Education Community

Central Methodist Involved In MIss Missouri USA Pageant

Scott Queen
10 September 2018

Pageant contestants from across the state will soon flock to Fayette and Boonville for a potentially life-changing competition.

The Miss Missouri USA and Miss Teen USA Pageant will be held September 15-16 at the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino in Boonville, and Central Methodist University is playing an integral role.

CMU’s Vice President for Enrollment Management Joe Parisi said the institution has agreed to sponsor the event and plans to offer an estimated $100,000 in scholarship money to qualified contestants.

“These girls are some of the highest quality academicians in the state,” Parisi said. “And they have already demonstrated a high level of community service and community involvement.”

Parisi said the contestants will be on the CMU campus for tours, a scholarship presentation, and an information session about academic opportunities on campus. The winner will receive a $32,000 award over four years, and other contestants are also in line for generous scholarships.

“It’s an honor to have the Miss Missouri USA Pageant come to mid-Missouri, and to be able to bring so many college-bound students over to the CMU campus for a tour,” Parisi said.

The outgoing Miss Missouri USA, Tori Kruse, has a bachelor’s degree in business management and is a freelance sports reporter and a model. She has spent the year motivating and helping young adults develop courage and confidence to push past their comfort zones. Kruse’s hope is that by sharing her personal story, others will be inspired to overcome life’s obstacles and pursue their dreams.

The outgoing Miss Teen Missouri, Chloe Bartlett, is pursuing a business/marketing degree and hopes to someday own her own beauty brand.

For tickets to the pageant, go to www.missmissouri.com. The Presentation Show, or semifinals, will be at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 15. The Coronation Show, or finals, will be at 8 p.m. Sunday, September 16.