Tag Archive | facebook

Picture Perfect

A few years ago, I was playing with my boys at Oakview Mall. I looked up from the play area chaos, and walking by was Creighton Basketball (now NBA star) Doug McDermott. My station had interviewed Doug countless times, and my husband was at that time the Production Director for most of Creighton’s games at the CenturyLink Center. Trying to be friendly, I reached my hand out and said ‘hey, Doug! I’m Brandi Petersen. Nice to meet you in person!’

In my mind, I looked like my TV-ready self..

13147597_1044879745550507_5440488283925594214_o

Photo courtesy KETV by Deyo’s Photography

Then I caught a glimpse of myself in the escalator reflection. In reality, I was a working mom-of-two, no make-up, running-on-a-few-hours-of-sleep, hot mess.

No cigarette, though. That’s gross.

I’m sure Doug and his pals walked away that day thinking ‘yowsa. Whoever does her hair/makeup for the news deserves a RAISE!’

I’d argue we all have perceptions about perfection. Models on Project Runway never a hair out of place or a zit on a face. Moms on Pinterest have clean houses with mind-blowing crafts their kids are endlessly interested in. We each have loved ones on Facebook or Instagram that are just PERFECT – showing off their perfect activities with their perfect families in their perfect clothes living perfect lives.

It’s a false assumption that Kelsie Therkildsen, at just 15 years old, is trying to set straight.

“You don’t have to be perfect,” said Kelsie. “The biggest issue today is kids being detached from the real world because of too much phone time. Practice less time behind the screen and focus on living in the present and communicating live.”

REVOLUTIONARY. And an impressive understanding from a young teenager. Kelsie is a student at Bennington High School, a dancer and volunteer in her community. She’s also been surrounded by an elite group of girls and women for many years; her mom owns Kim Therkildsen Photography, often working with clientele including Mrs. Nebraska and America’s National Teenager contestants. Kelsie sees what the lens doesn’t always show, including her inspiration behind the camera.

“My female role model is my mom because she is a good person and many people look up to her,” said Kelsie. “She knows how to make people feel good about themselves and make sure everyone is included and never left out. My mom gives good advice and teaches my sisters and I many important things. I love how she is outgoing and can start a conversation with anyone.”

Thank you to Catered Bowl Premium Pet Food, sponsor of the 2018 There She Is series. Click here to learn more!

Kelsie wants to make sure her peers are forming the same connections; REAL connections, and not just those through a Snap or Insta post. Crowned Miss Metro’s Outstanding Teen, she’s sharing her personal platform of service she calls ‘Come Out From Behind The Screen.’

30726873_10156917358809386_3560291317290369024_n

31037525_10156917360719386_1276701053328293888_n

“Not only have I worked on spending less time behind the screen myself, I have talked to numerous schools and ages about my challenge,” said Kelsie. “I offered checklists and posters as reminders, and challenges that allow kids to be involved in making good choices regarding their smartphones. Teachers have even offered extra recess, no homework days, or parties if goals are attained.”

Service like this is a key reason Kelsie wanted to compete for the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

“It’s important to give back to others around you,” said Kelsie. “My favorite part so far has been visiting the schools and talking about my platform. The innocence of the kids and the questions they asked made me smile. I loved seeing how happy and involved they were. The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program is important because it rewards young girls for being positive role models who set examples for others.”

Photo courtesy Kim Therkildsen Photography

Positive.. without being perfect. Kelsie is a beautiful young woman, inside and out. She’s talented, caring, smart – she wants to be a trauma plastic surgeon when she gets older. She loves her family.. and chocolate ice cream, enjoying it every chance she gets.

We aren’t always polished and TV ready. More often than not, especially when our focus shifts to life swirling around us nonstop, we realize those Pinterest women are just that – they live in our computers and don’t really exist. It’s great to get all gussied up and feel STUNNING from head to toe; it’s also great to strut your stuff in yoga pants and a ball cap, my fashion of choice at home or at the mall.

One week from today, Kelsie and 18 other outstanding young women will compete to represent our state. They are already showing through their words and actions they realize people won’t remember if they were dressed perfectly, or had every hair and accessory perfectly in place. They know they will be remembered by their actions, what they are doing with their time, and how they made others feel.

That alone is picture perfect.

27021190_10156680330984386_7082091005767304251_o

Photo courtesy Kim Therkildsen Photography

“My goal at MNEOT is to walk into the weekend knowing I have already made a difference in my community, meet new friends, and walk away knowing I did my personal best,” said Kelsie. “Crown or no crown, I have already learned so much about myself through this experience.”

***

To follow Miss Metro’s Outstanding Teen Kelsie Therkildsen, click here.

For more information about the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program or to become a contestant, CLICK HERE to follow the organization on Facebook, or C LICK HERE to follow the organization on Twitter. You can also contact Director Heather Edwards at heatheraloseke@gmail.com or Director Kali Tripp at KaliNicoleTV@gmail.com.

***

The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Competition takes place April 28 in North Omaha, Nebraska.

PREVIOUS.. Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen Jadyn Wetherington

NEXT.. Miss Elkhorn’s Outstanding Teen Rachel Greufe

Little Girls With Big Dreams

Apr13

You can tell a lot about a person by scrolling through their Facebook feed. Mine is filled with pics of my kids, a shout out for Autism Awareness, a screen grab about baseball, and a #ThrowbackThursday pic to my bff and fellow TV-retiree John Campbell. I’m a woman who loves her babies, promoting causes close to my heart, I am obsessed with baseball and I LOVE looking back at memories that still make me laugh.

Yes, I get that social media can be dangerous and scary.. but it can also be inspiring and encouraging. Like it or not, it’s something our current generation has grown up with and the question is not whether or not they’ll use it, it’s HOW can we ensure they use to wisely and positively.

Example: a teenager in Hastings is already painting a beautiful portrait of herself through snapshots and posts. No questionable images or shake-your-head moments.. but moments showcasing her achievements, service, and friends. She is a young woman who, for years, has been looking up to Nebraska’s best and brightest, who all happened to wear crowns.

That’s Olivia Terwey on the left. When this photo was taken, she was in the 3rd grade, and Little Sister to Miss Northwest Megan Dimmitt at the 2013 Miss Nebraska Pageant.

“[Megan] is my role model,” Olivia told me recently. “She’s such a ray of sunshine no matter how stormy the weather. She’s genuine and hard working. She’s generous and kind. She’s successful and works so hard for what she wants. I want to be just like her.”

Megan may be the Queen of Olivia’s heart, but she’s got a full court.

Olivia’s Facebook albums are filled with photos of Miss Nebraska titleholders, all of whom have inspired her in different ways over the years, as a little girl who grew up following the program.

“I attended my first pageant at 5 months old and my mom says I was so in awe of Brittany Jeffers. (Still am!)!!” said Olivia. “When I was in 3rd grade, I was Megan’s Little Sister, and she is still the best Big! The year before that, my cousin was a Little Sister. Mariah Cook was my aunt’s ‘host daughter’, and my cousin was her Little Sister and she won! Lianna Prill was also my aunt’s ‘host daughter’. I’ve just been so inspired by such phenomenal women who I’ve wanted to emulate my entire life! I used to say to my mom, ‘when I’m big enough to wear a crown and a sash, I can’t wait to wear it to Applebee’s!'”

Now, it’s Olivia’s turn.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

In February, this first year she was eligible to compete, Olivia was crowned Miss Sandhills Outstanding Teen. (“I’m the baby of MNOT this year!”) No word if there was a trip to Applebee’s after, but there has been plenty of excitement – and service, just like the role models who came before her.

“Service is definitely the most important to me!” said Olivia. “It’s about giving. My mom always shares the quote, ‘for it is in giving we receive,’ and I believe that is so true. Be the change you wish to see in the world. I get so much more out of giving than the ones I’m helping. Serving others puts life in perspective, it keeps you thankful!”

Thank you to Catered Bowl Premium Pet Food, sponsor of the 2018 There She Is series. Click here to learn more!

“[My platform is] Get Up and Dance, providing free dance classes to under-privileged youth,” said Olivia. “My mom teaches at a school that’s 93% poverty. It made me so sad to know some of her kids could barely afford shoes, let alone extras like dance. Dance is my passion! It helps me not only stay in shape, but it’s my outlet. I doesn’t matter what I feel, I can dance it out and leave it all on the floor. I want all kids to have the opportunities I have been so fortunate enough to experience. Whether it’s teaching a class every Friday afternoon at Lincoln Elementary, library, or visiting a preschool, I love watching their faces light up when they begin to dance and the excitement we all feel as they improve. It’s incredible.”

Olivia hopes to someday have a career in dance, and notes the poise, confidence, and public speaking skills she’s already improving by being a Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen titleholder. She’ll compete for the state title in just two weeks, representing Hastings Middle School in Omaha. She’ll be partnered with a Princess, just like the Little Sister program she was once a part of.

“The best part is seeing a little girl’s face light up when she sees you,” said Olivia. “I had a little cutie pie at an event hug me goodbye and say ‘have fun in your castle!’ It was so precious.”

Regardless of the outcome, Olivia’s goals are clear… she wants to have the same impact that all of her heroes had on her, creating a new generation of little girls who feel special and empowered to take on the world.

“I want to be the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen that left a legacy of being warm and friendly,” said Olivia. “I want to inspire others to get involved in community service and spread kindness! These are women who are strong and successful, all working toward the greater good of our state and country.”

***

To follow Miss Sandhills’ Outstanding Teen Olivia Terwey on Facebook, click here.

***

The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Competition takes place April 28 in North Omaha, Nebraska.

***

PREVIOUS.. Miss Twin Rivers’ Outstanding Teen Rachel Young

NEXT.. Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen Phoenix Stanford

Going The Extra Mile

Mar19

I follow many law enforcement officers on the Twitterverse. It’s the same reason I follow celebrities I will never meet; because their random posts give me a little peek into a part of the world we’re not part of. Police officers see things we don’t, and don’t have to. Twitter provides all of us a way to connect with each other through one common thread; we’re all just people who make jokes, feel emotion, and sometimes, are compelled to share our thoughts or opinions in the hopes of impacting maybe one other person.

75 mph with your head buried in your phone, completely oblivious to me following behind you and then beside you. A crash at that speed is catastrophic and kills people. A $200 dollar ticket is cheap compared to what could have happened. #PhoneDownEyesUp – @opdofcbossman

Officer Mike Bossman is a 14-year veteran with the Omaha Police Department. He is a traffic reconstructionist – he is often the first to arrive on the scene after an accident. The warning he posted on Twitter that you see above isn’t just a vague threat, it’s a real-life result he’s witnessed far too many times.

GUYS, THIS HAPPENS. KIDS DIE. I covered it way too many times at KETV, and that’s nothing compared to what Mike has seen on the streets of Omaha.

Krista Hinrichs wanted to do something. She wanted to make a difference in an issue affecting all ages.. something like being a car, put at risk by a distracted driver.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Krista was crowned Miss Kool-Aid Days 2017, and Miss Douglas County 2018. For the second year in a row, she’ll compete at the Miss Nebraska Competition, hoping to represent our state at the Miss America Pageant. At the max, that’s a handful of days on stage competing.. the rest of every year as a titleholder is spent SERVING. Making sure people are safe behind the wheel has become a key part in Krista’s mission.

“Whether they are in the back seat, the passenger or the driver everyone has a voice and can speak up!” Krista told me. “I partnered with the End Distracted Driving (EndDD) organization which is a group that works everyday to help teach others and prevent distracted driving across the country. One of the most important things to remember when you are driving and there are other passengers in your car…YOU are responsible for everyone’s life and making sure everyone arrives to their destination safely.”

28685487_2165998356964058_6442725429028518957_n

EndDD has provided Krista with resources she’s used in presentations at schools across the state. She’s met with the National Safety Council and State Senator Bob Krist about legislation and current laws regarding distracted driving.

Thank you to Catered Bowl Premium Pet Food, sponsor of the 2018 There She Is series. Click here to learn more!

Nebraska is one of few states in the country in which distracted driving in not a primary violation,” said Krista. “This puts us behind all other states who have recognized and established legal consequences for distracted driving. By acknowledging distracted driving as a law violation, it recognizes the risks of that behavior and allows for consequences that may actually result in changed behaviors in the future.”

Krista uses her Facebook page to share statistics and powerful stories from people she’s met.

“I love talking to people of all ages, but I also love listening and being present whenever someone has a question for me or wants to tell me more about themselves,” said Krista. “I absolutely love meeting new people, talking to people, and making a connection as well as using this title to create a positive impact for people in the community.”

And community has been central to Krista over the last two years.

28870633_2167363303494230_2329005094171564903_n

27752208_1518094911593072_4390546923490566755_n

She volunteers with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. She recently won Omaha’s Dancing With The Stars, benefiting Youth Emergency Services. Fundraisers, parades, galas.. Krista is there, hoping to send others, especially children, home with a brighter outlook.

“I enjoyed getting to settle down during lunchtime [at Miss Omaha] to start to build a relationship with my Little Sister,” said Krista. “My heart was filled when I saw her for the first time and she had made a special good luck card for me! I believe that people may remember a gorgeous gown you wore or your crown at an appearance, but they will also take with them how you made them feel and I want everyone to always feel valued after each conversation or interaction.”

Krista will compete for the title of Miss Nebraska this summer, and while she would love to win, her bigger goal is to connect with people and make an impact.

A will to do more.. it’s something deep within people like Krista Hinrichs and Officer Mike Bossman. Krista is a gifted dancer, a college student, a future child psychologist; she could just focus on those things, or even herself and her goal of winning that sparkly crown. Bossman could just clock in and clock out, hand out tickets and head home knowing he did his job. These two go beyond – they want to make the world better, one visit, one day, and one tweet at a time.

Krista’s latest post… ‘Use your smile to change the world, never let the world change your smile!’

***

To follow Miss Douglas County Krista Hinrichs on Facebook, click here.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTA?

CLICK HERE * 2017 * The Meaning of Life

For more information about the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County Pageant or to become a contestant, CLICK HERE to visit their site on Facebook. You can also email Director Devin Howell or Director Marianne Grubaugh at missomahapageant@yahoo.com.

***

The Miss Nebraska Scholarship Competition takes place June 7-9 in North Platte, Nebraska.

CLICK HERE to follow the Miss Nebraska Organization on Facebook

CLICK HERE to follow the Miss Nebraska Organization on Twitter

***

PREVIOUS.. Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Whitney Miller

NEXT.. Miss Old West Balloon Fest’s Outstanding Teen Hope McCoy

That’s What Friends Are For

Feb14

Over the last few months, I’ve tried to take a different approach with what I share on Facebook. I still try to tell our viewers what they should tune in for that night at 10.. and share links to the developing story online that could impact them.. but more and more, I’m trying to share things that just MAKE ME SMILE. Memes that make me laugh, links that have me giggling at my desk, and photos that warm my heart. Hopefully they make someone else’s day a little brighter, too.

A few weeks ago, I shared this beauty.

Photo courtesy Sherri Harnisch – Picture Taker

This is Macy. I used to work with her momma, who is also the incredible photographer who styled and shot this photo. Macy is sassy, smart, talented and SWEET.. she is also one of the national representatives for down syndrome awareness and support, featured on billboards in Times Square, and a frequent visitor to Washington DC for new legislation.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to watch Alex Hoffman’s story on KETV with Sherri Harnisch, about her family’s work to pass the ABLE Act.

Macy is showing the world that people with special needs bring love, joy, laughter and so many other things into the world and into our lives. They deserve our respect, our time and OUR love.

It’s a message Ashly Helfrich has known and advocated for since she was younger than Macy.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Ashly, a junior at Millard West High School in Omaha, is also Miss Tri-Cities Outstanding Teen 2016. She’ll compete to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen this June. The program is a preliminary competition to the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, described by many as the ‘little sister’ pageant to the Miss America Organization. Just like their ‘miss’ sisters, these teenagers spend a year promoting a cause they are passionate about; Ashly calls hers ‘The Positive Power of Inclusion.’

“Two of my cousins have down syndrome, so I have witnessed how inclusion has affected them while growing up,” Ashly told me recently. “[My platform] is focusing on creating inclusive environments in both schools and the community for people of all ability levels.”

Ashly is a student leader for Millard West’s West Friends club, an organization that twice a month brings together students with and without disabilities.

“I love spending my time with these kids, as they are some of the most genuinely kind people I know,” said Ashly. “They almost always have a smile on their face, and they always greet me like they are so happy to see me. For me, inclusion goes so far beyond just putting students of all ability levels in the same room. The objective of West Friends is to create long-lasting friendships between these students by making a safe, fun environment for all.”

Ashly and West Friends organizers are also creating a model for other programs across the state, as one of the first schools to participate in NSAA-sanctioned unified sports. CLICK HERE TO WATCH Andrew Ozaki’s story on KETV, featuring Ashly, about this new opportunity for special needs students to compete in sports.

Ashly also knows a little something about competition; she trained in tumbling and competitive gymnastics for 11 years and is currently a Millard West varsity cheerleader.

12670039_230615163939423_2258390914992493703_n

She’s also copy editor for her school’s yearbook, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and Student Ambassador for Millard West. Ashly has lettered in Academics, Cheerleading and Pole Vault.

WHAT?!? How could this girl squeeze one more activity into her schedule.. and why?!?!

Ashly answers by noting her role model is former Miss Nebraska local titleholder Chrissy Townsend. (Click here to learn more about Chrissy!)

“My grandparents were Chrissy’s host family during her pageant week in North Platte and for several summers I stayed there with her during that week,” said Ashly. “She really showed me how cool it was to be on stage, I always enjoyed getting to watch her do her favorite thing. She truly paved the way for my own pageants because she gave me a great example of how to be happy with whatever the outcome may be. I always admired the girls in that spotlight; I admired their grace, pose and confidence in front of all of those people, and I knew that someday I wanted to do that myself.”

Despite multiple surgeries on her Achilles tendon, Ashly decided this, her last eligible year to compete, she would try to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. She revisited the piano, an instrument she played for years as a little girl, and won a local title last fall.

“I would tell someone who criticizes pageants that the girls who compete in them are not just focused on their appearance,” said Ashly. “Pageant girls are driven and compassionate, and they are more than ready to help anyone else out before themselves. They all have goals set for themselves and they are ready to do all the work that goes into reaching that goal.”

And THEN some, like in Ashly’s case. Since earning that crown in late October, Ashly has volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army, helped blind and visually impaired shoppers over the holidays, and just this weekend, took a VERY chilly plunge into Cunningham Lake for the Special Olympics.

12729072_10206947144711620_7008646850060554290_n

12742059_1687404414835175_8845592727406731854_n

At work (Omaha’s Vintage Financial Group), Ashly has earned the nickname ‘Miss America’ from firm President and Millard School Board member Pat Ricketts. Easy to see why with the sheer amount of self-lessness, talent and ambition this young lady has.

What’s even cooler to me is WHY Ashly wants all of this.. for her cousins, her West friends, and kids she’s never met, like Macy.

“I want to be the next Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen because I want to spread my message of my platform all around the state. I am so excited to be part of a team with some of my favorite people,” said Ashly. “I want to be someone that is a good role model for all teens, and someone who can be trusted with anything. I am very dedicated to the things that I commit to, and competing in this pageant is another step for me to get closer to reaching my goal of being confident in any situation.”

***

CLICK EACH LINK to follow Miss Tri-Cities Outstanding Teen 2016 Ashly Helfrich

on FACEBOOK, on TWITTER, on INSTAGRAM

For more information about the Miss Kearney/Miss Tri-Citites Outstanding Teen Pageant, visit THEIR WEBSITE,FACEBOOK PAGE, or follow ON TWITTER. For information on becoming a contestant, contact Director Megan Goeke at hello@beautifulbridal.com.

For more information on becoming a Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen contestant, contact Director Heather Edwards at heatheraloseke@gmail.com or Director Kali Tripp at kalinicoletv@gmail.com.

***

The 2016 Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant takes place June 10 in North Platte, Nebraska. Learn more on THEIR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK PAGE, or follow ON TWITTER and ON INSTAGRAM.

***

PREVIOUS.. Miss Omaha 2016 Aleah Peters!

NEXT.. Special Feature, Miss Nebraska USA 2016 Sarah Hollins!

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!

Most Likely To Shine

May23

When you look back at your years in high school, do you remember who won the senior superlatives in your class? Most outgoing, best personality, most likely to succeed, most school spirit.

In my class, one of the ‘superlative’ winners was my good friend Jake Ozanne, named Most Outgoing. He could have also been coined ‘Most Popular’, ‘Most Inclusive’, ‘Most Welcoming’, or just “Mr. All American Monarch.” Jake was a starting varsity football player, who also has a sensational voice and was one of the star’s of PLHS’s sold-out presentation of Grease. He did it all and was friends with EVERYONE along the way, no matter what clique, group, or friendship circle you were part of. PAPIO LOVED JAKE, and we still do.

Lincoln Southwest High arguably has SEVERAL contenders for the title.. THREE Silver Hawks will be competing this summer for the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. One of these young ladies is the Queen of Superlatives.. because after my reporter research, I question if there is anything this beauty CAN’T do.

MISS GERING’S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2015 EMMA KEIFER

(Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography)

Emma is an actress, a singer, a competitive speaker, and a dancer. She not only takes part in all of these activities at Lincoln Southwest High, she’s an award winner in many of them..

The sophomore is a member of the top ranked Ambience competitive show choir, of which Emma posted on Facebook: “What a year with so many amazing people including these inspiring girls that I am blessed to call my best friends.”

Emma is also an active member of Lincoln Southwest High’s theater program, named Freshman of the Year and cast in this year’s production of White Christmas, chosen to be part of the 2015 International Thespian Festival Showcase.

Emma’s also a national speech qualifier and a member of the Lincoln Southwest Emeralds Dance team.

In case you had any doubts, I looked up ‘does it all’ with Merriam Webster and Emma’s picture accompanies the definition. HOLY COW! Still, she added to her resume this year, competing for and winning the title of Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen.

Emma, alongside Miss Western Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen 2015 Allison Baird. Emma posted on Facebook: “What a great way to start fall break! A big congratulations to every girl who competed in teen and miss for achieving so much by getting on the stage and sharing God’s talents to the judges.”

Emma was crowned in early October, and despite her incredibly demanding activity schedule at school, Emma gave of her time as Miss Gering’s OT at least once every month, often times more.

In October..

“Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat! Had a great time collecting food cans with my school theatre troupe as Cruella De Vil! We collected over 2,100 pounds of food for the Lincoln Food Bank!”

In November..

“I was able to meet with the president of the Lincoln Animal Ambassadors to donate to their Pet Food Bank. I am so thankful to all my friends who helped me collect over 50 bags of cat and dog food during our Post Halloween Movie Night!”

“I spent time with other volunteers wrapping over 600 presents for the non-profit Boxes of Love. These presents have been presented to many different organizations and families throughout the holiday season and I was very happy to help!”

In December..

“I was able to meet with over 50 girls at Scott Middle School in Lincoln to promote my platform, Girl Talk. Each girl showed interest in growing in the three pillars of the organization, building self-esteem, learning leadership skills and the importance of community involvement! Every Thursday I get to talk and mentor a group of the most talented, sweetest, inspiring and beautiful girls I have ever met at Girl Talk! Everyone knows how hard Middle School can be so I am so happy to be the Girl Talk girls guide through life and their shoulder to lean on! Not only am I teaching them leadership skills, community involvement, and to be drama free, but they are teaching me and making me a better person!”

On to January..

“Spent my night volunteering at the Alzheirmer’s Association Gala! I even got to model a prom dress for the Black Swan during the live auction. I had such a fun time for such a great cause.”

Ending February..

“I bet you can guess who is ecstatic for June!”

And just recently, in April..

“I judged a prelim for the Cinderella Pageant. (I have never seen so many talented and adorable girls! It was so tough being on the other side.) I packaged/prepared meals for Kids Against Hunger with Youth Leadership Lincoln. I met with the wonderful Teresa Scanlan and discussed the future and importance of my platform.”

And in May, Emma turned 17. Yea, Emma Keifer IS A SOPHOMORE; SHE JUST TURNED 17 YEARS OLD.

I am exhausted just reading all of this! I’m also checking to see if Lincoln Southwest is sharing their secrets to success in teaching and training such outstanding young women. Each of the groups Emma belongs to, whether they be drama, choir, speech, or dance, may have a different superlative for Emma. Who knows what title she could end up with in her senior yearbook.

Emma Keifer may capture a title long before that. She’ll take the stage in North Platte in just two weeks, ready to compete for the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

(Photo courtesy Julie Carter Photography)

Follow Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen 2015 Emma Keifer and contact her for appearances and events on the Miss Western Nebraska/Miss Gering Pageant on Facebook.

Click here to follow Emma’s platform, Girl Talk!, on Facebook.

Click here for a special profile on Emma posted on the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Facebook page!

For more information on becoming a contestant, contact Director Kyla Ansley by phone at 308-631-0938 or by email at kyla_ansley@hotmail.com.

***

The Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant will take place June 5, 2015 in North Platte. Click here to visit the organization’s website or the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant on Facebook and on Twitter.

***

PREVIOUS.. Miss Chadron 2015 Tosha Skinner

NEXT.. Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen 2015 Chelsea Arnold

To read more about the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Class of 2014, click on the ‘There She Is’ link at the top of the page.