MANSFIELD, Ohio – Wooster native Sarah Hider was crowned Miss Ohio at the Renaissance Theatre on Saturday evening.
The 24-year-old was crowned by 2014 Miss Ohio Mackenzie Bart after competing in the swimsuit, eveningwear and talent competition on Saturday. Hider competed against 11 semifinalists on Saturday out of the total 22 contestants.
“I can’t feel the crown on my head,” said an emotional Hider moments after being crowned. “I came to the Miss Ohio competition last year and I told my mom, I have to do this. This is…wow.”
Hider is a graduate student at Kent State University. Her platform is “Women Hold Up Half the Sky: Women’s Leadership” and her talent is vocal. On Friday night, Hider earned the preliminary talent award with her jazz rendition of “Almost Like Being in Love.”
She came to the competition representing Miss Maple City – a title she shares with this year’s Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen, Emily Krejci. Hider herself was named Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen in 2008.
In addition to swimsuit, eveningwear and talent competition, all 11 semifinalists answered an onstage question. Hider’s question was about gun control in the United States.
“I stand firmly in my second amendment right to bear arms,” said Hider, eliciting a huge cheer from the crowd at the Renaissance. “But I believe in some compromise.” She stated she does advocate for stricter gun control laws, and also believes mental health awareness should be brought to light when speaking of gun control.
Hider earned a $10,000 scholarship with her Miss Ohio win on Saturday. The first runner-up was Miss West Central Ohio Lexi Richter, second runner-up was Miss Greater Oxford Karolina Ulasevich, third runner-up was Miss Miami Valley Sarah Clapper, and fourth runner-up was Miss Greater Butler County Kristy Ressler.
