Competing in pageants builds self-confidence and self-worth, said Amanda Brewer, Mrs. Northwest Arkansas, and a judge for the Miss Pea Ridge pageants. Each of the contestants for Miss Pea Ridge and Jr. Miss Pea Ridge were interviewed privately by the judges panel prior to the on-stage competition.
"These girls will be applying for jobs and talking in interviews," Brewer said, explaining that the process of talking to judges helps the girls prepare for life.
"It helps you discover who you want to become," Sheri Hottinger, judge, said of pageant involvement, saying it was encouraging to her to see how passionate each of the young ladies was about their future careers and life choices. "This helps them articulate that. These girls who spoke to us today were very specific about what they want to do."
"I like to see how the girls interact with people they wouldn't ordinarily," said judge Erin Eidson.
Brewer, 33, of Bentonville, a stay at home mother of four, was crowned Mrs. Northwest Arkansas 2018 in May. She plans to compete in the Mrs. Arkansas pageant in November. A graduate of Bentonville High School (2003) and Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, Tenn.), Brewer is a very active volunteer involved in Children's Safety Center, MS Society, the Children's Shelter, Arkansas Children's Hospital in Springdale, Jr. Diabetes Research Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House in Rogers and Fayetteville. Brewer said her focus is "what does sick look like to you" because she has a brain tumor and multiple sclerosis, both diagnoses from this past year. She said that although her brain tumor is not cancerous, it is wrapping around the carotid artery and may require surgery.
"I want to speak for people who used to feel invincible and now feel invisible," she said, explaining that not all illnesses are visible. "I know there is a purpose in all of this.
Eidson, of Bentonville, is a human resources professional who supports the transportation and logistics division for Wal-Mart. She has two sons, ages 19 and 16, and is originally from Salina, Kan. Her devotion to community involvement inspired her to be a judge.
Sheri Hottinger, of Bentonville, is from Russellville originally and has two daughters, ages 18 and 21. She works in human resources overseeing policy administration and recognition program for Shopper Events. She previously worked for Wal-Mart for 20 years in communication and training and wrote speeches. She said her experience in communication and business inspired her devotion to help girls to develop themselves.
Molly Hottinger, daughter of Sheri, is a coach as Aspire Gymnastics and Cheer Academy in Bentonville. Her previous achievements include Distinguished Citizenship Award, Colors Day maid for Bentonville High School, various choral awards including Senior Outstanding Choir member for Bella Voice. She is currently an elementary education major at Arkansas Tech University.
Emcee Paul Hignite, director of the Pea Ridge Soccer Club, works for ADT Electric, and was emcee for the pageants.
"We have judges who are from outside the community and an auditor, Brenda Flanagan-Keene, who is from inside the community," Hignite said.
The judges assign a number from 1 to 10 in various categories then the auditor tabulates the scores and determines the winners.
Community on 07/12/2017