Kahoka woman wins talent award at Miss Missouri pageant

MEXICO, Mo. — The Miss Missouri Scholarship Competition began Wednesday night on the campus of Missouri Military Academy. Candidates competed in the first round of preliminary competition in their pursuit to represent the state on the Miss America stage. 

The delegates were divided into two groups: Sigma

and Alpha. Members of the Alpha group competed in the evening gown and on-stage question, while members of the Sigma group competed in talent.  Talent accounts for 20 percent of the delegates’ overall score.

The Sigma group competed in the talent portion of the competition.  A rookie talent award also was given to a newcomer in the Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization. The judges selected Miss Columbia Abby Plenge, who played the piano. She will receive a $250 scholarship, given in honor of Miss Missouri 2010 Erika Hebron.  Abby is a daughter of Matt and Chrissy Plenge of Kahoka. 

The overall talent winner was Miss North Kansas City Courtney Rowe, who performed a jazz dance. As the overall talent winner, she will receive a $500 scholarship. Courtney is a daughter of Michele and Mike Rowe of Kansas City. 

Members of the Alpha group competed in evening gown and on-stage question. The judges selected Miss Heart of the Ozarks Hanah Schrader as the night’s winner. She chose a black, flowing evening gown with jeweled sleeves. Hanah is a daughter of Shenan Thorn and Robby and Kim Schrader of Joplin.  She will receive a $500 scholarship. 

The organization will crown the new Miss Missouri on Saturday night. After being crowned, the new Miss Missouri will immediately begin preparations to compete on the national stage at Miss America.   

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.

Tickets for the Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Outstanding 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.