Miss Tracy Eleven girls will vie for coveted title
This years Miss Tracy candidates are all unique in their own way, but they also have some things in common — they each have had a blast in rehearsals this summer as they have leaped far outside of their respective comfort zones.
“The summer has been so fun, especially learning how to dior in heels,” said Brooke Swenhaugen. “It seems easy, but it feels like I’m tripping over my own feet!”
Learning a special turn notwithstanding, there are plenty of others things the candidates have gotten out of this experience.
“It definitely isn’t always easy, but I can feel myself becoming more confident by the day,” said Makayla Erickson. “I have learned that I am a lot more confident than I thought I was.”
Hailey Hubner is similar to Erickson when it comes to gaining confidence. And like some of her fellow candidates, she is realizing a childhood dream of sorts.
“As a little girl, I would see all the girls in their fancy dresses showing off their talents, and I thought, ‘I could do that,’” she said. “And people always told me, ‘You will regret not doing it, so just do it.’” There has also been plenty of bonding going on among this year’s candidates.
“It is super fun getting to learn things with the other
girls,” Payton Daniels said. “Practices go long, but I love staying here and spending time with the directors and the other girls.”
The bond includes making memories and strengthening friendships, said Lauren Knakmuhs.
“I have learned that the more I smile, the more fun I have,” she said. “A smile goes a long way, even if you think it doesn’t. I have also learned to walk in heels!”
Knakmuhs is one of a number of girls who have a newfound respect for walking in heels. Beyond that, they have taken away some valuable experience when it comes to interviewing, which is big part of the judges’ evaluations.
“Overall, it has been such an amazing experience,” said Andreala Oeltjenbruns. “I have learned that I can do hard things that are out of my comfort zone like public speaking.”
Shelby Johnson has discovered skills she didn’t know she needed like “thinking fast in interviews,” she said “I have learned that putting yourself out there in front of people is not as scary as it seems.”
Mallory Fultz, one of the directors of the program, said a summer filled with late-night practices and many laughs has gone by fast.
“Be ready for them to light up the stage with their amazing talents, bright smiles, and allaround joy in showing off everything they have worked on this summer,” said Fultz. “You are all in for an amazing show put on by an even more amazing group of young ladies.”
The 2027 Miss Tracy will receive a $1,500 scholarship. First runner-up gets $900, and 2nd runner-up $700.
Candidates will be scored in Scholastic Achievement & Community Involvement, Creative Arts Presentation, Fitness Routine, Presence & Composure, and Panel Evaluation – these are all $300 scholarships. Other awards/ scholarships to be presented: Lori Bangasser Memorial, $300; Spirit Award, $300; $300 alumni scholarship to each recipient thanks to the Miss Tracy Alumni, and Miss Photogenic receiving an engraved frame.
2026 Miss Tracy Aliyah Loftness, 1st runner-up Addison Kainz, and 2nd runner-up Rosa Vang will entertain the audience with an original skit.
Lexi Erickson is back again as emcee again with Jason Kainz rejoining her for the evening.
Program directors working with Fultz this summer are Mary Squires, Alicia Swenhaugen, Lexi Erickson, Kylie Christian, and Katie Medford. Fultz also gives special gratitude to Jesse James for all of his help again this year.
