Miss Missouri candidates from across the state, their pageant directors and families will travel to the heart of Missouri June 9 to kick off a week filled with rehearsals, talent performances, interviews, and evening gowns at Missouri Military Academy.
The group includes Miss Kansas City Ashley Berry. She is currently studying news media and political science at the University of Alabama. Ashley is the daughter of Mark and Amy Berry of Clinton. She also held the title of Miss Missouri’s Teen in 2021.
As part of the Alpha competition group, Ashley will have her personal interview with the judges on Wednesday morning, followed by her on-stage question and evening gown on Wednesday evening. During Thursday’s preliminary competition, she will compete in fitness as well as perform her talent, ballet en pointe for the judges and audience.
Since being crowned earlier this year, Ashley has participated in a wide range of activities throughout her community. She has focused many efforts on being “Media Smart,” which advocates for media literacy in people’s daily lives.
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 not only participate in rehearsals, but they will also test their skillsets 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 wide variety of activities, ending on Saturday afternoon with a meet and greet for area residents on the courthouse lawn, located in downtown Mexico.
The preliminary competition begins Wednesday, June 12 and will continue through Friday, June 14. The organization will crown the new Miss Missouri 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. This year, the organization will award more than $85,000 in scholarships between the Miss Missouri and Outstanding Teen programs.
Tickets for the Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen Pageants are available through the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 West Jackson Street or by calling 573-581-2765.
