If Nebraska Had An Ocean..

I’m going to date myself again, but any readers love the Little Mermaid as a kid? Anyone? <crickets>

Hey, Brandi.. 1989 called for you…

Let’s recap. The Little Mermaid is a Disney CLASSIC about a gorgeous mermaid with an even more gorgeous voice who wins the heart of everyone in the ocean and in the end, a handsome prince.

If Disney ever makes a real-life version, today’s featured Miss Nebraska contestant would be PERFECT for the part.

Miss Chadron, Kodi Baumann

(Thank you Judy’s Photo for use of Kodi’s pictures!)

The red hair, the passion for singing–she’s perfect!

When Kodi recently replied to my interview request, she included not only pictures of herself, but images showing what music means to her.

“I love being able to put together a song and perform for an audience,” said Kodi. “The experience is so exhilarating! I love being able to share my passion of music with a crowd. Hopefully it touches someone and they enjoy the music I create.”

Kodi first started competing in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program at the age of 13, looking for another place to sing.

“This pageant system has become so much more than another stage for me,” said Kodi. “I have been able to discover who I am and it’s helped me grow into an accomplished woman. I have had so many doors open up to me because of this system! It’s singing that is paying my way through college and without the confidence I gained from the Miss America Organization I’m not sure I would be here.”

Now as a student at Western Nebraska Community College, Kodi is part of Varsity Vocalize, along with two of her fellow Miss Nebraska contestants, Miss Western Nebraska Morgan Yost and Miss Scotts Bluff County Brittli Sell.

“I have also created so many ‘pageant sisters’ that have become fantastic friends of mine,” said Kodi. “I’m so lucky to call them friends!”

Kodi has also connected with a different kind of sister. Her favorite part of the Miss Nebraska pageant is the Little Sisters program.

“This is a mentoring program that pairs young girls with a young woman competing for a title in the Miss America Organization,” described Kodi. “It deals with sharing the importance of the four components of the Miss America crown: style, success, scholarship and service. I know they have made an impact on my life and I will always think of each of them as my little sisters I never had!”

Check out Kodi’s online photo album featuring her Little Sisters!

Kodi’s real-life brother inspired her personal platform of service, ‘Fasten Your Seat Belt! Cross Your Heart Not Your Fingers.’

“When I was a freshman in high school my older brother was involved in a roll-over accident,” said Kodi. “He had a traumatic brain injury, broken eye socket, four broken vertebrae, broken shoulder blades, and a broken femur. He lost a kidney, suffered a lacerate spleen and liver and had to relearn how to walk. I want to spread awareness about wearing seat belts because not only did it affect my brother, it affected my entire family.”

Kodi maintains a Facebook page, devoted to her platform. Check it out here!

FOCUSED, HONEST, ADVENTUROUS

Kodi is honest about her feelings regarding the Lifestyle and Fitness portion of the Miss Nebraska pageant, also known as the swimsuit competition.

“I am someone who will always tell the truth,” said Kodi. “I can’t help but feeling like [swimsuit] is a large hurdle for me to overcome for me and many others I’m sure. I’m sure many can relate!”

(Blog author contribution… PREACH, KODI!! PREACH!!)

“But once you overcome that obstacle you realize that you can do anything!” Kodi added. “Swimsuit is a very important part of competition. It shows the physical fitness of all the competitors and plays a huge role in reflecting the woman’s confidence and pride in themselves.”

Kodi says she is focused to achieve that goal and others.