MANSFIELD– The much anticipated crowning of the next Miss Ohio is just days away.
On Tuesday around noon, as part of a flurry of events surrounding the pageant, the 20 contestants gathered for a luncheon at Mechanics Bank in downtown Mansfield.
“It was a way to welcome the girls to town,” said Sue Cleckner, event organizer and program director for Mechanic Banks’ senior program, “The Good Life.”
The contestants have had a busy week, from the June 12 parade downtown to preparing for the coronation at the Renaissance Theater on June 18. Tuesday the young ladies enjoyed a lunch comprised of salad, sandwiches and cupcakes catered by Buehlers in Ashland.
To become Miss Ohio 2016 is a dream with years of preparation in the making.
Miss Ohio contestant Erin Simonek said she started competing when she was 13 years-old. She is now 18. To get ready for each competition, she explained that she studies a lot of political science and current events because the interview portion of the program is crucial.
The recognition and opportunity to win a free education entice many contestants. The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program enabled Miss Ohio 2015, Sarah Hider, to earn a master’s degree in public administration. She received a $10,000 scholarship.
Hider was recently hired as the public relations director for The Village Network, a non-profit organization, in Mansfield. She said the Miss Ohio experience was “amazing,” but she was excited for the next step.
In addition to the Miss Ohio contest, 14 girls will compete for the Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen title. The winner of the Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen will be announced on June 15.
New Hampshire native and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2016, Allie Nault, said that girls should always “dream big.” At age 18, Nault has traveled across the nation speaking about topics that range from the national debt to encouraging people to vote.
Her platform is “Making Sense – Becoming Financially Responsible.” She is also the National Teen Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Alongside the contestants at the luncheon, were a team of local residents that help them during their stay in Mansfield. There are 10 host families and 10 chaperons who accompany the candidates at every event, in addition to the hair and makeup crew.
Mansfield residents Sue Konz and Carol Sgambellone, who have been chaperons for more than 30 years, said that their job entails working an average of 10 hours per day this week.
“It’s fun, and a lot of work and responsibility,” Konz said.
The winners of Miss Ohio 2016 and Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen 2016 will compete at the national level in the fall. Miss America 2017 will be held in Atlantic City and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2017 will be held in Orlando, Florida.
