Four local women to compete for title of Miss Missouri’s Teen on June 11-13 in Mexico

MEXICO, Mo. — Teens from across Missouri will converge in Mexico, Mo., to begin a week of interviews, talent performances and appearances as they pursue the title of Miss Missouri’s Teen. 

Local women competing for the title will be:

• Eden Kearse, Miss Lewis and Clark teen. She is a daughter of Elizabeth and Brian Johnson and Andrew and Claire Kearse of Kahoka. Eden is a student at Clark County High School. 
• Maggie Bannester, Miss Mark Twain teen. She is a daughter of Jane Bannester of Saint Ann. Maggie is a graduate of Ritenour High School in Overland, Mo., and plans to attend Lindenwood University this fall, where she will major in art and design with an emphasis in K-12 education. 
• Emma Pitford, Miss Clark County teen. She is a daughter of Travis and Jessica Pitford of Kahoka. Emma is a student at Clark County High School.
• Avery Trower, Miss Hannibal teen. She is a daughter of Mike and Kim Trower of Palmyra. Avery is a student at Palmyra High School.

Eden’s crown covers the Kahoka region. Since Eden was crowned this winter, she is focusing on her service initiative, which is “ASL is Au-Some,” which focuses on American sign language education.

“‘ASL is Au-some’ teaches my community sign language and promotes awareness of nonverbal autism,” she explained in a press release. “I chose this CSI (community service initiative) because it combines two things I love — sign language and my little brother, who has autism. As part of my CSI, I make ASL videos every week and send them to our local Indian Pride Learning Center, our local preschool and special education building.  Every week, these videos are seen by teachers, staff, students and high school volunteers.  These videos help teachers and students learn how to better communicate with their friends, family, classmates and neighbors.”

Maggie’s local title covers the Hannibal and Mark Twain Lake region. She is focusing on her service initiative, “Dive into Water Safety,” which happened after Maggie experienced her first water save as a lifeguard.

“Through interactive workshops, classroom visits, and community outreach, this initiative empowers children and families with lifesaving knowledge and skills, such as proper swimming techniques, the use of life jackets, and safe practices around pools, lakes, and beaches,” she explained. “By promoting confidence in the water and encouraging responsible behavior, “Dive into Water Safety” aims to reduce preventable accidents and foster a safer, more informed community.”

Emma’s local title covers the Kansas City metro area. She is focusing on her service initiative, “Stage IV MBS Deserves More,” which brings awareness to stage IV metastatic breast cancer and funding hurdles.

“I want to shine a light on a tough truth: only 5 percent of the research money goes toward stage IV research, where the stakes are really high,” she explained. “My goal is to raise awareness and push for more research funding, specifically for stage IV metastatic breast cancer, through organizing community events, fundraising and getting the word out through performances and social media to make a difference for my mom and others navigating the same situation.”

Avery’s local title covers the Hannibal region. She is focusing on her service initiative, “Don’t Dim Your Sparkle,” an ADHD, anxiety and bullying awareness platform. 

Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Teen competition will begin June 11. Preliminary competition for talent, on-stage question, fitness, and evening gown categories will be held June 12. The organization will crown the new Miss Missouri’s Teen on June 13 at Missouri Military Academy. 

Tickets for the event are on sale through the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce office, 100 West Jackson Street, or by calling 573-581-2765.

The Miss Missouri’s Teen Scholarship Program awarded more than $32,000 in scholarships this year.

The reigning Miss Missouri’s Teen is Bridget Caldwell of Florissant. She is a daughter of Scott and Tara Caldwell and attends high school at Duchesne High School in St. Charles.