Outstanding Teen 2012 Results

 Originally posted by The Pratt Tribune - June 8, 2012 - By Carol Bronson - Photo by Gale Rose

Pratt’s Pageant Week has its first winner; 16-year-old Stevie Mack was crowned Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Friday afternoon at Pratt Community College Carpenter Auditorium, before a nearly-packed house. She is the daughter of Tom and Valerie Mack of Wichita, and will be a junior at Trinity Academy in the fall.

Fifteen young ladies, age 13 to 17 competed in the same categories as the Miss contestants, who were present in a body to lend their support and encouragement.

There are differences in the two pageants, however. Teen contestants were judged in the lifestyles and fitness category wearing sportswear instead of swimsuits. And fitness really was the focus — the girls performed an energetic routine of jumping jacks, squats, dance moves and in some cases, flying leaps, all set to music.

They displayed a variety of talents, including several styles of dance, piano selections and vocal performances. Mack performed a self-choreographed dance to “I Wanna Be a Rockette,” which she said really is her dream for the future. She loves the dancers’ precision and gracefulness, she said in answer to a question from master of ceremonies Beckie Ronen Walenz, Miss Kansas 2009, during the evening wear competition. She also spoke about her platform, “Overcoming Adversity, emBRACE the Future.” The letters stand for believe, research, advance, conquer and encourage, five steps anyone can take to overcome difficulties.

Mack has been dancing since she was three years old, and has performed tap, jazz, ballet, pointe and hip-hop in competitions; however the Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen was her first pageant.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” she said. “Each girl brought something completely different.”

Walenz and co-host Chris Jewell of Liberal kept things moving and explained the judging as they went along. The on-stage question is a sample of a private interview with judges held earlier. Contestants don’t necessarily have to be right in their answers about current events affecting people of their generation, but they must handle themselves with confidence. Talent also reflects confidence and a contestant’s ability to “project herself beyond the footlights.” Community service and support of the Children’s Miracle Network, a partnership of the Miss America Organization, are not required, but are encouraged, and special awards were presented.

Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen 2011 Caitlyn Webb performed the martial arts routine for which she captured a talent award last year. Former teen titleholders Lauren Susong, Erica Mahan, Leslie Carillo, Alasyn Zimmerman and Chelsey Chilott were introduced in the pageant’s ninth year.

Thirty-nine of the Miss Kansas program’s youngest participants, clad in bright yellow T-shirts and cut-offs, filled the stage for a production number that more than made up for its lack of precision in exuberance and plain cuteness.

Mack will represent Kansas at the Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant later in the summer. She received a $750 scholarship. Runners up also received awards ranging from $50 to $500 and each non-finalist received $50.

Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Stevie Mack is flanked by her court (from left) third runner up Megan Keller, second runner up Elizabeth Mitchell, first runner up Kristen Boxman and fourth runner up Katie Hendrichsen.