Tag Archive | kelsey ellis

From ‘Sea’ To Shining ‘Sea’

Today is the day! Tonight, a new Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen will be crowned in Omaha!

For the last several months, a small network of volunteers has been working tirelessly to provide this wonderful opportunity for the best young women our state has to offer. Through those efforts, a record-breaking 19 teens are competing tonight, representing all corners of our state. Many of you have read about each of them in this series (THANK YOU!), and the following three teens round out this incredible class.

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Miss Eastern Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Sofia Drelicharz, a student at Westside Middle School in Omaha. She’s a natural performer; she was just in her school’s amazing production of Mary Poppins all last weekend. Her mission as a local titleholder is to spread awareness of food insecurity, especially in children.

Photo courtesy Tiffany Williams Photography

Miss Heartland’s Outstanding Teen Aubrie Charter’s motto is Dance+Baton+Point+Golf+Pageant=Happiness💗. She’s a busy young lady!! Aubrie is a 7th grader in North Platte, and a lifetime fan of the Miss Nebraska Pageant that takes place annually in her hometown.

Photo courtesy Photographic Images

Miss North Platte’s Outstanding Teen Aspen Golter is another North Platte native, an 8th grader trying Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen for the first time. She is also a dancer at The Dance Factory, owned by former Miss Nebraska Becky Smith, and a former participant in the America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization.

Tonight in Omaha, these three will compete with other teenagers spanning our state; from the winding Missouri River that borders Omaha, to the sleeping giant Platte River in North Platte, to the… ok, there’s no river border in western Nebraska, but you get my point!!

Tonight, these girls will take the spotlight, but in the shadows of the crowd, they will be cheered on by all of the volunteers who helped them find this path to Omaha. Roxanne Ludemann, Kelsey Ellis, and so many more; they are the local directors across our state who worked countless hours to provide resources and assistance to these titleholders. They don’t get paid to do this – they do it because they love to empower young women, and they love what this program stands for.

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With that, a sincere GOOD LUCK and THANK YOU to the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen organization, especially to directors Kali Tripp and Heather Edwards. Never before has this program had 19 contestants, a powerhouse panel of judges, record-breaking scholarship and award opportunities, and more. These powerful women are revolutionizing this program, and in doing so, empowering the teenagers who take part, creating an army of well-spoken, polished, service-minded citizens of Nebraska.

From ‘sea’ to shining ‘sea’… the best of the best. That is what will be represented on stage tonight.

Photo courtesy KC Creations Photography

Only one will become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

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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.

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

PREVIOUS.. Miss Millard’s Outstanding Teen Marissa Messick

NEXT.. Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Carsyn Long

It’s A Small World After All

Mar17

There are 7.4 billion people in the world. 319 million of those live in the United States, and about 1.8 million live in Nebraska. Any given day, you could come across any number of strangers… or you could bump into familiar faces in the strangest of places. Last year as my husband and I were traveling to Cancun, we randomly bumped into his cousin at the airport.. a cousin who lives in California. Then while we were at the resort, 2700 miles away, we literally ran into our good friend, Megan. Of all the hotels in all the vacation destinations around the world, we chose the exact same spot at the exact same time. There is some truth to the saying ‘it’s a small world after all.’ So perhaps I shouldn’t have been as surprised to hear, the first time I met the new Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen, “I think you know one of my teachers..”

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Alex Nervig

Alex Nervig is a proud Millard North Mustang, the high school where my husband has been an assistant baseball coach for 11 years. Turns out, head coach Dave Cork is one of her teachers this year. Of all the schools and all the teachers in the Omaha metro…

but Millard is getting accustomed to having ‘pageant girls’ walk their halls. Miss Nebraska 2014 Megan Swanson and Miss Nebraska 2016 Aleah Peters are both Millard Public Schools grads. Miss Gering 2016 LaRissa McKean and Miss Western Nebraska 2015 Chrissy Townsend are Millard South alums, and Miss Tri-Cities Outstanding Teen 2016 Ashly Helfrich studied at Millard West as she prepared for state competition.

“I decided to compete for my local title because I know a lot of people who have competed in this system and have absolutely loved it!” Alex told me. “This is also my last eligible year to compete in the teen pageant so I decided even if I don’t win, it will still be a really fun experience.”

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But she did win, and hit the ground running through every door that opened up for her. Alex has since been spotted volunteering for the Salvation Army, taking part in fundraisers for Children’s Miracle Network and spreading some Irish goodwill in Omaha’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“My goal is to enjoy the journey and make the most of it,” said Alex. “I have met so many new friends and I have gained multiple opportunities that I never thought I would have. I am so excited to see what the rest of the year holds for me!”

A year that was already jam-packed with performances and competitions; Alex is a member of the World Champion Stepperettes Baton Team, and she’s part of the state-finalist Mustang Varsity Cheer Squad.

Through cheer, Alex became part of the Sparkles program, partnering cheerleaders at several Omaha area high schools with students who have special needs. The Sparkles held their first annual showcase this winter, and they volunteered at the Annual Rock and Roll for Disabilities in Omaha. Friendships have always been integral to Alex, and she’s dedicated her year of service to the special relationships she’s formed through Sparkles.

Click here to read more about the Sparkles 1st Annual Showcase in the Omaha World Herald!

“My platform is called ‘We Are One’ and it promotes the equal treatment of people with special needs,” said Alex. “I chose this as my platform because throughout my years of school I have seen students with special needs get bullied and I want to see it come to an end.”

Flashback to October.. and telling Coach Cork that once again, a Millard girl was our newest titleholder in the Miss Nebraska system. I heard then how kind Alex Nervig was to everyone around her, and how involved she was in the community. She didn’t transform into an outstanding teenager when she put on a crown; those qualities were already there. That crown, and the 17 others worn by teens across Nebraska, simply highlight the extraordinary things they would be doing with or without their titles.

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“So far, my favorite part has been meeting the other local titleholders and becoming friends with them,” said Alex. “I would really like people to know that pageants are not all about wearing pretty dresses and wearing a crown. The crown gives us an opportunity to spread the message of our platform and make a positive change in society.”

Our connections to each other around the world are simply incredible. It’s the Kevin Bacon effect.. someone knows someone who knows someone. When those stories are exchanged, when we connect the dots as to how we all relate to each other, how will everyone describe you? Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Alex Nervig hopes to stand out as a funny, talking, outgoing young lady who made a difference in this world.

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“I want people to know that your success is determined by your definition of success, not someone else’s,” said Alex. ” As long as you accomplish your goals, you can call yourself a winner.”

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CLICK HERE to follow Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Alex Nervig or to get more information about the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! You can also email Director Kelsey Ellis at omahadouglascountyot@gmail.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 Metro’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Jamie Chen

NEXT.. Miss Nebraska State Fair 2017 Jenni Wahonick

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!

Intervention

Feb11

The emerging theme for many of my posts lately has been assumptions. The descriptions and details we assume to be fact because of what we’ve heard, societal influence, whatever the case may be. Often, part of the challenge in spreading awareness about a cause or topic is changing the misconceptions people may have about it.

For example: addiction. What do you think of? Someone dirty, desperate, homeless.. or an upper middle class housewife living a seemingly normal, if not perfect life?

For several years now, my former colleague and award-winning friend Julie Cornell has worked tirelessly to shed light on what many view as a prescription drug epidemic in Nebraska. Her reports have led to public questions and changes in state law. That work has also encouraged people to come forward and get help.. people like Claire Winkelbauer. The mother of four and minister’s wife became addicted to hydrocodone after she was prescribed the drug post-surgery.

Photo courtesy Julie Cornell, KETV

“Without God, without my husband, without people that love you, I honestly believe in my heart that I wouldn’t be here today,” she told Julie. CLICK HERE to see Julie’s full story as part of KETV’s year-long State Of Addiction series.

Stories like this are taking place all around us, whether we know it or not. It’s the reason a Bellevue teenager has dedicated her year to what she calls a Message of Hope.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Katie Harris

“My platform is called ‘A Message of Hope: Raising Awareness to Drug and Substance Abuse.’ I chose this because I have seen what the effects of drug abuse can do to a person and the people around them,” Katie told me recently. “Since this kind of topic has greatly affected my family, I wanted to teach young adolescents the dangers of drugs and alcohol so that they can make the right decisions on their path to their future.”

Katie is a role model to her peers at Bellevue West High School, and now to countless children across the Omaha metro area.

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Crowned Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen in October, Katie immediately used her crown and sash as an ‘in’ to speak to classes and groups.

Katie speaking at Westside’s Loveland Elementary

She’s also spreading her message across social media and more, urging her followers to share posts and pictures advocating for drug abuse awareness.

I’ll be selling these Message of Hope shirts to raise money for my Miss Omahas Outstanding Teen platform called “A Message of Hope: Raising Awareness to Drug and Substance Abuse”. All proceeds with go to the Omaha Valley Hope Association. They are a non-profit organization for people who are in the process of recovering from addiction. They are $15!! Please message me if interested!!

When a young woman is crowned a Miss So&So, they are not required to take part in community service. They aren’t forced to give countless hours of their time, their evenings and weekends, to promote a cause. Katie does all of this in addition to her studies at Bellevue West High School, where she is a member of the Varsity Cheer Squad, and competitive baton twirling as a member of the World Champion Stepper-Ettes Baton and Dance.

Katie, and women like her, give their time to others because they are determined to make a difference. It’s why Katie decided to compete in a pageant in the first place.

“I care about others!” said Katie. “I love helping people and being involved in the lives of others, which explains why I want to pursue a career in the medical field! [I am] hard working because you get out the amount of work you put in. I truly believe that working hard now will pay off later in life. And finally, [I am] kind because kindness is key! A simple compliment or ‘hello’ to someone could make their day. Plus, who doesn’t love to see someone smile because of you?”

These are all of the qualities Katie hopes to show a panel of judges when she competes to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

“[Pageants] give girls confidence!” said Katie. “Not everyone can go on stage and answer a question in front of lots of people and get judged on it… literally! I think there’s a message behind pageants, also, and it’s that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Never give up!”

katie-girls

To pageant naysayers, Katie notes the three women with her in this photo, and countless others not pictured.

“My favorite part of this competition is meeting new people! I love making friends!” said Katie. “I have met so many people and it has given me opportunities that I never imagined I would’ve had before. It also boosted my self esteem/confidence because I worked so hard for this and I plan on working harder for the next step.”

Which path Katie Harris takes that next step could be determined in April. Her end goal will stay the same, regardless if she’s Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen or Katie Harris, a truly outstanding teenager.

“Other than wanting to win, my goal is to spread the message of hope to more places in Nebraska,” said Katie. “I want to further my platform and impact the lives of young adolescents and teens. Most of all, I want to be the reason someone said no to drugs.”

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CLICK HERE to follow Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen Katie Harris or to get more information about the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Pageant! You can also email Director Kelsey Ellis at omahadouglascountyot@gmail.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 Alliance’s Outstanding Teen 2017 Sydny Ridgeway

NEXT.. Miss Omaha 2017 Wellesley Michael

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!

Hello, My Name Is…

Apr3

What’s in a name?!?

As a parent, you have an awesome responsibility (among MANY others) to give your child A NAME. It’s the title they will likely use as identification for the rest of their life. They have the world at their fingertips to make a name for themself, but that foundation starts it all. How much of who we become is because of OUR NAME?

Take ADELE. The woman has become a beloved figure around the world; even those who don’t necessarily buy her albums or like her genre appreciate her incredible talent and the depth of her music. Adele means NOBLE. KIND. DIGNITY. POISE. I’d argue all of these traits are present in Adele’s work.

They also describe an Omaha teenager.. an ‘Adella’ now representing her school, the Omaha metro area, and young women everywhere.

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Photo courtesy C41 Photography

“Making a positive impact on everyone I encounter is most important to me,” Adella told me recently. “I know in the world today with social media and society’s standards that we feel like we have to meet, we forget what amazing, beautiful ladies we are.”

Adella is now sharing that message with schools and groups, speaking as Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen 2016. She started competing in pageants several years ago, becoming a finalist with the National American Miss organization.

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Last fall was Adella’s first try competing within Miss America’s companion system, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. The 15-year old sang, played piano, and won a title in Omaha on her first try.

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“Being Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen has given me so many opportunities to not only spread the message of my platform, but will also give me opportunities later in life such as college scholarships.”

Adella also notes the business lessons she’s learned since winning her crown, including organizing and hosting an annual boutique, selling handmade scarfs, jewelry and home decor to pay for anything she wants and needs to compete for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen this June. She works multiple jobs a week like babysitting, in addition to her studies at Skutt Catholic High School, where she is involved in student council and show choir. Adella is also active in women’s prayer group and ministry council, and has modelled for Omaha Fashion Week.

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“To people who criticize pageants or don’t know much about the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, I would explain how this program has helped me grow in so many ways,” said Adella. “I have learned public speaking skills, confidence in front of a crowd, the importance of being physically fit, embracing my own gifts and talents, how to budget, and most importantly, I have learned to become confident with the person that I am.”

That last part is why Adella wants to become Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen, to become an ambassador for the organization and for her platform, ‘Overcoming Insecurities: Dreaming With Confidence.’

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“I chose my platform because I know from experience that everyone has insecurities. I personally have battled acne for a few years and I know that feeling insecure in your body can bring your attitude down,” said Adella. “I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they aren’t worth anything, because everyone has special gifts and talents that they are meant to share with the world. My platform not only helps girls surpass their insecurities, but to also realize that they have the power to positively affect their life and the lives around them.”

How does such a young woman have such a mature attitude and optimistic outlook? Adella points to her cousin and role model, Mary (which, by the way, means independance, initiative, friendly and good-natured.)

“She wanted to be a successful woman right from the start, so she realized what she needed to do in order to achieve her goals,” said Adella. “She started working at the bottom of a company but always had a smile on her face and was willing to work hard. She now is in one of the top positions in her line of work. She inspires me and helps me understand that if you work hard and stay positive, the sky is the limit!”

Capable. Focused. Independant. Fully prepared. Those are the words you see when you look up ADELLA… and the qualities THIS Adella wants to showcase across the state, as Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

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“I am a very determined person, and I have worked very hard to get here,” said Adella. “I see this as more than just a crown on my head, rather, it’s a job with responsibilities that I’m capable and ready to take on.”

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To follow Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen 2016 Adella Smolsky on FACEBOOK CLICK HERE, or CLICK HERE to follow her on Twitter.

For more information about the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, visit THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE or THEIR WEBSITE. For information on becoming a contestant, contact Director Kelsey Ellis by email at omahadouglascountyOT@gmail.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.

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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.

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Old West Balloon Fest 2016 Claire Holsinger!

NEXT.. Miss Queen City of the Plains 2016 Lianna Prill!

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 Keep Swimming

Mar6

There’s something special about swimmers..

These athletes are just wired differently than n0rmal human beings. They’re up at 4am to put in hours at the pool. They are SHEER musle and strength. They don’t know failure, because when they’re not focused on the swimmer in the next lane, they are constantly racing their OWN clocks to top their personal bests. All of these traits; dedication, health, perfection, also seem to translate to swimmers’ lives outside the pool.

Want proof? Meet Team KETV.

Before Melissa Fry was our 5pm anchor and one of our best reporters, she was the 2001 state champion in the 100m butterfly at Millard South High School (Melissa and her dad are the first father/daughter state champions in swimming!) Melissa is still in the Patriot record books for several strokes, and went on to swim at Illinois State before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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Before Alex Hoffman was our First News anchor, she was nothing short of a legendary swimmer in her home state of South Dakota. In high school alone, she won four individual state titles. At South Dakota State, Alex’s list of school records and career wins is TWO FULL PAGES LONG. I’M NOT KIDDING. She broke 9 school records her first season, was team captain her senior year and chosen as an NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. Alex was also Miss South Dakota 2008 and a Top 10 finalist at the 2009 Miss America pageant.

Before Alexandra Stone became our First News Weekend anchor (and one of our star reporters!) she was swimming year-round for both school and club events, starting when she was a toddler. Alexandra made the varsity swim team as a freshman, excelling in the 100M backstroke.

And finally..

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This INCREDIBLE young lady, Jojo Randby! Jojo’s mom is Emmy-Award winning journalist Julie Cornell, and her dad is our Chief Meteorologist Bill Randby. Jojo is making a name for herself.. representing Nebraska in the midwest regional 5-state All Star meet, where she won the 50m and 100m breast, clocking personal record times in both!

NONE of this is easy. ALL of these ladies say they swim or swam 6+ days a week, often twice a day. This all comes in addition to school, volunteering and other activities.

Want more proof? Meet Hannah Miller.

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Photo courtesy Blinq Studio

“I’ve had a crazy swim season that just concluded with the state meet,” Hannah told me last month, after qualifying for two events at state as a sophomore. (CLICK HERE to watch Hannah set a new personal record in the 100m butterfly in January!) Hannah’s also a dancer. And she works part time. And she’s a student at Elkhorn High School. And she’s Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen.

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Hannah spends almost three hours EVERY DAY swimming, in addition to everything else she’s got going on in her life. How, and WHY add a crown and sash to the mix, and commit to competing for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen in June?

“I got involved in the MNOT program because I love the values that it promotes: service, scholarship, style and success,” said Hannah. “I have such respect for the titleholders who are volunteering in their communities and are role models for everyone around them.”

Hannah has also held the titles of Miss Nebraska Pre-Teen 2012 (ANTSO), America’s US Miss Nebraska Teen 2014, and as Miss Nebraska Junior Teen 2014 (ANTSO) she was named National Junior Teen 1st Runner-Up and National Spokesmodel winner for 2015. Complete disclosure.. I know very little about the America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization, but it seems Hannah knows what to prioritize as a new contestant in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen club.

For starters, her volunteer work ties right back to where she’s most at home.. in the pool.

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“My platform is ‘Safe Splashes’, combining my love for the water with my passion for working with young children,” said Hannah. “Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children between the ages of 1 and 4. According to the CDC, in 10% of those drownings, the adult will actually be watching the child with no idea it is happening! While complete ‘drown-proofing’ does not exist, parental water safety education and early childhood swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.”

Hannah is hoping to make a difference both with with her words and action; she works part-time as a swim instructor, teaching kids and parents exactly what she promotes as Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen. She’s also volunteered to read for local students, to ring bells for the Salvation Army, she’s been part of the Bid Buddy/Little Buddy mentoring program and helped as a math tutor.

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Hannah has also lettered in Varsity Cheer, and she’ll dance at Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

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“I combine my two favorite dance styles (jazz and tap) into a fun, upbeat routine that I absolutely love to perform,” said Hannah. Hannah also loves her family (just below, she’s emceeing part of Nebraska’s Miss Amazing pageant with her dad, Jim!) and friends, and says those relationships along with school are most important to her in her life.

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“From an early age, giving back to the community and volunteering have been important to me, so I look for role models who are reaching out and making a difference in real ways each and every day,” said Hannah.

Now, this 16-year old hopes to become a role model for someone else, and notes that her pageant-background has propelled her forward.

“I tell people about the community service I have become involved in through pageantry and the self confidence it takes to walk and talk on stage,” said Hannah. “When I applied to be a swim instructor at the age of 15 I was interviewing with candidates that were as much as 6 years older than me. I got the job because of the confidence and poise I had in the interview. My ability to speak honestly and confidently to parents about their child’s progress earns me respect as an instructor. The skills of communication and confidence are directly related to my involvement in pageantry and I am proud of that.”

And now, Hannah Miller wants to take her journey one step further as Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. After all, she’s a self-described well-rounded over-achiever. If you ask Melissa, Alex, or Alexandra… I’m pretty sure that’s synonymous with SWIMMER.

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Photo courtesy Blinq Studio

“I have been preparing to represent our great state for some time now and I know I am ready to step up and be the best possible representative nationally for Nebraska,” said Hannah. “I am a genuine person who connect with people easily and I have the ability to help make a difference.”

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To follow Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen Hannah Miller on FACEBOOK CLICK HERE. To contact Hannah about appearances and events, email her at hl_miller@icloud.com or email Jim Miller at jr_miller@cox.net.

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.

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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.

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Alliance 2016 Kate Lynne Duncan!

NEXT.. Miss Harvest Moon Festival 2016 Kara Kriha!

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!

A Beauty Queen’s Bucket List

May24

I have a folder on Pinterest titled ‘Must See Before Death.’ (Sheesh.. that sounds morbid..) I think of this folder as my virtual travel guide wish list for the world. So far, I haven’t made it far.. to the Bahamas once, Mexico once, Canada once. Iowa MANY times. I hope this isn’t just wishful thinking.. that someday I’ll get to see these gorgeous places with my own eyes and not just in pictures. I’m a daydreaming world traveler wannabe.

You’re about to meet a young woman who at just 17 years old already has a jump start on me.

MISS OMAHA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN 2015 CHELSEA ARNOLD

(Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography)

Chelsea is arguably an explorer of the world, both literally and physically. When I talked to her last year as Miss Northwest’s Outstanding Teen (click here to read more!) Chelsea was getting ready for a 3-week cruise to Canada and Alaska, after a school year spent taking full-time online classes through the University of Nebraska High School. This year, Chelsea returned to a more traditional high school setting, attending Lincoln Southwest High School and taking part in several Silver Hawk activities.

February, Chelsea posted on Instagram: “A little late but I’m so proud of #Ambeyonce for finishing the season as grand champs this past weekend!”

Chelsea was part of the award-winning Ambience performance choir at LSW, competitively performing at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and at the UNL School of Music throughout the school year. She’s also part of the sold-out production of Lincoln Southwest’s White Christmas, chosen to be part of the International Thespian Society’s Festival this summer.

Regardless of where she’s studying, Chelsea is often in the spotlight, and at times, to a far-reaching audience.

Last summer, Chelsea was featured on the cover of Oriental Trading Company’s catalog. She won first place in the Nebraska State Fair’s Galaxy of Stars Talent Competition. Chelsea also finished in the Top 5 at the 2014 Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen pageant, leading her to Omaha in the hopes of again, being a teen titleholder.

Chelsea winning a title at in Omaha in November, along with Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Steffany Lien, both crowned by Miss Nebraska’s OT 2014 Morgan Holen. The day after, Chelsea posted on Instagram: “Incredibly excited to begin my year as Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support me last night!”

Since that moment, Chelsea’s booking calendar has only filled up more. She volunteered in Lincoln’s Radio-Thon for the Children’s Miracle Network. She also spent time alongside Miss Omaha Megan Gould and Mrs. Nebraska Erika Shelton to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Action Network. She was selected as a model for the Omaha World Herald Bridal Show at the Mid-America Center, and took part in all three Miss America service days to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Chelsea’s photos on Facebook and Instagram also exemplify what she calls her favorite part of the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen experience: friendships.

Chelsea with Miss Scotts Bluff County’s OT 2015 Grace Heggem in Kansas City, with other teens competing for Miss Omaha’s OT in November, and with 2014 Miss Nebraska’s OT contestant Alexis McGlone at a recent choir competition. Chelsea told the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program: “I’ve met some of my best friends in this system and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.”

Maybe we are all daydreamers in some respect, it’s just our dreams are all different. Some dream of bright lights and roaring applause. Some dream of white sand beaches with the soft lull of waves as they sleep. Some dream of white picket fences with babies laughing in the yard.

Only a few of us print off our Pinterest lists and make our dreams reality. At 17 years old, Chelsea Arnold has traveled, performed for hundreds, and been seen by thousands. ‘Wannabe’ isn’t in her vocabulary; her next adventure will likely be wherever and whatever she wants it to be. In less than two weeks from tonight, we’ll all know if the next stop on her world tour will be as Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

Follow Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen 2015 Chelsea Arnold

on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram, and on the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County’s Outstanding Teen Pageant on Facebook. To contact Chelsea for appearances and events, please contact omahadouglascountyOT@gmail.com.

Click here for a special feature on Chelsea on the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Facebook page!

For more information about how to become a contestant, contact Director Kelsey Ellis at 402-980-1984 or by email at omahadouglascountyOT@gmail.com.

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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.

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NEXT.. Miss Chadron’s Outstanding Teen 2015 Shelby Blundell

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.