Local Teens Set to Shine at Miss Missouri Pageant
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Local Teens Set to Shine at Miss Missouri Pageant
By Emily Bontrager
Two inspiring young women from Northeast Missouri are preparing to take the stage in Mexico, Missouri, as part of the 2025 Miss Missouri’s Teen pageant.
The Miss Missouri competition will take place June 11–14 at the Missouri Military Academy and will include preliminary rounds in talent, fitness, on-stage questions, and evening gown.
Representing their communities with grace, talent, and heartfelt causes are Emma Pitford, Miss Clark County’s Teen, and Eden Kearse, Miss Lewis and Clark’s Teen.
Emma Pitford: Miss Clark County’s Teen
Emma Pitford, 16, of Kahoka, is the daughter of Jessica and Travis Pitford. A student at Clark County R-1 High School, she proudly follows in the footsteps of her mother, a former Miss Clark County and pageant director.
Emma’s Community Service Initiative (CSI) is “Stage IV MBC Deserves More.”
“It is all about bringing awareness and funding for research for stage 4 breast cancer,” Emma explained.
“My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2021, so it is really close to me. I’ve also been able to partner with METAvivor, the only organization in the country that does research specifically for stage 4 breast cancer.”
Emma is looking forward to competing at Miss Missouri’s Teen and is especially excited to perform her talent, her favorite part of the pageant. She will showcase a hula hoop routine set to “Great Balls of Fire.”
Outside of pageants, Emma enjoys playing basketball and softball, reading, and doing crafts. She’s been actively preparing for the competition and is honored to represent her home community.
“There’s so much support from the community and I am so lucky to have the support,” she said.
Eden Kearse: Miss Lewis and Clark’s Teen
Also 16 and from Kahoka, Eden Kearse is the daughter of Elizabeth Johnson and Andrew Kearse. Her Community Service Initiative, “ASL is Au-Some,” is inspired by her younger brother, Davis.
“He was diagnosed with autism around the age of four and I wanted to be able to share awareness of how we can treat others with autism and others who are different with respect and dignity,” Eden explained.
“My service initiative is promoting and teaching American Sign Language to communicate with those who are autistic and non-verbal.”
Eden is most looking forward to the interview portion of the competition. For her talent, she will perform an American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood, a song that holds personal meaning and reminds her of her brother.
A fellow student at Clark County R-1 High School, Eden enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies with her family in her free time. She’s also proud to represent her community.
“I have a lot of hometown pride and it feels good to represent the area,” Eden said.
To cheer on these outstanding young women, a send-off celebration will be held Friday, June 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kaho Coffee Co., 217 W. Commercial St., in Kahoka.
Miss Clark County, Evan Jones of Kahoka, will also be attending the event. She will compete for the Miss Missouri title. Her Community Service Initiative is “Allergy Alert,” which focuses on raising awareness about food allergies and promoting safety for individuals with severe allergies.
Community members are encouraged to attend the send-off and show their support before the contestants head to the competition.
Tickets for the Miss Missouri pageant are available at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 West Jackson Street, or by calling 573-581-2765.
The Missouri Scholarship Organization and its teen program remain the largest scholarship providers for young women in the state, awarding over $32,000 in scholarships to this year’s Teen class alone.
With meaningful platforms, powerful talents, and unwavering hometown support, Emma and Eden are ready to make Northeast Missouri proud as they compete for the title of Miss Missouri’s Teen 2025.
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