National American Miss Pageant

Today I had the privilege of seeing many young ladies compete in a beauty pageant! It was so cute! The National American Miss Pageant was the event and it was held right here in Omaha. The ages of the entrants include the following:

• Miss Nebraska Princess: August 8 - August 9, 2009 (Sat - Sun) ages 4, 5 and 6.
• Miss Nebraska Junior Pre-Teen: August 8 - August 9, 2009 (Sat - Sun) ages 7, 8 and 9.
• Miss Nebraska Pre-Teen: August 8 - August 8, 2009 (Sat - Sat) ages 10, 11 and 12.
• Miss Nebraska Junior Teen: August 8 - August 8, 2009 (Sat - Sat) ages 13, 14 and 15.

One of my friends Tracey Oddo, has a daughter, Morgan, that was in the pageant. She was in the junior pre-teen group. We got to see each age group do a dance prior to the crowning of each winner. Morgan won a couple different trophies in the few categories that she entered. (not sure just what they were for though.) However, she didn't win the crown in her group. But she looked great and wasn't nervous at all!

Morgan, 2ND from the right is checking to see that she is in sync with the others during her dance.

All the entrants for all the groups. Such cute little ones all dressed up!


Here is Morgan receiving her second trophy. As you can see, she is holding a trophy that had already been presented to her. Last year's winners were the presenters of all trophies.


Tracey and her daughter, Morgan.

Me, Tracey, Morgan, Tracey's friend Rona, and mine and Tracey's friend Trisa.

Morgan with her gifts and trophies. She admittedly said that her cheeks hurt from all the smiling that was required!

It had been a long day for both Tracey and Morgan. There were 5 judges that had all been a part of pageants for many years. Each judge interviewed every contestant. I believe that some even took part in a talent contest. It was all so official. Kind of like watching the Miss America pageant on TV. The winners from 2008 had put together an exit video thanking all that had helped them in the past year. It showed pictures of places they had visited, famous people they had seen, and different events they had volunteered for. They all spoke of how great it was to be involved in such a awesome pageant and how wonderful it was to have been the winner. It brought tears to our eyes as we watched the youngest girl (Princess division) that had won last year stand on stage while her own video played and cried! She was sad that she had to step down!

Over all, it was a fun night and I'm glad I got to witness the little ladies all vie for the title in their own age group. Congratulations Morgan, on a job well done!