Tag Archive | kodi bauman

Your Best Yes

Choose your best yes.

I was blessed this week to be part of a Gallup summit thanks to my great employer, Westside Community Schools. In this day long learning event, we discussed our own personal strengths, and how we can say yes to everything… but in doing that, there’s no way we can be GREAT at anything. Choose your best YES – what are the things you should say yes to, to bring out your best traits and therefore, have the best impact upon others and the world around us?

This is the year Kodi Baumann said her best yes was to work to become Miss Nebraska.

Photo courtesy Jenn Cady Photography

Kodi is 23, a Chadron, Nebraska native currently serving as Miss Alliance 2018. She started competing in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program at just 13 years old, and has already competed twice at the Miss Nebraska Pageant. As Miss Chadron 2014, she thought she was done.

“That year, I experienced so much and made so many friends,” said Kodi. “Unfortunately, I realized that I was not at a place in my life that I could give attention to the title it deserved. Fast forward three years later and I know my heart and determination are in the right place to do the title of Miss Nebraska justice.”

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

Flashback to November 2017. I, along with many others, had been hoping to convince Kodi to once again, compete for a Miss Nebraska local title. Her voice is breathtaking, her smile is unforgettable, her spirit is infectious. Still, Kodi herself had her doubts, memories she now uses as fuel for her fire.

Kodi Rugby

“I have always struggled with body image, but this year, I am not looking at it as an obstacle,” said Kodi, pictured above after playing competitive rugby with her teammates. “I am taking this on as a challenge to better myself. I am not allowing the scale to define my success. I am focused on becoming stronger.”

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HELL YES, KODI, HELL YES.

Between November and February, Kodi lost an astonishing 25 pounds by taking part in boot camp classes. ‘Strong is the new skinny’, she posted. And PS – that mentality and drive will serve Kodi, and ALL of us, very well. She’s a recent Criminal Justice graduate at Chadron State College, planning on a career in law enforcement. AKA – all that muscle will come in VERY handy taking down bad guys.

Tell me again ‘what type’ of girls compete in pageants.

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“Service lines up with my interest in Law Enforcement,” said Kodi. “Just look at the side of any police car. Protect and Serve. I have always enjoyed giving of myself; it doesn’t matter if it is collecting warm winter clothing, supplies for Doves recipients, raising awareness of our servicemen and women, or sharing my passion for seatbelt use to keep my community safe.”

That final mission is Kodi’s platform of service as Miss Alliance, one that she’s advocated for for several years now, is ‘Fasten Your Seat Belt! Cross Your Heart, Not Your Fingers.’

Kodi platform

“I founded my platform nine years ago after my brother’s accident where he almost lost his life,” said Kodi. “I wanted to share the importance of buckling up and stress that your choice to wear a seatbelt not only affects you, but your loved ones. I wanted to make sure my platform was something I would continue to advocate for once I was done competing in pageants. By choosing a platform so closely related to law enforcement, I know I will continue to spread awareness throughout my lifetime.”

Kodi’s best yes was to amplify her message for an important cause. That yes also opened doors to connect with others, personally confronting one of the biggest issues Kodi feels is facing her generation and more; a lack of face to face interaction, networking and productive communication.

“I’m gaining confidence; I’ll walk into an interview with five judges and am gaining the qualities employers are looking for,” said Kodi. “Successful people are goal oriented. This organizations helps set goals and work to achieve them. I’m also a team player. The sisterhood that this organization creates can be so strong. Many of support one another at events, building our ability of networking and creating lifelong friendships.”

THAT is what ultimately convinced Kodi to say yes one more time: friendships, a very special one in particular.

Kodi & Kaelia

“I decided to compete because the Miss Alliance Pageant was being held in honor of my friend, Kaelia Shae Nelson, the reigning Miss Alliance 2017 and current Miss Chadron 2018,” said Kodi. “Kaelia was struggling with depression and took her own life. The loss of such a talented and passionate individual made me realize how fleeting life really is and I decided I would embrace her motto, Stomping the Stigma, and enter despite all my own internal battles with not being what society holds as pageant material. I wanted to honor our friendship and her memory.”

Kaelia crowned

Choose your best yes. Kodi said ‘yes’ in 2014, and will be the first to tell you it wasn’t her BEST yes. Now, her yes honors a friend. Her yes is highlighting, strengthening her talents and gifts. Her yes brings her closer to achieving her goals in both her community and for her future career.

Kodi Baumann knows THIS is her best yes, and she’s ready to compete for the title of Miss Nebraska.

Kodi Final

“‘As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.’ Audrey Hepburn,” said Kodi. “My ultimate goal is to walk away with the title and serve my state for a year, sharing my platform and advocating for Children’s Miracle Network. I know that I am prepared to the best of my ability and will put my best foot forward. I feel blessed to represent the Panhandle of Nebraska, where I call home, and will do everything I can to make them proud.”

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To follow Miss Alliance Kodi Lee Baumann, click here

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KODI?

CLICK HERE * 2014* If Nebraska Had An Ocean

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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

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Old West Balloon Fest Makinzie Gregory

NEXT.. Miss Scotts Bluff County Brianna Little

Always Watching

Apr15

You never know who is watching.

Spring of 2014, we received a U-Local post at KETV, a way for viewers to share their own photos and stories of what is happening in their lives. Our web team shared this one with me..

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A little girl from Omaha, Macy, dressed up like me for a ‘when I grow up’ day at school. I think my heart literally exploded at work (it was messy.) I posted the photo on Facebook, hoping to track Macy down. It worked – and that July, I was thrilled when Macy and her family visited me at the station.

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To this day, I have a letter from Macy in my desk at home. For whatever reason, that little girl thought I was cool. I will never forget that.

In the world of tiaras and pageants, Jadyn Wetherington could idolize any number of nationally known queens.. but her role model is one the young women she serves with right here in Nebraska.

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Jadyn is on the far right, this year’s Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen. On the far left is Kodi Baumann, Miss Alliance 2018.

“My female role model is Kodi because she is so outgoing and friendly,” Jadyn told me. “She is a successful young woman who balances college and work and yet still makes time to help others. Plus, we share the same platform!”

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

That’s one of the reasons Jadyn decided to try the Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen program, to have the same experiences as women like Kodi. The 14-year old from Mitchell, Nebraska has been working throughout her community to serve others, focused on her personal platform, SAFE: Seatbelts Are For Everyone.

“I have talked to children in elementary school about the importance of seatbelt safety and will be hosting a fundraiser this summer to donate to the Nebraska National Safety Council,” said Jadyn. “Service is most important because helping other and contributing to the community are large roles of a successful citizen, and set a good example for what a role model should be.”

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Jadyn has advocated for Girl Scouts and delivered Easter baskets to Mitchell nursing home residents, all while attending Mitchell Junior/Senior High School and dancing, one of her passions. She says this experience as a local titleholder is helping to teach her balance, the same trait she admires in Kodi.

“I know I want to be an anesthesiologist, which requires a lot of school and hard work,” said Jadyn. “This experience is helping me with that journey by teaching me accountability. Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen empowers young women to help others and gives them the opportunity to develop many skills that will help us in everyday life.”

You never know who is watching you.. or how your actions could impact their life and in turn, their actions. I wish ya’ll could see the huge grin on my face as I see, four years later, ‘little’ Macy was recently one of the stars of Bennington High School’s production of Annie.

This. Is. AWESOME. I can’t wait to watch this beautiful girl continue to shine on stage and off.

I’m guessing Kodi Baumann will say the same when she reads this.. and that she will be one of Jadyn Wetherington’s loudest fans in the audience as she competes for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen.

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“My goal is to put forth my best effort and to learn from the experience, but also to have fun with the other queens,” said Jadyn. “[This program] grants scholarships for your education and helps further the ability to be confident in who you are. You also get to meet other amazing women and build friendships you may never have had.”

Photo courtesy Timmy James Photo

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To follow Miss Gering’s Outstanding Teen Jadyn Wetherington, 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.

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

PREVIOUS.. Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen Phoenix Stanford

NEXT.. Miss Metro’s Outstanding Teen Kelsie Therkildsen

When I Grow Up

Mar21

January 15, 2011.

Like every year, I cozied up on my living room coach ready to watch that year’s Miss America Pageant on TV. The previous year had been huge – Miss Nebraska Brittany Jeffers had made the Top 10, something no Miss Nebraska had done in decades.

The 2011 telecast started… and I fell asleep. I was 8 months pregnant. Large and in charge and exhausted. I woke up a few hours later to about 30 text messages: “Miss Nebraska made the Top 15!” “Holy cow, Nebraska’s doing awesome!” “She won – MISS NEBRASKA IS MISS AMERICA!”

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 15: Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron (L) prepares to crown Teresa Scanlan, Miss Nebraska, the new Miss America during the 2011 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino January 15, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Original Filename: GYI0063061136.jpg

All photos courtesy Getty Images

Teresa Scanlan made history that night, becoming the first and only Nebraska representative to date to be crowned Miss America, and the youngest Miss America in more than 80 years. As she began a whirlwind year that would change her life and take her around the world, an 8-year old from Scanlan’s hometown of Gering decided she, too, wanted to be Miss America.

Photo courtesy Timmy James Photo

Fast forward 7 years.. and Hope McCoy is now Miss Old West Balloon Fest’s Outstanding Teen, crowned last summer at the same pageant Teresa Scanlan competed in. She’ll now compete for the title of Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen this April.

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

“My favorite part has been when I do appearances and I get to enjoy all the little kids saying ‘wow! There’s a real princess here!'” Hope told me recently. “It warms my heart every time.”

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Sparked in part by Teresa’s success, western Nebraska titleholders hit the ground running with service the moment they are crowned. They volunteer at festivals, parades, fundraisers, fashion shows, and more, all promoting goodwill in their communities and their personal platforms of service. Hope wants to encourage children to read, and she has big plans for book drives and fundraisers throughout Mitchell and Gering.

Little girl

She’s also spreading a message to those children, to her peers, and to others she visits.. to nurture friendships and relationships.

“The biggest issue facing our generation right now is communication, ” said Hope. “We can say one thing over text and the person on the other side of it could really misunderstand. We hardly talk or communicate like we should. What we can to prevent it is to put down our devices and talk face to face.”

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Those connections are often what fuel and inspire us. The same day this photo was taken, when Hope won a crown at the same pageant where Teresa Scanlan started her journey.. she got to meet Teresa herself.

Photo courtesy Timmy James Photo

“[She is] my female role model,” said Hope. “She has always presented herself super nicely and has always been super kind to me. She was the youngest woman to win the title of Miss America and she still accomplished so many great things that really made me want to do more.”

Hope McCoy wants to be a translator in the Navy. She wants to go to college and learn more languages. She wants to travel the world. She also wants to have fun, make new friends and make memories as she follows in her inspiration’s footsteps.

Photo courtesy Timmy James Photo

“Success can be defined in many ways, but success to most people cannot be defined by someone else,” said Hope. “It is defined by your own personal goals, and nobody can change that.”

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To follow Miss Old West Balloon Fest’s Outstanding Teen Hope McCoy on Facebook, click here!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOPE?

CLICK HERE * 2017 * Nebraska Nice

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

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PREVIOUS.. Miss Douglas County Krista Hinrichs

COMING SOON.. Miss Kool-Aid Days Outstanding Teen Emily Lenser

The Sisterhood Is Real

Jan4

As long as I can remember, I’ve had very vivid dreams. I swear I dreamt of my husband before we met, and I fully admit that I am less than pleasant with him if I have a nightmare about him falling for another woman. I dream about flying quite a bit.. and dreams about falling, especially careening off the Missouri River bridge, FREAK ME OUT.

This week, I had a dream about my pal, Alex Bisson. So random – I haven’t seen Alex since last summer! But that’s how my whackadoodle brain works sometimes.

I dreamt I was supposed to be emceeing a big awards ceremony. Everyone was dressed up.. and I was in sweatpants and a t-shirt. Then, to make matters worse, I was petting dogs at the animal exhibit (because why wouldn’t there be an animal exhibit at a high-profile awards ceremony?) and a goat threw up all over me. WHAT TO DO? I suddenly remembered that across the high school (because that’s suddenly where the event was held) there might have been a spare set of clothes in the KETV wardrobe closet (which also happened to be at said high school). I sprinted there as fast as I could, made it to the closet, and nearly burst into tears when I realized there was NOTHING that would work. I opened the door…. and there stood Alex, saying “I can help!” She magically found me one of her anchoring outfits, helped me change, and I rushed back to the event where I joined Rob and elegantly shared with the audience how I was late because a goat threw up on me. Everyone had a nice laugh and we moved on – the event was a success and no one remembered me being late or looking like a dirty hamper.

WHAT. IN. ALL. THE. HECK.

Plankton in Brain

I seriously wonder sometimes what is going on in my hairspray infused skull. The next morning though, the overwhelming feeling I woke up with was peace and gratitude for Alex, that she was there for me to help.

Alex and I became friends when she began working at KETV as a reporter, then the First News Anchor. I was asked a question frequently in my time at KETV: do you get along with the other women? I think there was an assumption that we were competitors; we were all vying for air time, the same prime time spots, and therefore, we must have all had secret contempt for each other. SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH.

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This photo was taken in October at Adrian Whitsett’s wedding in Florida. My caption with this on Facebook and Twitter: my heart is happy. The women shown here all worked for KETV at some point (two still do!) We were not competitors; we were teammates. We turned to each other for advice and support. We cheered each other on when we found success. We shared clothes, makeup, hairspray (A LOT of hairspray), and insight. In a way, we were very much sisters, connections that we confirmed were still strong during this wonderful trip. Because we were all facing similar challenges and comparable journeys, we understood one another in ways others could not.

I see the same love and support in another sisterhood: the Miss Nebraska Organization.

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Yes, each of these women wants, or has worked for, the same thing: the title of Miss Nebraska. But the environment surrounding them is not Miss Congeniality brawling, gossip-mongering, or vindictive game-playing. They form friendships that span years. They learn how to support like-minded women, an attribute that will serve them throughout their lives. And when they feel alone, juggling service, school, family and work… they reach out to the sisters who can empathize because they are doing it, too.

#TheSisterhoodIsReal

That phrase has become a universal message in recent weeks, one of the toughest times the Miss America Organization has faced in decades. Our program has been in national headlines, not for the goodwill we inspire, the opportunities we offer or the relationships we nurture, but for an email scandal and ensuing criticism of our organization as a whole.

Every time I see a tweet or post from someone questioning why we have beauty pageants in 2018, or why we parade around young women in swimsuits like a meat market… I fight the urge to reply. I want to write about the scholarships we offer thousands of young women every year. I want to write about the networking opportunities this program provides, the lessons in confidence, public speaking and presence, personal composure and more. I want to share my own experiences that only happened because I was once a Miss Nebraska local titleholder. I want to tell those critics about our success stories: the doctors, award-winning journalists, philanthropists, business owners, teachers, and more who all gained incomparable life skills and attributes because of this program.

What is wrong with BEAUTY? What is wrong with a woman feeling beautiful, and promoting beauty on the INSIDE as well as out?

I get the swimsuit argument; truly, I do. But I ask critics to look beyond their initial assessment: we live in a world of obesity, indulgence, heart disease, inactivity, high cholesterol… and let’s be frank, when you know you are going to be on stage in a swimsuit, you WORK HARD. You hit the gym, you eat clean, you BECOME HEALTHIER. We are hopefully building the foundation of health in these women that will last years beyond their time competing for a crown. More so, our program is evolving; we see women of varying shapes and sizes from the local to national level. Health is not defined as ‘skinny’; we see muscle, positive lifestyles, CONFIDENCE. In my years attending the Miss Nebraska Pageant, I have left not feeling ashamed for the women who walk that stage, but wanting to BE BETTER myself, and wanting to work to be the healthiest and most confident I can be.

I don’t post any of this when I see those negative remarks…. because HATERS GONNA HATE. There will ALWAYS be negative assumptions and unfounded opinions about our program. They don’t want to listen, and I would argue, many haven’t taken the time to learn more about what Miss Nebraska and the Miss America Organization stand for TODAY.

SERVICE. SUCCESS. SCHOLARSHIP. STYLE.

To those who WILL listen, we will show the world the value of this program through our titleholders’ stories. If you’re reading this, I encourage you to join me over the next few months as I introduce you to the women competing for the titles of Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. They are scholars, public servants, artists. They are ART, they are inspiring, they are ambassadors of goodwill. They are proof of what our organization truly stands for; not objectifying women, but empowering them.

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I’ve written before about all of the positives I gained from being a local titleholder in this program. Cash scholarships. Speaking skills and confidence. Lessons in networking and learning from criticism. Learning how to take care of myself. Getting to sing in front of thousands of people. Traveling across the country. And learning the importance of supporting other women; in pageants, career and life, we are only competing with ourselves, not each other.

Haters, go ahead and hate. #TheSisterhoodIsReal. Miss America is relevant and empowering. This organization, much like my time at KETV, helped instill in me that we as women are better when we support each other and surround ourselves with others who are pushing to be the best versions of themselves.

Alex, my fellow anchor at KETV, is also a Miss America alum. She’s an NCAA record-holder in swimming, a goosebumps-inspiring singer, one hell of a softball player, a majestic woman and a beautiful human being.

We believe in this sisterhood… and in helping a sister out when goats attack. Alex, thanks for the outfit.

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

CLICK HERE to follow the Miss Nebraska Organization on Twitter, CLICK HERE to follow on Facebook, CLICK HERE to follow on Instagram.

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COMING UP.. Tristen Wecker, Miss Fur Trade Days 2018

To read more about this year’s contestants, or the Miss Nebraska/Miss Nebraska’s OT classes of 2014 through 2017 click the THERE SHE IS link at the top of the page!

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If Nebraska Had An Ocean..

May1

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

Hey, Brandi.. 1989 called for you…

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

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

Miss Chadron, Kodi Baumann

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOCUSED, HONEST, ADVENTUROUS

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

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

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

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

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