By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A new opportunity is coming to Hays with the debut of the Miss Fort Hays competition, inviting young women to showcase their talent and service on the path to becoming Miss Kansas.
The competition is a local pageant within the Miss America Organization, offering participants the opportunity to earn scholarships and potentially compete for the title of Miss America.
Director Sherelle Peterson brought the pageant to Hays after seeing her daughter’s rewarding experience competing in Miss Dodge City.
“I just absolutely loved how they were lifting girls up, building their self-esteem and helping them with their future endeavors.”
Contestants must be between 18 and 28 years old and have lived, worked or studied full-time in Kansas for at least 120 days. The registration deadline is Sunday, Nov. 2. You can find more information here.
The pageant is set for 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St., on the Fort Hays State University campus.
Peterson said the pageant focuses on education, community service and personal growth rather than appearance, with contestants evaluated across several categories by a panel of judges.
“We’re looking for girls who are committed to advancing their education and who want to give back to their communities," she said.
Categories include a personal interview with judges, on-stage questions, a talent or "her story" segment, an evening gown segment, and a health and fitness segment, replacing the traditional swimsuit competition.
This marks the first time a Miss America Organization competition has been conducted in Hays, offering contestants the chance to earn the titles of Miss Fort Hays and Miss Smoky Hills, who will both advance to compete for the title of Miss Kansas.
Peterson will handpick judges with expertise in the categories being evaluated. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 general admission, $10 for students and $30 for limited VIP seating.
You can also reach Peterson at [email protected] to purchase tickets in advance.