Ava Hipskind crowned 2017 Miss O’Fallon

Ava Hipskind, 17, the daughter of Sheila Hipskind and Tim Hipskind was crowed Miss O’Fallon 2017.

A field of six local girls competed for the title during the Miss O’Fallon Scholarship Pageant, held on Friday in the auditorium at the O’Fallon Township High School Milburn Campus. Other contestants were Kathryn Sanders, the daughter of Troy and Shannon Sanders; Taylor Dockins, the daughter of Timothy and Jennifer Dockins; Emily Jansen, the daughter of Neil and Victoria Jansen; Emma Carley, the daughter of Lewis and Tammy Carley; and Abigail Byrnside, the daughter of Lonnie and Kristine Byrnside.

Hipkind said she was surprised when her name was called.

“I was not expecting that. It was totally unexpected. I’m so grateful,” she said.

Hipskind, who will reign as the 70th Miss O’Fallon, moved to O’Fallon in 2009, where her passion for academics and dance has grown immensely.

In school, Hipskind is on honor roll, is a four-year member of the Golden Girls Dance Team, a three-year member of Spanish Club, a two-year Member of Wellness Club, and a three-year member of Friends of Rachel Club, a club that encourages kind acts throughout your every day life.

She has been dancing at Adams School of Dance in O’Fallon for six years.

During the week, Hipskind volunteers her time student teaching acrobatic classes for young boys and girls in our community. She has also been volunteering her time at Gateway Regional Medical Center to help out the doctors and nurses there.

Hipskind believes that with positive thoughts, comes positive outcomes. She wants every child to know that even when life knocks you down, that courage and positive thoughts will lead you to achievement.

Hipskind plans on attending either the University of Missouri or the University of Alabama to major in chemical engineering with the hopes one day help skin-care companies construct environmentally friendly products.

Along with wining the title, Hipskind aslo won a $2,000 scholarship.

“I’m so excited. I’m so honored to be Miss O’Fallon 2017,” Hipskind said. “I couldn’t be more excited for this year.”

Other Awards

Ryn Sanders was named Miss Photogenic and First Runner-Up, and in doing so earned a $300 scholarship.

The People’s Choice Award winner was Taylor Dockins.

Second Runner-Up was Emily Jansen and won a $200 scholarship.

This story was originally published July 31, 2017 at 12:48 PM with the headline "Ava Hipskind crowned 2017 Miss O’Fallon."