Safford to compete as a state finalist in pageant

Fort Scott, Kan. -- Michaela Eileen Safford, age 4, granddaughter of Lester and Ruth Waring, Garland, will compete as a state finalist in the Miss Kansas Princess Pageant for girls 4-6, a National American Miss Kansas Pageant, on Aug. 10-11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita.

She is the daughter of Brenda O'Keefe, Lawrence. Michaela participates in activities including soccer through the Eudora Youth Soccer Club and gymnastics and basketball through the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. She also enjoys dance, riding her bicycle and scooter, and watching Barbie and Disney princess movies.

Michaela attends the Community Christian Church in Fort Scott.

The winner of this pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Pageants are conducted for girls ages 4 to 18 in five age groups.

The National American Miss organization issued a statement saying its pageants celebrate America's greatness and encourage participants to become future leaders. According to the statement, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes each year to recognize and assist in the development of young women across the nation. All activities are age appropriate and family oriented, the statement said.

According to the National American Miss organization, the pageants are for "today's girl and tomorrow's leaders." The organizational press release says the pageant program is based on inner beauty, poise and presentation, and offers an "all-American spirit of fun for family and friends." Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing self confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition, and setting and achieving personal goals. The organizational statement also said the pageant seeks to recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for the future.

Sponsorship for the entry fee and optional competitons come from family members, friends and businesses. Anyone wishing to sponsor Michaela Safford as a pageant competitor may contact O'Keefe at (785) 856-3446 or by e-mail at bokeefe@sunflower.com.