Two from Kahoka to compete at Miss Missouri Pageant starting Sunday in Mexico

MEXICO, Mo. – Miss Missouri candidates from across the state, their pageant directors and families will travel to the heart of Missouri this week to kick off a week filled with rehearsals, talent performances, interviews and evening gowns at Missouri Military Academy. 

The group includes Miss Show-Me State Evan Jones and Miss Columbia Abby Plenge.

Jones is studying fashion and textiles at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. She is a daughter of Jesse and Sharon Jones of Kahoka.  

Plenge is studying constitutional democracy at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a daughter of Matt and Chrissy Plenge of Kahoka.

Since being crowned earlier this year, Abby has participated in a wide range of activities throughout her community as well as the Columbia area, which her title covers. 

As part of the Sigma competition group, Jones and Plenge will have their personal interviews with the judges on Wednesday afternoon, followed by their on-stage questions and evening gowns on Thursday. During Wednesday’s preliminary competition, both will compete in fitness and perform their talents — a lyrical dance by Jones and a piano piece by Plenge. 

Since being crowned earlier this year, both women have participated in many activities throughout their communities. Jones has focused her efforts toward providing education and resources towards allergy alerts and awareness.  Plenge promotes eye health through her social initiative, “Seeing is Believing: Eye Health Advocacy.”

Pageant week will begin Sunday, June 9 when the Miss Missouri candidates move onto the Missouri Military Academy’s campus. A few hours after moving in, they will participate in rehearsals and test their skill sets on the golf course during the Miss Missouri Golf Classic at The Oaks in Mexico.  Throughout the week, the Miss Missouri delegates will participate in a variety of activities, ending on Saturday afternoon with a meet and greet for area residents on the courthouse lawn in downtown Mexico.

The preliminary competition begins Wednesday, June 12 and will continue through Friday, June 14. The organization will crown a new Miss Missouri on Saturday night, June 15, as it says goodbye to reigning Miss Missouri Hayley Leach.  After being crowned, the new Miss Missouri will begin a hectic schedule of preparations for the Miss America stage and competition, to be held later this year.   

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

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