Two from Kahoka, one each from Palmyra, Hannibal to compete for Miss Missouri Teen title starting June 10

MEXICO, Mo. — Four teens from northeast Missouri will travel to the heart of Missouri on Monday, June 10 to kick off a week filled with rehearsals, talent performances, interviews and evening gowns at Missouri Military Academy as Miss Missouri’s Teen kicks off its 19th year.

The Miss Missouri’s Teen class of 2024 includes:

Miss West County’s Teen Avery Trower, a student at Palmyra High School and a daughter of Mike and Kim Trower of Palmyra. As a member of the Sash competition group, she will have a private interview with the judges on Tuesday afternoon; an on-stage question and evening gown during the Thursday evening preliminary competition and compete in fitness on Thursday in the second group. Trower will sing for her talent during Wednesday’s preliminary competition. Avery’s title covers the St. Louis metro area. Since she was crowned this winter, she has attended a variety of service projects and appearances throughout the state, focusing primarily on her service initiative called “Don’t Dim Your Sparkle,” an effort focusing on ADHD and anxiety awareness.

Miss Clark County’s Teen Kampbel James, a recent graduate of Clark County High School and a daughter of Doug and Nolene James of Kahoka. As a member of the Sash competition group, she will have a private interview with the judges on Tuesday afternoon; an on-stage question and evening gown during the Thursday evening preliminary competition and compete in fitness on Thursday in the second group. James will perform a monologue for her talent during Wednesday’s preliminary competition. Her title covers northern Missouri. Since she was crowned this winter, she has attended a variety of service projects and appearances throughout the state, focusing primarily on her service initiative called “Fostering a Brighter Future,” which focuses on assisting and advocating for foster children and their families.

Miss Mid-Missouri’s Teen Alana Lemon, a student at Hannibal High School and a daughter of Anna Lemon of Hannibal. As a member of the Crown competition group, she will have a private interview with the judges on Tuesday morning; an on-stage question and evening gown during the Wednesday evening preliminary competition and compete in fitness on Thursday in the first group. Lemon will perform a vocal for her talent during Thursday’s preliminary competition. Lemon’s title covers the mid-Missouri area. Since she was crowned this winter, she has attended a variety of service projects and appearances throughout the state, focusing primarily on her service initiative called “Project Bookworm,” which advocates and educates residents on the importance of childhood reading.

Miss Northeast’s Teen Emma Pitford, a student at Clark County R-1 and a daughter of Travis and Jessica Pitford of Kahoka. As a member of the Sash competition group, she will have a private interview with the judges on Tuesday afternoon; an on-stage question and evening gown during the Thursday evening preliminary competition and compete in fitness on Thursday in the second group. Pitford will perform a circus-style hula hoop routine for her talent during Wednesday’s preliminary competition. Pitford’s title covers the Kahoka area. Since she was crowned this winter, she has attended a variety of service projects and appearances throughout the state, focusing primarily on her service initiative called “Hula Hoop 4 Heart Health,” a movement that encourages people to get more exercise by using a hula hoop.

Pageant week will begin with a kick-off brunch on June 10, when the candidates are recognized for their various service projects and achievements. Throughout the week, the teens will participate in a wide variety of activities, ending on Saturday afternoon with a meet and greet held in downtown Mexico.

The preliminary competition begins Tuesday, June 11, and will continue through Thursday, June 13. The organization will crown the new Miss Missouri’s Teen on Friday night, June 14. The new Miss Missouri’ s Teen will immediately begin preparations to compete on the national stage after being crowned by reigning Miss Missouri’s Teen Gracyn Rouse.

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

Tickets for the Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Teen Pageants, as well as tickets for the week’s special events, are available through the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 West Jackson, or by calling 573-581-2765.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The number of competitors from northeast Missouri was incorrect in a previous version of this story.