The Barton County Commission Monday morning passed a proclamation honoring Miss Barton County 2016 Hannah Mauler and designated Monday as Hannah Mauler, Miss Barton County, 2016, Day.

“I am proud to represent Barton County and everyone who stands behind Barton County,” Mauler said. “I am very glad to be a public figure and represent us at Miss Kansas.”

The Miss Barton County Pageant features young women competing through interviews, talent and poise for both scholarship funds and the right to compete in the Miss Kansas Pageant. The proclamation commended Mauler on the scholastic ability, dance experience and social graces used to win both the Miss Barton County title and scholarship funding associated with Commissioner Alicia Straub said she’s been witness to Mauler’s talents through 4-H and has appreciated them. “Thank you for being such a good role model.”

Mauler said her platform as a contestant is fitness, more specifically healthy lifestyles. 

Making smart choices in the foods we eat and how we take care of ourselves is important, she said. “In the long run, what we put into our bodies really makes what we are.”

She wants to partner with Berny Unruh and the Barton County 4-H program to start after-school programs for kids. Kids would learn healthy snacks, hang out in a positive environment and learn healthy lifestyle tips while avoiding video games.

She would also like to work with the youngsters to run their first 5K run and having a celebration at the end.

However, “being at K-State is going to be  challenge, going back and forth,” said Mauler, who graduates this spring from Great Bend High School, about keeping the programs running. “I will really have to depend on the adults who are in my life to take care of business while I’m at K-State.”

She may also look into summer programs.

The state pageant is set for June 11 at Pratt Community College in Pratt.