Miss Kansas Organization officials were thrilled with the revival of the scholarship pageant in Barton County last year. It was the first time in 20 years that talented young women were crowned to represent the area at the Miss Kansas pageant.
The tradition will continue again this year. The scholarships have doubled and two women will be crowned to represent our area at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, 2014. The competition will be held at the Great Bend High School Auditorium, 2027 Morton Street in Great Bend, Kansas.
The Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Organization is seeking contestants to fulfill these titles. This year the rules are a little different, both Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt will be open titles and so the ladies can compete from anywhere in the State of Kansas. 
They encourage Barton County ladies to compete and be a young leader for the area. Both title winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and will be required to be present at various community events and activities and both will proceed to the Miss Kansas Pageant in June to represent our county and area. 
Another exciting piece that will be added to this year’s program is the Princess Program. The Princess program is open to any girl aged 5-12, these girls will help support our crowned winners and be additional young representatives for this area.
“So far we have several young ladies that have started the preregistration process,”  said pageant organizer Kristy Hogan. To be a part of the pageant a young woman must be 17-24 years of age.
The process to enroll is easy, simply go to www.missamericaforkids.org create a profile and the paperwork will be sent to them.
“Each girl is required to raise $100 for the Children’s Miracle Network in order to be part of the Miss Kansas preliminary competition” Hogan said, “We are very excited to showcase our beautiful and talented young women and help define their future by shining for the Barton County community”.
The deadline for registration Jan. 3, 2014.
“The two winners will be local young leaders and stars for our community,” Hogan said.
For Miss America organization information, visit www.missamerica.org. For more information about the Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Competition or registration process, contact Hogan at 620-786-4064.