Kahoka woman reaches final eight of Miss Missouri Pageant; Miss Kansas City crowned winner

MEXICO, Mo. — Miss Columbia Abby Plenge of Kahoka reached the final eight during the final night of competition at he Miss Missouri Scholarship Competition Saturday at Missouri Military Academy.

Miss Kansas City Ashley Berry of Clinton was crowned the winner. She is the daughter of Mark and Amy Berry. Berry is a student at the University of Alabama. 

Throughout the week, the 16 delegates participated in a rigorous schedule of practices, events and appearances, personal interview with the judges, and preliminary competition. 

Plenge is a daughter of Matt and Chrissy Plenge. She attends the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

After being crowned, Berry will immediately begin preparations to compete on the national stage at Miss America. As the winner of the state title, she will receive a $14,000 scholarship in addition to a prize package that includes an official crown and walnut crown box, a feature article in LO Profile Magazine, a fur jacket and photo cards from Missouri Trapper’s Association and Fur Arts, Inc., a talent consultation, and a photography package from Devine Studios.    

The Miss Missouri Scholarship Competition is one of the largest providers of scholarships to young women in the state. The organization will award $85,000 in scholarships this year between the Miss and Outstanding Teen programs.