaha, Payton Merritt

on Facebook, on Twitter, and via the Miss Omaha website

Click here for more information on the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County/Miss River City Pageant on Facebook

Click here to follow the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County/Miss River City Pageant on Twitter.

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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 Heartland Allison Tietjen

NEXT POST.. Miss Kool-Aid Days Jessica Littlejohn

Where The Heart Is

Apr13

You’d think that after 13 years in news, I’d have built up an immunity to some of the emotional stories we share every night.

Not so much.

When we showed our viewers the Honor Flight late last month allowing 460 Korean War veterans to visit their memorial in Washington DC, I almost lost it ON AIR. I was overwhelmed seeing these brave men seeing the gratitude and appreciation they deserved for fighting for our country. For so long, they had been forgotten; not anymore. As their tears flowed, so did mine.

Watch KETV’s story on the Korean War Honor Flight, from photojournalist Andrew Ozaki

I’m not alone. One of the young women competing in the Miss Nebraska pageant this summer has made it her mission to recognize our heroes.

Miss Heartland, Allison Tietjen

Allison was one of the volunteers who not only raised money for the Honor Flight, she accompanied them as a guardian.

“It gave me a much greater understanding of the incredible sacrifices these men and women have given and the little recognition they got in return,” Allison told me. “As Miss Nebraska, I want to encourage schools and youth organizations to raise money so another Honor Flight can happen.”

Allison accompanying Nebraska veterans during March’s Honor Flight to Washington DC

To promote her ‘United We Stand: Remembering Our Heroes’ platform, Allison has also spoken at local women’s clubs, school organizations and Girl Scout troops. She’s done all of this in addition to her senior year schedule at Thayer Central High School, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen the same month she was named Miss Heartland.

“I completely understand why girls participate in the Miss Nebraska/America organization,” said Allison. “Yes, the scholarships are wonderful, but the experiences and memories you take away from the service work you do are beyond any scholarship.”

These appearances have also given Allison an opportunity to showcase her favorite part of the competition.

“Who doesn’t love walking on stage in a swimsuit?! I am joking,” Allison said. “I started playing piano at a young age and have loved it ever since! In the past, I have always worked on playing for church, so playing more upbeat songs for pageants has been a blast. Almost every group or organization I speak to as Miss Heartland asks me to play for them, and I never turn down an opportunity.”

From Chester, Nebraska.. to Washington DC.. to North Platte.

Allison has already had quite the journey. There’s still room in her heart for more.

Connect with Miss Heartland, Allison Tietjen

on Twitter and on Instagram

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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 Gering, Alexis Smith!

NEXT POST…. Miss Omaha, Payton Merritt!

Just A Small Town Girl

Apr10

Ah, how I love Journey. C’mon, you know the words…

‘Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere.’

<<Great, now it will be stuck in my head all day>>

The next contestant in the 2014 Miss Nebraska class might not even know who Journey is, as this song was released the year I was born.. a good 14 years before she was.

<<Ouch>>

Miss Gering, Alexis Smith

“While I know and recognize that I’m young, I do believe I can share positive vibes with anyone,” Alexis told me recently. “I truly do believe that there is no action taken without a reason. Some people just need an ear to listen to their reason. As Miss Nebraska, I can share my stories and listen to others.”

Here’s part of Alexis’s story.

DIVERSE, POSITIVE, COMMITTED

Alexis, a high school senior from Morrill, Nebraska, plans to move to Utah in the fall to study pre-med at Utah State University.

“I love to be involved in everything I can,” said Alexis. “I never like to sign myself in for something if I cannot do it well or finish it.”

Alexis’s latest endeavor was to compete for the title of Miss Gering. She won.

“I got involved in Miss Nebraska to better myself in more ways than one,” said Alexis. “I have always been able to get on stage and dance from my 17 years of competitive dancing, but I’ve never been one for speaking on stage. Being Miss Gering 2014 has helped amazingly.”

Alexis now says Interview, which accounts for 25% of a contestants score, is her favorite part of competition. It’s also an opportunity for her to discuss something she is passionate about, agriculture education.

“I chose my platform because I find that the farmers in America do not get the respect or appreciation they should receive for all the work they do,” said Alexis.

Speaking of work, Alexis is busy. In addition to studies at Mitchell High, she’s enjoying her new responsibilities as Miss Gering.

“My favorite part of being a titleholder is the ability to be a role model for youth,” said Alexis. “My least favorite part is dieting. I love food! So sometimes it can be a bit difficult for me to fully commit to!”

THERE SHE IS

Still, Alexis believes the dreaded ‘swimsuit competition’ (officially called Lifestyle and Fitness) should remain part of the Miss Nebraska and Miss America programs.

“While it is always a plus to be physically fit, swimwear is more a component of showing someone’s confidence in herself!” said Alexis. “More girls need to love themselves; we are all so beautiful! Yes, swimwear should be involved to show more girls to work for what they want to look like and love how they look already.”

It’s going to be a busy next few months for this small town girl. Finals, high school graduation and preparations to compete for her state’s crown as Miss Nebraska.

I think it’s a pretty safe bet all 925 people in the village of Morrill in Nebraska’s panhandle will be cheering on this beauty come June! And maybe, just maybe, singing Don’t Stop Believin’ on the road trip to North Platte.

Connect with Miss Gering, Alexis Smith

by email: alexismikellesmith1995@gmail.com

Click here for more information about the Miss Gering/Miss Western Nebraska pageant.

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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 High Plains, Megan Dimmitt

NEXT POST…. Miss Heartland, Allison Tietjen!

Flying High

Apr9

I do not have adequate words for how awesome this is. Thank you, Brittany Hannema, for sharing it!

We don’t have to compete with anyone. Simply by being the best people we can be individually, we create an amazing world together.

So, think of the Miss Nebraska pageant like the state’s most beautiful garden of flowers.

The Miss Nebraska Class of 2014

(photo courtesy Miss Nebraska 2013 JaCee Pilkington)

As promised, this post kicks off a series of features showcasing each of the fantastic young women participating in the Miss Nebraska pageant in June.

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Miss High Plains, Megan Dimmitt

I first met Megan a few years ago when I was asked to judge the Miss Omaha pageant; Megan was a contestant. I was blown away by her wit, intelligence and down-to-earth personality. I’ve kept in touch with Megan ever since, and if there’s one thing that stands out to me, it’s her level of service. Megan has raised an unprecedented $10,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, and spends hours each week volunteering in addition to work and time studying as a graduate student at UNO.

“I have always been very involved in volunteer work in my community,” Megan recently told me. “Once I became a titleholder, I realized that the volunteer work that I was doing before could be elevated to a much higher level.”

Megan’s ‘Tea With the Queen’ fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network. Megan is a weekly staff volunteer at Children’s Hospital in Omaha.

TRUE GRIT, MAXIMIZER, PROBLEM SOLVER

“I make the most out of my time and energy and always give 110%,” said Megan. “I make no excuses and always work past any challenge that comes my way.”

One of those challenges for Dimmitt used to the be the Lifestyle and Fitness portion of the pageant.. aka the dreaded Swimsuit Competition. <cue scary music>>

“I have battled with my weight for a long time; I was about 60 pounds overweight as a young teen,” said Megan. “When I first started competing in pageants, I was solely focused on being as small as I could be. As time went on, I realized training in that way was not working for me, so I took a different approach. I started body building. This year, instead of losing weight, I’ve put on twenty pounds of lean muscle mass. I have worked so hard with my nutrition and strength training program and I cannot wait to show that to the judges and audience come June.”

Watch Megan’s workout!

A BELIEF IN HAPPY ENDINGS

Megan’s personal journey with self image and transformation was the inspiration for her mission of service with the Miss America system, a platform she calls Believe in Happy Endings – Goal Setting For The Future. She credits a basketball coach who helped her confront weight issues by keeping a fitness journal and setting goals.

“In time, I became healthy, my grades were back on track and I had regained the stability that I had lost,” said Megan. She now mentors kids in an at-risk after-school program, encouraging them to not only identify goals, but to create timelines and complete steps to achieve them. Her ultimate goal is to earn her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and open her own practice.

THERE SHE IS..

I am asking each of the Miss Nebraska contestants why you, my readers (and THANK YOU for reading!!) should care about what they are doing. Why you should follow Miss Nebraska? Why is Miss America still relevant in 2014??

“This teaches young women to set goals for themselves, learn the art of public speaking and the importance of selflessly serving others in need,” answered Megan. “We learn all of these important lessons, while earning scholarship money for ourselves. I graduated debt free from Chadron State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice just because of the scholarship money I received from this amazing organization.”