Six contestants to vie for the crown at 101st Miss O’Fallon Pageant

The Miss O’Fallon Pageant is now marking its 101st anniversary and still going strong.

Six contestants are participating in this year’s civic event: Ava Baldwin, Katelyn Carrico, Isabelle Flores, Lyndi Kaufman, Beatrice McCoy and Helaina Shafter.Set for Saturday, July 29, doors will open at 5 p.m., with the pageant beginning at 6 p.m., at the Milburn Campus Auditorium of the O’Fallon Township High School. Admission is $10.

Kristy Schulte, who has been the director since 1995, became involved in the organization after she was crowned Miss O’Fallon in 1988.

“I’ve been the director of the pageant for almost 30 years and each year is always exciting. I enjoy watching the contestants gain confidence in themselves and seeing how much they want to make a positive impact on our community,” she said.

Miss O’Fallon is a representative of the city, and attends ribbon-cutting ceremonies, speaks at city council meetings, attends Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day events, speaks at O’Fallon grade schools, and attends various other events in neighboring communities. The city sponsors the pageant, through the parks and recreation department.

To participate you must live in O’Fallon Township High School District 203.

Last year, in its centennial year, the pageant returned after a two-year absence in 2020-2021 because of the coronavirus global pandemic. This year, there are no changes.

She is encouraged by the six young women participating.

“This group has become good friends and are always willing to help each other. I hope that each contestant knows how strong they are and that each of them are wonderful young women the city of O’Fallon can be proud of,” she said.

Miss O’Fallon 2022 Natalie Hale said she has enjoyed getting to know the contestants as they prepare for this year’s pageant.

“They are immensely talented, smart, and supportive of each other, and I am so very proud of each one of them,” she said.

Hale encouraged them to keep their memories close, and “Have fun!”

In her farewell letter, Hale said it has been a dream come true to serve as Miss O’Fallon.

“I have had such an incredible year representing our beautiful community …. This town is so much more than just where I am from. It’s a friendly, caring, growing city that many people call home. As Miss O’Fallon 2022, I have seen how truly beautiful my home is,” she said.

She mentioned the city events she took part in – riding in city parades, attending ribbon cuttings, and singing the national anthem on several occasions, including the Memorial Day service.

One of her favorite memories was the City Fest parade in August, her first outing as Miss O’Fallon.

“Along the parade route, I saw many smiling faces – and confused ones. Several people, after reading the sign on the car, said, “What? Who is Miss O’Fallon?” During several years of COVID with no pageant, people had forgotten what it was. From this moment, I knew my assignment for the year. My job was to bring back this beloved event and make it well-known again. I’m proud to say I think I’ve achieved my goal,” she said.

This fall, she will continue her education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Scholarships are awarded to the winner and first and second runners-up.

Last year, the swimsuit portion was eliminated. It was replaced with an on-stage question.

Schulte explained that each contestant pulls a random question from a bowl and gives their answer on stage.

“Our hope is that this will allow the audience to get to know each contestant a little better,” she. said.

“All of our contestants have always been wonderful and want to be a bigger part of our community,” Schulte said.

She notices how they build their confidence.

“It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and be judged. The interview portion, which is held right before the pageant begins, is where the judges get to know each of the contestants. The judges meet with them individually for seven minutes and ask a lot of questions. For most contestants, this is the first time they have had this type of interview,” she said.

Schulte complimented the pageant committee for all their hard work:

“We have a great committee who are all very dedicated to the pageant,” she said. “I would like to thank Jamie Lewis, Lynae Vahle, Alyssa Kellhofer, and Mike Cook for all their hard work making this pageant a success,” she said.

People may donate to the Miss O’Fallon Scholarship Fund at the Bank of O’Fallon. For more information, contact Schulte at MissOFallon@gmail.com.