Wearing her sash and bejeweled tiara, America’s U.S. Miss Teen Kansas and Great Bend Middle School student Laura Daniel was introduced to the City Council Monday night.  

“Great Bend has many young talented individuals,” Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said. “Miss Laura Daniel is among the best in the state.”

Daniel, 14, is an eighth grader at Great Bend Middle School and competed in several pageants. She won the America’s U.S. Miss Kansas Teen crown earlier this month in Dallas.

The City of Great Bend is her sponsor as she goes to compete for the State of Kansas in the National Pageant at Clearwater Beach, Fla., in July, Hayes said. She will be judged on grades, resume, modeling, evening wear, fun outfit and an interview. 

In the meantime, Hayes is helping her line up some events.

She told the council her platform is focused on human trafficking awareness and internet safety. She will be working with Hayes and will make at least 10 appearances in Great Bend during the year. 

“Thank you for your support,” Daniel said. She is looking forward to her tenure wearing the tiara. 

“We are so proud to have Laura (and her parents Mike and Michelle) representing Great Bend and the State at Nationals. Congratulations, Laura.”

Daniel became interested in scholarship pageants last year when the family hairdresser suggested she would be good at it. Her mother said they learned about Central Kansas Glamour Kids, a traveling pageant group based in Barton County.

Her first pageant was last summer at the Barton County Fair.

The America’s U.S. Miss Scholarship Program is designed to recognize and promote the accomplishments and uniqueness of all-American, outstanding young ladies from across the country, sponsors said. Finalists must excel in the areas of academics, volunteer service and self-confidence as they compete for college scholarships.

However, Daniel said she enjoys the glamor part as well.

“I get to dress up and travel around the state,” Daniel said of why she is excited. And, “I get to spend time with my parents, that is what I like the most.