Bright lights, big dresses, and big smiles.

I am a freshman here at Liberty High School and Friday, September 22nd started the biggest weekend of my year at the Miss Teen Missouri Pageant. Young women traveled from all over Missouri and from different walks of life come to Lindenwood University in St. Charles for a chance of a lifetime. I learned so much about myself last year and I knew I needed to come back.

The pageant’s goal is to teach the young ladies to be confident in themselves and to receive a greater education for a brighter future. When a young woman is entered into the pageant, she receives a year scholarship to Lindenwood University. The further the contestant proceeds in the competition, the more scholarship money she will earn.

The first evening, Friday night, included an informational meeting, contestant pictures, learning the opening number dance, and having a banquet with family and friends of each contestant. Everyone who arrived was beginning to understand what a weekend we were about to experience.

“I honestly was so nervous that I would get there and everyone would be snobby and rude,” Ria Messmer of Lincoln County who was a contestant in the pageant said. “However, I actually met a lot of young ladies that were so sweet and I am so glad I got to go through this experience with you all.”

The banquet was wonderful and I enjoyed eating and dancing with my parents and friends, who were also my fellow contestants. All of us were coming together for a common goal of raising money for pediatric cancer.

Our day started at 6 a.m. with getting breakfast and heading straight to the theater for our 10 hour rehearsal. All the girls had suitcases of makeup, hairspray and high heels and hands full of bagged up evening gowns and last minute supplies for the show. It was a long day but it was all worth it in the end.

Showtime! I am behind the stage waiting for my part of the number and when the music starts, I get chills. I hear the audience hooping and hollering for their contestant on stage. Finally, it is my part I walk on stage to the very front looking at five judges and about 350 people in the audience. I started the dance and I felt as if there was a spark within me knowing I had performed by best. Once everyone was finished being introduced, we threw off our sash and put our athletic wear on. This is my favorite part because I am confident in this attire. I step on stage so proud of being me.

The evening gown section was last, and walking in a beautiful ball gown across a stage in front of a audience makes each girl feel as though they are a princess. I walked across the stage with such a peace with what I have been blessed with. It shows how amazing it is that every girl finds their beauty in their confidence.  

The last morning was interview morning. Each contest was interviewed by all five of the judges. The interview was simply just the judges wanting to know every girl and why you decided to join the pageant. Each of my interviews were relaxed and enjoyable.

The final practice was only a four hour practice, and then it was right into showtime. The top 16 were chosen, then the top 5 was chosen, and then our winner.

“My favorite part was getting to know all of you and taking the stage not as competitors, but friends,” Bre Trusty of Camden County said.

Even though I did not take home the crown, I took home how to be more confidently beautiful.