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Junior sets sights high in pageant circui1
"I liked the idea of being a representative of the state or even of ur country," junior Staci Craighead said. "It looks good on resumes
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After a second she admits it didn't hurt that she got to wear a 'own on her head for a year. With crowns and glory Craighead 1ought that there was nothing to lose when she started competing beauty pageants. She got her start when someone had sent in recommendation to pageant directors when she was in seventh rade. Craighead's parents had been involved in pageants as judges nd directors in the Miss Kansas pageant in the Miss America ageant system. Unlike the young girls in "Toddlers and Tiaras," raighead's parents didn't get her started in pageants at a young • ge. ''They wanted me to have a passion for it on my own," Craighead aid. "A lot of the little girls on [Toddlers and Tiaras] are put into it ¡ithout even being asked if they wanted to do it, which doesn't help 1em build a passion for it on their own." Craighead's passion is in the interview and talent portion of the :>mpetition. "It's a great time to let your personality shine," Craighead said. in 2009, Craighead sang for her talent. She mostly did Broadway ieces but was looking at more classical pieces for later pageants , show her range. Along with practicing her singing she also had to ,cus on staying healthy for the physical fitness portion as well . Her iggest vice was burgers. About three months before a pageant she began to preparations. "I'll spend between six and nine hours practicing a week," raighead said. "If the pageant involves a talent portion, then I'll pend between seven and ten hours practicing a week." No matter the chaos on competition days Craighead still enjoyed . She met many friends through pageants. "Most of the girls that I'm friends with are definitely not the lereotypes of all blonde, no brains with the ice cube diet," raighead said. "These girls are passionate about representing 1eir state and helping a big cause in our nation." In 2006, Craighead was crowned Miss Nebraska Pre-teen; 12007 she was crowned Miss Nebraska Junior Teen ; and she •as crowned Miss Omaha Outstanding Teen 2009. Craighead :>ntiriued to do pageants, hoping that some day she would make it
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to the national level of competition. When asked about any interesting things that happened at the pageants, she just smiled. "I don't really have any stories that would be very appropriate because they all happened in the dressing rooms," she said.
Story by Rebekah Remus Photo courtesy of Staci Craighead
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Juniors-