Tag Archive | DECA

She Thinks She Can

This year, 16 incredible women will compete to become Miss Nebraska 2017. 18 hope to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. Every one of them is already making an impact on people and the world around them and for decades, visiting schools has been a constant thread linking generations of contestants.

Classrooms are hotbeds for knowledge and learning; about the 3 R’s, about social skills, about the arts and more. It’s no different when Miss Nebraska titleholders visit schools and share their messages.. but how do you talk to a first grader about the serious issues these women are trying to impact? How do you write a lesson plan about sexual assault, cancer, or in one teen’s case, a chronic health diagnosis?

It’s a challenge Sheridan Blanco has eagerly accepted.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Miss Old West Balloon Fest’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Sheridan Blanco

“One challenge I face everyday is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Sheridan told me recently. “I have not let this affect or limit what I accomplish.”

Sheridan served as Miss Harvest Moon Festival’s Outstanding Teen last year and competed for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. Almost immediately, she jumped back in to try again, winning the title of Miss Old West Balloon Fest’s Outstanding Teen over the summer.

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(Side note: Old West Balloon Fest is a huge, annual event in Mitchell, Nebraska. 16+ hot air balloons go up simultaneously to coincide with the historic Old West weekend!)

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After the annual ride into the clouds, Sheridan got back to work sharing her story. She focuses on the bigger picture, calling her platform ‘Conquering Challenges.’

“Many challenges people face can be unknown to others,” said Sheridan. “Since we do not know what people are going through, we need to show empathy and be kind to everyone around us to help them through their challenges. I have taken this opportunity to overcome my own challenge and turn it into an opportunity to strive to be a positive role model and an inspiration to others.”

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Sheridan, a Gering High student and Gering native, volunteers throughout her community at events. Often times, she joins forces with her sister queens in Western Nebraska to make an even bigger impact.

“Pageants bring out the strengths of the young women involved,” said Sheridan. “We may not know each other when we first arrive, but by the end of the competition many of us become very close. Some of my best friendships came from doing pageants. [They] give young ladies an opportunity to present a platform and to represent the values, integrity and scholarship that is an integral part of the pageant process.”

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And terrific attributes for a maturing young woman learning more about the world around her. Sheridan has been selected for All-State Band, Doane Honor Band and Chadron Honor Band. She’s a state speech qualifier, and a national DECA qualifier. She has been selected for the All-State Academic Team for Tennis two years running, and is a dancer on the Gering High POMS team. She’s an Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Best Actress Award recipient.

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“This organization helps young women gain confidence, poise, and public speaking,” said Sheridan. “These are important skills to have for the future no matter what occupational path is taken. The benefits are for a lifetime and provide a remarkable experience.”

One that’s taking Sheridan to Omaha next weekend to once again compete for the state title. No doubt she’ll stop at a few classrooms along the way… which brings us back to that challenge about the message. How do you help children understand the deeper meaning behind the sparkly crown?

“When I go to schools I read ‘The Little Engine That Could’,” said Sheridan. “This way the younger kids can see the challenge that the train faces and how friends around him help him to conquer his challenge of getting up the hill. I usually tell kids that the best way to get through the day is to wake up and be positive!”

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She thinks she can, she thinks she can, she thinks she can… and Sheridan Blanco plans to show everyone at Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

“The main goal is to do the best you can, have fun, and hopefully win,” said Sheridan. “My mission is to be the best representative for the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Organization. It would be a terrific honor to promote this organization and its high standards to other teens across the state.”

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WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHERIDAN?

CLICK HERE * 2016 * Let’s Dance

For more information about the Miss Old West Balloon Fest Outstanding Teen Pageant or to become a contestant, CLICK HERE to visit their website, or CLICK HERE to visit their site on Facebook! You can also contact Director Cheryl Engelhaupt by email at cengelhaupt@fnbnp.com or by phone at 308-783-2940.

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The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant takes place April 21-22 in Omaha, Nebraska.

CLICK HERE for more details, HERE to follow on Twitter, HERE to follow on Facebook. For more information about becoming a contestant, email Director Heather Edwards at heatheraloseke@gmail.com.

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Twin Rivers’ Outstanding Teen 2017 Katy Greene

NEXT.. Miss Twin Rivers 2017 Emma Wilkinson

To read more about this year’s contestants, or the Miss Nebraska/Miss Nebraska’s OT classes of 2014-2016 click the THERE SHE IS link at the top of the page!

All-Around Champion

Mar25

I opened up my paper Saturday morning to an awesome surprise…

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High School Speech. FRONT PAGE of the Omaha World Herald.

This is absolutely fantastic!!! So often the first thing we see on the front page, or leading the news, is the negative or controversial. I get it; I understand the process that goes into those decisions and often these subjects are extremely important and affect a large amount of people. Our media members are also serving our communities; what is the state talking about? The Huskers often steal the spotlight during football season, and once in awhile, fantastic moments of celebration and joy. Seeing speech kids, on the front page? THAT. IS. AWESOME.

A few years ago (ok.. long ago in a galaxy far, far away..) I was one of those kids. I am a proud 2-time Nebraska State Champion in Original Oratory. Just last week, a new generation of students joined our exclusive club.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Miss Kearney’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Carsyn Long

She’s just a junior, but Carsyn Long is also now a 2-time state speech champion.

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She was named Champion in Serious Prose just one day after she turned 17. And this moment atop the podium at UNK was just one highlight for a teen so extraordinary, she’s competing to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

“The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization empowers young girls of all shapes, sizes, races, religions, etc. to achieve their dreams and do things that are so much greater than themselves,” Carsyn told me recently. “From my time being an Outstanding Teen, I have gained so much confidence and have grown so much as a young woman. My dreams and goals have become more of a reality to me and the work I have done throughout the state has made my heart strong and completely full.”

You name it, Carsyn’s involved in it at Gering High School. She’s involved in theater, cast in a leading role for Gering’s competitive One Acts earlier this year. She’s a State DECA qualifier. She’s a consistent member of Honor Roll and an Honor Society inductee. She’s an active advocate for her faith, even appearing on NBC Nebraska Scottsbluff in October to promote one of the biggest events in her diocese (CLICK HERE to watch!) And this year, she was selected for the prestigious Doane Honor Choir. Still, Carsyn told me last year (click here to read more!) she has long dreamed of pursuing another goal since meeting Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan as a little girl.

“Looking back on it now, Teresa has represented everything I have ever wanted to be as a young woman,” said Carsyn. “I had seen all of the amazing things she was accomplishing and all of the service she was doing during her time as Miss America. I wanted to be that girl, too. I wanted to be the girl who changed the world. I wanted to be that girl who served her community, state, nation and world. And I wanted to be that girl who would possibly touch an 11-year old girl on the shoulder and she would have the same feeling and attitude towards me as I did with Teresa.”

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Last fall, Carsyn was crowned Miss Kearney’s Outstanding Teen, punching her ticket to the state competition. Almost immediately, in addition to her studies and activities in high school, she lined up a slew of appearances and volunteer events.

“[Miss America 2015] Kira Kazantsev said something that really struck me at Crowns and Gowns,” said Carsyn. “[She said]: ‘You want to get something done? A pageant contestant is the best person to go to.’ We are always working on things greater than ourselves. We are self starters. It isn’t beauty or just a time for a girl to walk around on stage aimlessly. [Pageants] are a time to show all the hard work and effort these girls have put in to better themselves and their state.”

Proof: Carsyn has been implementing her personal platform of service in every facet of her life, from home to school to Facebook. She calls it ‘Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns’.

“A few months ago there was a girl in Kearney who chose to end her life because of other girls’ hurtful actions,” said Carsyn. “She had become a target for mean comments, cyberbullying, etc. After reading about her story, I had realized that I am her. I am the girl that had become the brunt of other girls’ snide and just plain mean , rumors, dirty looks, etc. I felt so hurt and so alone and wondered what I did to make these girls dislike me so much. I had a decision to make each morning: I could either let these girls have power over me and make me feel small, or I could remind myself that this won’t matter in 5 years. I chose [the latter]. I can’t stop thinking about that girl in Kearney and ‘what if I had been her friend? What if I had been that one girl who was actually kind to her?'”

So Carsyn spreads that kindness everywhere she can, for example, posting surprise well wishes for strangers when she competed for that state speech title. She posted on Facebook: “Not only was it a perfect day to bring my A game, but it was a perfect day to spread some love! I know all too well the importance of saying kind and uplifting words to others. With left over sticky notes I had in my bag, I gathered some of my sister Queens to team up with me to spread empowerment and brighten someone’s day. Speech days can be really tough for some kids and so we thought we’d offer up some encouragement for some beautiful girls competing yesterday. #realqueensfixeachotherscrowns #mneoteen #misskearneysot 👑”

“I am here to let girls know that they are not alone in their hurting – even someone competing for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen goes through this,” said Carsyn. “It is my job to show girls how to stop looking at each other as competition and as threats, but rather as a sister or a friend. We all bring something so unique and special to the table, so why can’t we just encourage each other to use these gifts rather than tear each other down? Strong and confident women choose to fix each other’s crowns instead of breaking them.”

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A phenomenal message for women everywhere, especially for little girls who may look at Carsyn just as she looks at her Miss America idols.

Last Fall, as Nebraska speech season kicked off for high school teams across the state, the NSAA used a state champion to serve as the face of their #MyReasonWhy campaign… Carsyn Long. They posted her photo on Facebook, with the caption: “Whether it’s preparing for the big debate or practicing for the big solo, setting goals for tomorrow helps you set goals for life.”

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From one speech kid to another, I wish this outstanding teen good luck no matter what the stage.

“If I don’t win the state pageant, I’ll be busy preparing for senior year and pursuing my dreams of performing,” said Carsyn. “I love to say that ‘I may be small, but I have giant plans’. And I know that whatever God has in store for me will exhibit that.”

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Click here to follow Miss Kearney’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Carsyn Long on Facebook.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CARSYN?

CLICK HERE * 2016 * Little Big Shots

For more information about the Miss Kearney’s Outstanding Teen program or for information about becoming a contestant, CLICK HERE to follow the organization on Facebook. You can also email Director Megan Goeke at jenna@hellobeautifulbridal.com.

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The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant takes place April 21-22 in Omaha, Nebraska.

CLICK HERE for more details, HERE to follow on Twitter, HERE to follow on Facebook. For more information about becoming a contestant, email Director Heather Edwards at heatheraloseke@gmail.com.

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Scotts Bluff County’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Haylee Umble

NEXT.. Miss Kearney 2017 Jessica Shultis

To read more about this year’s contestants, or the Miss Nebraska/Miss Nebraska’s OT classes of 2014-2016 click the THERE SHE IS link at the top of the page!

Standing Tall

May9

There are things about each of us we KNOW we are good at. I’ve got really nice teeth (never had braces!), God gave me the gift of public speaking and thinking on my feet, and I’m not gonna lie.. my children are BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT 🙂

There are also things we each know are not our strengths. Plants literally die in my presence. I am a junk food junkie (currently fighting the urge to eat Gardettos instead of apples). I CANNOT dance. At all. Not even a little bit.

There’s also this..

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.. my posture. I HOPE that’s not the first thing you notice when you look at this wedding photo on my bestie Melissa’s special day–because SHE IS GLOWING! (And my other besties Jenni and Pammie are pretty dynamite, too!) But to me.. I just focus on my crooked-as-all-get-out-shoulder… just a glimpse into the poor posture and resulting slouch I’d developed after 20+ years.

Last summer, fearful I was going to be a hunchback before I turned 40, I finally sought out advice and found Dr. Vanessa Green at Elite Chiropractic.

Photos courtesy Elite Family Chiropractic

This woman has changed my life. At my first appointment, x-rays showed that I had a pretty severe curvature of the spine. What’s more, I discovered my chronic headaches, which I just chalked up to allergies, stress and LIFE, were NOT normal. I’ve been seeing Dr. G once a week ever since, and I truly FEEL a difference in how I view health, how I function, and how I carry myself on a daily basis.

NOTE: This is not a paid promotion, endorsement or advertisement for Elite Chiropractic. I’m simply a very happy client.. and this is all transitioning to a bigger story, I promise!

When I first read Allison Baird’s story, Dr. G was one of the first people I had to tell. I had NO IDEA what this beautiful young girl was hiding underneath gorgeous gowns and a dazzling smile.

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Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

“I was having severe back pain, went in for an xray, and they discovered that my curve had become 46-degrees and was congenital,” Allie told me recently. “Meaning, it was a birth defect so I wasn’t really a candidate for surgery or treatment, since they had found it too late. The doctors basically told me that I would have to live with the pain, and would probably not be able to do everything I wanted to.”

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The Allie on the left is the girl I’ve known for about two years now.. the photo on the right shows what her spine looked and felt like within her body. Allie had been diagnosed with scoliosis at 13 and underwent physical therapy, but she had no idea how dramatic her problem had become. Still, that dire diagnosis from a doctor didn’t derail this incredible young woman from everything she intended to pursue.

“I smiled politely and said ‘watch me’,” said Allie. “Most people do not know I have it, strangers I meet on the street have no idea, and many close friends didn’t know for years. We all know someone who is struggling. We don’t always know their story, but to attempt to understand what that person is going through can mean the world. Now, I am so much more aware of those things, and I try my very best to have empathy towards others, but also not beat myself up too badly when it feels like I am nowhere near as good at something.”

THAT IS the Allie I know.

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For several years now, Allison Baird has devoted herself to her community and others as a local titleholder in the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program. Twice, she finished 1st Runner Up in the state pageant. To give you an idea of the caliber of talent and character in those years.. both of those winners finished in the Top 10 at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. Each year when the other girl’s name was called, Allie conducted herself with grace and humility, being the FIRST to genuinely and warmly congratulate the winner (read more here!)

Without skipping a beat, Allie entered the first Miss pageant she was eligible for.. and in her first try, won the title of Miss Scotts Bluff County 2016.

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“My mom is my best friend and definitely my role model,” said Allie, hugging her mom in the photo above, moments after winning the Miss Scotts Bluff County title. “She has been a serious source of my strength these past few months. I think I would have pulled all of my hair out and not had any fingernails if it weren’t for her! I truly wish everyone could have someone like her as their manager, friend, confidant and coach.”

And with that support system firmly in place, Allie began a nonstop year of appearances, college preparation, and activities as a senior at Gering High School.

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Allie is a 4-time state speech medalist, she’s held lead roles in all of her school’s theater productions since her freshman year, she’s a nationally-qualifying DECA member, she’s captain of the Varsity show choir, and was a cheerleader at Gering for 3 years. An aspiring actor, singer, journalist (or all of the above!), Allie is also a news anchor for her broadcasting team, the Editor In Chief for her high school paper, she’s had articles published by her hometown paper, and she’s shadowed yours truly here at KETV.

Somehow, Allie finds time to volunteer in her community as Miss Scotts Bluff County, whether it be making quilts, donating blood, or simply making a child smile. She speaks to groups large and small about her personal platform, ‘Learning CURVE’, teaching courage, understanding, respect, value and empathy. Her favorite part of the pageant experience is Interview, the chance to tell a panel of judges about everything she’s doing.

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“I truly believe this is where the magic happens at the competition,” said Allie. “When the judges get to see that spark of passion, that light in your eyes when you talk about what is so near and dear to your heart, there is absolutely no better feeling. Public speaking is a passion of mine, and I wish that Interview could be 20 minutes instead of 10!”

Public speaking is the ONE THING I promote to EVERY SINGLE CLASS, STUDENT AND INTERN who I come in contact with, and Allie Baird is a shining example of WHY that tool is so powerful. It’s a trait she credits to her participation with the Miss Nebraska Organization.

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“The amount of self confidence I have gained from being involved in this organization, I will be forever grateful for,” said Allie. “I am not scared to talk to a group of CEO’s or a classroom of kindergartners because of the communication skills I have received. I have heard girls on the Miss America stage, and even the Miss Nebraska stage, articulate their opinions on hard hitting subjects with better grace and dignity than most of the [presidential] candidates. These ladies are the future. We want to make a difference. All of us have the potential, drive and work ethic to do just that. We breed leaders in the Miss America Organization, and I think that is pretty amazing.”

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A final confession.. I am pretty ASTOUNDED by this young woman, and consistently shocked that this kind of maturity, intelligence, and independance are already so strong in a girl who JUST turned 18 years old. Complete disclosure, she may also be my little boys’ favorite, after staying with us during a trip to Omaha this fall and playing ‘Olympics’. Allison Baird connects with people, and inspires them. She works hard and stays humble. She stands tall, despite the things we don’t see that might break others down. That is the message she hopes to take across the state if crowned Miss Nebraska 2016.

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Photo courtesy Morgan Wallace

“I want to spread awareness that if you are going through a personal battle, have courage and keep going,” said Allie. “Know that you are valuable and worthy and that a setback does NOT mean you can’t achieve something you want to achieve. It just means you might have to take a different road to get there.”

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Click each link to follow Miss Scotts Bluff County 2016 Allison Baird

on Facebook and on Instagram

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALLISON?

2015 * Just Add Glitter

2014 * Special Feature, Nebraska’s Outstanding Teens

For more information about the Miss Scotts Bluff County Pageant, CLICK HERE to visit their Facebook page and HERE on their website. For information on becoming a contestant, contact Director Cheryl Engelhaupt by phone at 308-783-2940 or at 308-635-8615.

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The 2016 Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant takes place June 8-11 in North Platte, Nebraska. Learn more on THEIR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK PAGE, or follow ON TWITTER and ON INSTAGRAM.

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Chadron’s Outstanding Teen 2016 Emma Wilkinson!

NEXT.. Miss Dawes County’s Outstanding Teen 2016 Aubree Noble!

To read more about this year’s contestants, or the Miss Nebraska/Miss Nebraska’s OT classes of 2015 & 2014, click the THERE SHE IS link at the top of the page!

Running To Remember

Mar30

As journalists, we are part of a strange phenomenon. The nature of our job is to witness and report; we talk to people, we listen, we watch, we learn and we share everything we take in with our viewers and readers. We are storytellers.. but sometimes, the stories we feature, the people we share with the world, are souls we never got the chance to meet.

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This photo will be part of my memory for the rest of my career. One moment, frozen in time, showing the touching relationship between a proud dad and his teenage daughter, his eldest child. Her name was Kylie Jo Remmereid.

Kylie died in a terrible car crash in November of 2011. Investigators believe the car was going too fast; it crashed and rolled. One of Kylie’s best friends was driving; she suffered a traumatic brain injury, and another friend in the car badly injured her arm. They were three beautiful girls, surrounded by love and the promise of an incredible future.. and everything changed in one moment.

I will never forget Kylie’s father’s sheer strength talking to us in the weeks that followed. If you have a moment, please CLICK HERE to watch our story with him from January of 2012. Despite their unimaginable grief, Todd Remmereid and his wife, Kimberly, worked to organize a fundraiser for their daughters’ two friends in that car.. including the girl who was driving that night. In a way, Cassi Collier’s family also lost their daughter.. she survived, but with massive brain damage. Cassi spent months at the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, then moved to Omaha’s QLI to continue therapy. To ANYONE driving a car, and to all parents of teens getting behind the wheel, I can’t encourage you enough to CLICK HERE and listen to Cassi’s message in our story.

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CLICK HERE for more information about the 5th Annual Run To Remember event, or CLICK HERE to sign up!

These families will NEVER stop sharing their girls’ story, hoping that everytime YOU get behind the wheel, you remember these three, smiling faces. Unfortunately, the dangers that accompany driving are more present than ever.. we rush and forget to put on seatbelts, we keep our eyes on the phone instead of on the road.. we take out our frustrations on the strangers going too slow or not driving how we think they should.

Claire Holsinger never met Kylie or Cassi. In fact, the Scottsbluff High School senior lives on the other side of the state. Still, she too has joined the fight for safer driving, hoping to make a difference and maybe, save a life.

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Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

“Over my four years in high school, there have been so many car related deaths in our small community. Many of those teenagers could have been survivors if they had worn their seatbelt,” Claire told me recently. “January 10, 2013, my next door neighbor, Alexis Wheeler passed away in a car crash. Alexis was only 19. When I heard the awful news of her death, it changed my life forever. I made it my goal to make every single one of my friends and family members to buckle up.”

Claire was only 14. When that tragedy hit so close to home, Claire had already seen that she could make a difference for any cause she believed in. Just a few years prior, she was selected to be a Little Sister for the Miss Scotts Bluff County Fair pageant. Claire watched all of the ‘big girls’ in her hometown volunteer, dazzle on stage, and go on to compete at Miss Nebraska.. including future Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan.

“It was always a dream of mine, to participate in a pageant. I grew up around pageants most of my life because my dad was the longtime photographer for our local pageant, Miss Scotts Bluff County Fair,” said Claire. “This summer, I decided just to go for it. I had developed a talent, I had participated in Speech and DECA, so I took a chance and competed. I wasn’t expecting any kind of title, I just wanted to see what would happen.”

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Claire won the title of Miss Old West Balloon Fest.. and in THIS moment, secured an avenue to make her voice heard on an issue she cared so deeply about.

“My platform is ‘Seriously, Seatbelts’,” said Claire. “I knew something needed to change, and making this my platform was a step towards the right direction. I take seatbelt safety incredibly seriously, and I get very angry and upset when others don’t buckle up. Not doing so is so selfish, [because] by not buckling up, one is affecting their friends and family. It takes 3-5 seconds, buckle up. It could save your life.”

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Claire now takes part in events across Western Nebraska to promote her platform, and to connect with children.

“I really want to be a first grade teacher, so I love kids,” said Claire. “I try my best to be very personable and relatable. I’ve also learned through pageants to be more sure and confident of my beliefs and thoughts, because they are mine and I need to own them.”

Claire is taking part in all this (and learning from it!) in addition to activities at Scottsbluff High including Drill Team, show choir, musical, varsity cross country, varsity soccer, National Honor Society and Tri-M (Music Honor Society).

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Even with state champion trophies and fancy crowns, Miss Old West Balloon Fest stays grounded thanks to her family, especially her mom.

“My role model is my mother, Stephanie,” said Claire. “She tries so hard to help me succeed in everything I participate in. She is super funny, even though she thinks she’s even funnier. She always gives me cute, quirky gifts, like a coconut hair mask, because it made her think of me. She always puts the family’s needs before hers, but she is slowly learning how to make her things a priority, too.”

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Funny how things come full circle. Here’s another photo capturing a beautiful relationship between a parent and child. I’m sure Stephanie Holsinger will be one of the proudest in the Miss Nebraska crowd in North Platte, watching her daughter compete for the coveted state title. Perhaps she’ll have a few tears in her eyes.. maybe she does now reading her daughter’s words (I would!) There is simply no limit to the depth of a parent’s love. Hundreds of miles east, the Remmereid family still shares photos of Kylie on Facebook. More than four years since her death, they are still proud of their beautiful girl. They’ll honor her yet again April 16th, bringing together hundreds of people to remember Kylie and to spread the word about safer driving.

Claire Holsinger wants to share that message as Miss Nebraska.. for her own family, for future drivers, and for the people she’ll only know about through their families’ stories.

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In loving memory of Kylie Jo Remmereid, 1995-2011

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To follow Miss Old West Balloon Fest 2016 Claire Holsinger, CLICK HERE to follow her on Facebook. You can also contact Claire about events and appearances at claire.holsinger@gmail.com.

For more information about the Miss Old West Balloon Fest Pageant, CLICK HERE to visit their Facebook page. You can also find more information via the Scotts Bluff County Fair Pageant HERE on Facebook, and HERE on their website. For information on becoming a contestant, contact Director Cheryl Engelhaupt by phone at 308-783-2940 or at 308-635-8615.

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The 2016 Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant takes place June 8-11 in North Platte, Nebraska. Learn more on THEIR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK PAGE, or follow ON TWITTER and ON INSTAGRAM.

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Fur Trade Days’ Outstanding Teen 2016 Brooklyn Stack!

NEXT.. Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen 2016 Adella Smolsky!

To read more about this year’s contestants, or the Miss Nebraska/Miss Nebraska’s OT classes of 2015 & 2014, click the THERE SHE IS link at the top of the page!

Just Add Glitter

Mar29

We are only four contestants in to this year’s series profiling the 2015 Miss Nebraska/Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen contestants, and I am already seeing a trend.. ENERGY. Nonstop energy.
School. Activities. Volunteering. Leave when it’s dark, come home when it’s dark. NEVER stop smiling.

Maybe it’s this 34-year old body. Maybe it’s being a momma to two little boys who never stop running (and I thank God everyday for that.) Maybe it’s because my Scooters mug is never quite full enough. But I am exhausted FOR these girls; WHERE do they find their energy?

Case in point, today’s featured titleholder is participating in ten extra-curricular activities. TEN.

MISS WESTERN NEBRASKA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2015 ALLISON BAIRD

(Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography)

“I spend long days and evenings at {Gering High School} making sure every project is finished and every speech is practiced,” Allison told me recently. “I’m lucky if I see my parents some days, and although it’s overwhelming I wouldn’t have it any other way. I never feel like I’m spread too thin because nothing feels like work.”

Fun or not, Allison is involved in A LOT. (Again, TEN different activities in and out of school!) She’s involved at church, in Cheer/Dance, Student Council, Key Club, Girls State (one of two selected to represent western Nebraska), Varsity Show Choir, Drama, Speech, she’s the editor-in-chief of the school paper, and recent national qualifier for DECA.

How could this girl possibly fit one more thing in her schedule? And why?

“The opportunity to be able to represent my favorite state at Miss America, the chance to grow as a person, meet new people and share my ideas is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Allison. “I’m competing for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen because I want to be able to expand what I’ve been able to do with my local title across the entire state.”

When Allison was crowned Miss Western Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen, she didn’t just dream of big things, she immediately kicked off a plan to make big things happen.

“My platform is Digital Citizenship: Learning To Live Responsibly Online. In an increasingly growing technology-using society, it’s naive to think we can get away from it,” said Allison. “Sure, there are negative effects to use of internet, social media in particular, but rather than pretending it doesn’t exist, or fearing it, it’s time we embrace the use of technology by educating youth, teens and adults on how to ‘live’ online respectfully, responsibly and safely.”

“Digital Citizenship isn’t only about recognizing and dealing with online hazards,” said Allison. “{It’s} about building safe spaces and communities, understanding how to manage your personal information and about being internet savvy, using your online presence to grow and shape your world in a safe, creative way and inspiring others to do the same.”

THIS is what Allison wants to talk about, and one of the reasons she says Interview is her favorite part of the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen competition.

“I love how vulnerable this particular part of the competition is,” said Allison. “It’s the one time that the judges get to see the real, raw me. I can share the passions, goals and aspirations I have. No rehearsal, no preparation, just me. I love that.”

So who is Allison Baird at the end of the day? When this high school junior closes her speech notes, puts away her crown, and adds another DECA trophy to her shelf, who is she really?

“All of these activities have made me who I am today, but underneath everything, I’m still just a normal teenage girl,” said Allison. “Netflix and sweatpants are my best friend on a free Saturday night (on the rare occasion there is one).”

I’ll have to disagree with Allison here. Normal? No. Exceptional? For sure. Allison also competed for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen last year, and finished 1st Runner-Up. Soon after, here’s what she posted on Facebook:

“THIS is why I love pageants. The sisterhood is so strong. Win or lose, even after the crown is gone, these girls are forever.”

Graceful. Positive. EXCEPTIONAL.

“The Miss America Organization and the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen {pageant} specifically are empowering the women of our state and country’s future,” said Allison. “{This is} a program that fosters scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement in the future leaders, the movers and shakers across the state of Nebraska. Who wouldn’t want to support that?”

So maybe with Allison, and all of these girls, the question isn’t about energy, it’s about MAKEUP. No, not MAC or Sephora… young women like Allison Baird are made of GLITTER; they don’t buckle under pressure, they thrive on it. They don’t crash, they fly. They don’t sweat, they sparkle. And Gering, Nebraska is sending a shining star to North Platte.