Alpha Chi Omega - University of Missouri

8 Lyre Notes A lpha Nu's very own Simone Esters '16 is Miss Missouri 2019! Simone will represent Missouri in the 2020 Miss America Competition on December 19. It will air on NBC. She served as the chapter's Panhellenic delegate last year and was chosen to serve on the Panhellenic executive board as vice president of programming. Additionally, Simone has been a feature twirler with Marching Mizzou. Simone is taking off the fall semester to prepare for the Miss America pageant. Simone shared her thoughts on being crowned Miss Missouri and preparing for the Miss America Competition. How did it feel to win the title of Miss Missouri? It was an absolute dream come true! I had worked so hard this past year to gain this title, so when I heard that I was not first runner-up, I just couldn't believe it. The week was so much fun and taking my first walk as Miss Missouri was unimaginable. The best part of the evening was the after-party celebration in which all my friends and family were there. It was one of the best memories of my life. What are your goals as the reigning Miss Missouri? I want to spread my social impact initiative, Leave Your MARK, which focuses on mentoring at-risk kids. Through this, I hope to increase both the quality and quantity of mentors across the state. Additionally, I want to attend a variety of appearances to strengthen the brand of Miss Missouri to maintain relevancy. What are you most looking forward to during your time as Miss Missouri? I am looking forward to the Miss America competition. I have dreamed for years of what it would be like to perform on that stage. Since I was crowned in June, I have been so busy. Nearly every day I do some sort of preparation to ready me for Miss America. Aside from that, I am excited to form bonds with the 50 other candidates who are competing for this job. How do you hope to inspire future Miss Missouris? I hope to inspire them by showing that there is no specific mold that Miss Missouri needs to fit, but rather being yourself is enough. I hope to inspire them to pursue their passions fearlessly and encourage them to reach their dreams just like I did! What did you learn from Alpha Nu that helped you while competing in Miss Missouri? As a member of Alpha Nu, I have grown into a strong and confident leader. While serving on the executive board for this chapter I learned how to lead with empathy and compassion in addition to various practical skills. Most importantly I don't think this title would have been possible without the support of my chapter members. A Dream Come True Simone Esters '16 Crowned as Miss Missouri 2019 Simone Esters '16 accepts her crown as Miss Missouri 2019. Simone cheers on the Tigers as a feature twirler with Marching Mizzou. CONGRATULATIONS, SPRING 2019 GRADUATES! Alpha Chi's graduates transition to alumnae at the Hall of Commitment ceremony in May 2019.

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