By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Two contestants received the inaugural Miss Fort Hays and Miss Smoky Hills titles and are now advancing to the Miss Kansas competition.
The competition was a local pageant affiliated with the Miss America Organization, offering participants the opportunity to earn scholarships and advance toward the Miss America title.
Alyna Chavez, a junior at Fort Hays State University and member of the FHSU Tiger Debs and Delta Zeta, won the Miss Fort Hays title along with the talent award.
Morgan Allen, a sophomore at FHSU and certified nursing assistant, is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. She won the title of Miss Smoky Hills.
The Nov. 8 pageant focused on education, community service, and personal growth, with contestants evaluated in multiple categories. Harper Lubbers received the interview award.
Miss Fort Hays Director Sherelle Peterson, who brought the competition to Hays after witnessing her daughter's rewarding experience competing in Miss Dodge City, handpicked judges with expertise in the categories being evaluated.
