Contestants for the title Miss Prairie Port 2008 gathered at the El Dorado Civic Center Tuesday evening for their first rehearsal.

Practice began at 7 p.m. with Darrell Whitney, Miss Prairie Port Pageant Committee chair, instructing the ladies on activities in which they will participate.

The contestants were briefed on introductions and general information.

The following rehearsal will be more thorough and as the practices continue contestants will perfect their performances.

There are eight woman vying for the title.

Contestant Amber Tucker, daughter of Curt an Michele Tucker, is a sophomore attending Butler Community College. Tucker has participated in cross country for three years and track for two. She has also been involved in the Friend to Friend mentoring program, SADD and yearbook. Tucker has also been on the Blue Honor Roll for four consecutive years.

“As a person I feel I bring to the table energy, spunk and a great sense of humor,” said Tucker. “I am very goal driven and a team player.”

Destiny Curtis is another young woman vying for the title. Curtis is the daughter of Colleen and Ron Provo and is a freshman at Butler.

Curtis has participated in competitive gymnastics and dance. She has also been involved with the Wildcats Varsity dance team at EHS for three years. She served as the Wildcat Varsity dance team captain and participated in the Students Against Drunk Driving organization. Curtis has also been a participant in KAY Leadership club, math club, spanish club, creative writing, E-club, student council, pep club, forensics/debate and the El Dorado Junior Ambassadors. She also served as a staff member on the El Dorado magazine.

She earned a top 5 percent spot in her freshman class during high-school and was awarded a certificate for graduating in the top 10 percent her senior high school year.

Curtis was awarded Magna Cum Lade, Principal’s Honor Roll and Superintendent Honor Roll. She received a participation award for the National Forensics League and a Varsity Letter for El Dorado Dance Team, as well as for the Richland High Gymnastics Team. She also received a certificate of Merit for Biology and was recognized as a Kansas National Honor Scholar by Kansas University. She was awarded “Most Community Service Hours” at Richland High and was accepted to Texas Christian University, the University of Texas, the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Along with her partner, Curtis was also awarded First Place in the State Broadcasting Competition, and was recognized as Student of the Month for December and Creative Student of the Month.

Curtis participated in Trick-or-treat for UNICEF, donated to “Pennies by the Inch” competition, ran in the Relay for Life, volunteered for Christmas caroling and sold Christmas holly to raise money for the athletic program at EHS. She also ran in the 5K race for Susan G. Komen, tutored elementary and middle school student, contributed to the Katrina relief fund, DARFUR and Greensburg. She was an instructor of gymnastics and dance at the YMCA and mows yards for disabled residents in the community. She volunteered to work shifts at the arts and crafts fair for KAY and sent cards to soldiers stationed in Iraq. She also volunteered to help at the Veterans hospital in Dallas, Texas.

“This fall, I plan to attend Butler community College majoring in Architecture and minoring in economics,” said Curtis. “After a year or two at Butler, I plan to transfer to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth to finish my schooling.”

Melissa Walthers, daughter of Louis and Cindy Walthers, is another contestant. She is a 2008 Circle High School graduate and will be a freshman at Butler this fall.

Walthers has participated in several school activities including STUCO, marching band, concert band, Madrigals show choir, acapella choir and was freshman, sophomore and junior class president. Walthers was also the football manager for three years and a wrestling cheerleader, as well as a basketball cheerleader, baseball manager, basketball manager and participated in plays. She was a member of SADD, FCCLA, prom committee and a Friend to Friend member. Walthers was on the Blue/Gold Honor Roll and National Honor Society. She also graduated with honors and is the 2008 nominee for Jester Award for Best Supporting Actress and Miss Teen, Augusta 2007 and Miss Teen Kansas, first runner-up for 2006.

Walthers has also participated in the Ronald McDonald House Volunteer and Teen Council Member, as well as, Towanda Public Library Summer Volunteer. She also helped with the Safe-house makeover in 2006 and Emcee, a benefit concert to raise money for the Safe-house. Walthers also organized several fundraiser and the “Teddy Bear Drive” for cancer patients. She helped organize food drives, participated in church youth programs, helped with local carnivals and was a page at the Capital in Topeka in 2006. Walthers also helped with the Red Cross Blood Drive for two years and was a mentor in Big Brothers/Big Sister. She was also the “Easter Bunny” for the city wide Easter egg hunt.

“I definitely am a ‘social’ person and enjoy meeting and working with new people,” said Walthers. “Being a self-motivator that is goal-oriented has caused me to never shy away from new challenges.”

Jerica Alvarez, daughter of Ron and Tonda Alvarez, in also a contestant vying for the title. Alvarez is a freshman at Butler and has participated for three years in KAY, SADD, spanish club and four years in musicals.

Alvarez’s scholastic achievements include the Gold Key Award for art, the National Honor Roll, graduation with Cum Laude, the Who’s Who registry of academic excellence and the United States Achievement Academy.

Alvarez’s community service profile includes Camp Butler 2000 counselor, Girl Scouts for 13 years and involvement with the Trinity United Methodist Youth Group.

“I graduated Cum Laude this year from El Dorado High School and am planning to attend Butler Community College,” said Alvarez. “After attending Butler I plan to continue my studies and major in Egyptology.”

Kaitlyn Nicole Higgins, daughter of Gary and Robyn Higgins, is also competing for Miss Prairie Port 2008.

She is a senior at Veritas High School Co-op and Horizons Home School. She has participated in varsity volleyball for three years, basketball and the home school group yearbook. She was the drama team member for Victory Christian Academy and a member of music, band, Youth Worship Team and track. Her scholastic achievements include honor roll for three years with a GPA of 4.0 and honor roll at Victory Christian for one year. She has also been involved with nursing homes, served at 12 Basket Food Ministry and Angel Food Ministry. She has helped at Vacation Bible School and El Dorado Christian Fellowship. She served in the Community of Ocne Mures in Romania as a Good Samaritan Feeding program participant and helped build roofs for the community of Reynosa in Mexico. She was also a teaching member of the Youth Sunday School Services.

“I would describe my personality as gentle, quiet and patient and kind,” said Higgins.

“As for my future, I trust completely in the Lord; he has a perfect plan for my life.”

Kira Marie Lauxman, daughter of Douglas and Sarah Lauxman, is also vying for the title. She is a freshman at Butler Community College and has participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, spelling bees, marching band, concert band, jazz band and show choir. She has also been drum-line, participated in the Pitt State Math Relays, worked on her high school newspaper and yearbook and the Boosting Engineering Science Technology program. Lauxman has also been involved with SADD, Bible study, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and acted in musical and participated in the Circle Showcase. Lauxman has been a part of the Nation Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and Gold and Black Honor roll. She received a perfect score during her middle school science fair and received the Outstanding Academic Excellence in the President’s Education Awards Program.

Lauxman also participated in the Pitt State Math Relays and the Boosting Engineering Science Technology 2007. She has been a part of B.E.S.T. and received and invitation to the Lead America Conference. She also completed the Kansas Scholars Curriculum and finished high school with High Honors and a GPA of 3.894.

Her community service profile includes involvement with Missions Trips to New Orleans and nursing home caroling. She also has been involved with Butler County Kids Day and Christian Camp volunteering. She has been a sponsor for Vacation Bible School volunteering and Christian camp band member. She taught fourth and fifth grade Sunday school and plays drums for Sunday morning praise band.

“I love kids,” said Lauxman. “I have a passion for missions work and I love to work with youth of all ages.”

Hevin Reanna Killman, daughter of Dwayne and Kari Killman of Benton and Tammy and Chris Henderson of Towanda, will also be competing. She is a senior at Circle High School and has participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, BEST, FCA, FCCLA and SADD. Her scholastic achievements include A/B honor roll, lettering in sports all three years and she received award certificates for participation in the PSU Math Relays.

Killman has also participated in the Lord’s Diner for FCCLA, collected toys at Christmas for the Salvation Army and the Kansas Food Bank. She has also been involved with Church Camp community service projects and is a volunteer for the Prairie Port Festival in the concession stand.

“My family plays a very big role in my everyday life,” said Killman. “They teach me the many factors I need to know to succeed in life, and are also very supportive in everything I do.”

Karly Long will also be competing for Miss Prairie Port. She is the daughter of Julie and Bobby Hokr and is a freshman at Butler. She has participated in track and field, basketball, cheerleading, chambers singing, SADD, FCA, Skills USA and volleyball.

Her scholastic activities include involvement in Youth Leadership, Camp Butler and she received the Academic Excellence Award. She is also received the Leon United Methodist Church Scholarship, Leon Bluestem Lions Club Scholarship and Butler Community College scholarship. Long also received a scholarship from the Johnson County Community College and was on the Blue and Gold Honor Roll. Her community service includes 280 hours in Highest Praise, 200 hours in Extreme Team, four hours with the Salvation Army, 48 hours with Prairie View Christian Camp and 25 hours with Real Life Church Women’s Band. She was also involved with Butler County Sheriff’s Department, D.A.R.E., the Leon Senior Center and the Leon Lions Club.

“My communication skills have helped me to become a strong leader and continue my involvement in numerous organizations and activities,” said Long. “I want to make a difference and motivate others to be successful and follow their dreams.”
The contestants will continue practicing and rehearsing for the pageant with the assistance of Whitney.

The 24th Annual Miss Prairie Port Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. July 24 at Forest Park Band Shell. The 2008 Miss Prairie Port will receive a $1,000 scholarship, reign over the festivities, and perform numerous duties throughout the weekend. The 1st attendant will receive a $500 scholarship and the 2nd attendant will receive a $250 scholarship as well as participate in the weekend activities.