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Blue Springs, MO —
Jessica Evans did not grow up with dreams of being a beauty queen.
The senior at Plaza Heights Christian Academy in Blue Springs does admit that she does like “girlie things.” she grew up in gymnastics and dance, is a cheerleader at her school and watches the Miss USA competition every year. But she never had aspirations of being a contestant herself.
“It didn’t ever cross my mind growing up,” she said of being in a beauty pageant. “It just so happened that one day, I just decided it was something I wanted to do. It sounded like fun.”
Evans was selected to represent her state at the 2012 Miss Missouri Teen Coed Pageant last month in St. Louis. As the winner, she qualified to compete for the national title at the 2012 National Miss American Coed Pageant in November at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
“This was the first time I had ever won a pageant,” said Evans, who only started entering pageants two years ago. “I was so happy and excited when I won. It felt like all of my hard work paid off.”
This latest pageant is only Evans third time on the pageant circuit. She said she met a women who was a director for the MAC pageants during an event at Plaza Heights and decided it was something she wanted to try. Contestants only compete in three categories, on-stage introduction, interview and evening gown. Awards are giving in speech, academic achievement, community service, photogenic and personality, among others.
In addition to her overall win, Evans won awards for Best Eyes, Best Hair, Best Interview, Best Interview Outfit and Most Photogenic.
“I think what I like most is that everyone there is helping each other succeed. This isn’t like what you see on ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ (television show),” she said. “You make so many friends through this program. I also think it is a great way for girls to gain self confidence.”
Jeri Evans, Jessica’s mother, said her first reaction to her daughter’s decision to enter pageants was that it was “too expensive” and very competitive. She said she agreed that as long as Jessica was willing to put forth the effort to fund the experience, she would be stand behind her.
“We were so super excited and happy for her. She has truly worked hard for this,” Jeri said of her daughter’s title. “Through this whole process she has gained so much confidence in herself and not just by being on stage, but also by meeting with people and telling them about what she is doing and asking them for their support. She has learned that the things you want in life aren’t just handed to you, there is work involved.”
Jessica Evans did not grow up with dreams of being a beauty queen.
The senior at Plaza Heights Christian Academy in Blue Springs does admit that she does like “girlie things.” she grew up in gymnastics and dance, is a cheerleader at her school and watches the Miss USA competition every year. But she never had aspirations of being a contestant herself.
“It didn’t ever cross my mind growing up,” she said of being in a beauty pageant. “It just so happened that one day, I just decided it was something I wanted to do. It sounded like fun.”
Evans was selected to represent her state at the 2012 Miss Missouri Teen Coed Pageant last month in St. Louis. As the winner, she qualified to compete for the national title at the 2012 National Miss American Coed Pageant in November at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
“This was the first time I had ever won a pageant,” said Evans, who only started entering pageants two years ago. “I was so happy and excited when I won. It felt like all of my hard work paid off.”
This latest pageant is only Evans third time on the pageant circuit. She said she met a women who was a director for the MAC pageants during an event at Plaza Heights and decided it was something she wanted to try. Contestants only compete in three categories, on-stage introduction, interview and evening gown. Awards are giving in speech, academic achievement, community service, photogenic and personality, among others.
In addition to her overall win, Evans won awards for Best Eyes, Best Hair, Best Interview, Best Interview Outfit and Most Photogenic.
“I think what I like most is that everyone there is helping each other succeed. This isn’t like what you see on ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ (television show),” she said. “You make so many friends through this program. I also think it is a great way for girls to gain self confidence.”
Jeri Evans, Jessica’s mother, said her first reaction to her daughter’s decision to enter pageants was that it was “too expensive” and very competitive. She said she agreed that as long as Jessica was willing to put forth the effort to fund the experience, she would be stand behind her.
“We were so super excited and happy for her. She has truly worked hard for this,” Jeri said of her daughter’s title. “Through this whole process she has gained so much confidence in herself and not just by being on stage, but also by meeting with people and telling them about what she is doing and asking them for their support. She has learned that the things you want in life aren’t just handed to you, there is work involved.”
Evans, who plans to be an elementary school teacher one day, is busy in other aspects of her life as well. She is a 4.0 student at Plaza Heights, has a part-time job at GAGE Gymnastics and is a member of the volleyball, basketball and cheerleading squads. She is also on the Student Council, leads a Bible study and hopes to be inducted into the school’s honor society.
“I have never had a problem with my grades. My mom is always pushing me to do better,” she said. “Sometimes it is hard to juggle everything, but I think it will really help me prepare for college. I just need to keep working hard.”
As the Missouri Teen, Evans has a variety of opportunities for public appearances and community service, which she said she is excited to start. She is always responsible for raising the more than $1,200 necessary to compete at the national pageant.
“I enjoy competing and hanging out with my sister queens, but all I could think about when I was crowned was when do I get to get started,” she said with a smile. “I enjoy the appearances because I get to serve as a role model for other girls. I think the most important thing is to just be yourself. You should not try to give the perfect answer or act a certain way. I think the most important piece of advice I can give them is to be yourself. That is what people want to see.”
