 Pageant 101 introduces Forest View Middle School girls to Pageant Queens. Hady Clotter shows us how Pageant Queens teach young girls skills they can use later in life. Pageants are a little bit more than just, you know, the looks, the beauty, how skinny you are. It's more than that. It's just it's being yourself, it's having fun, it's learning how to hold yourself up and be confident. Hills, crown and a sash are associated with pageants but Pageant Queens have a purpose. Directors Vicki Randall and her husband Bill of the Minnesota United States Pageant spoke to about 30 girls at Forest View Middle School for Exploration Day to teach them life skills. Pageantry lets each individual just excel within themselves and become successful so the growth that comes from it I think is huge that you're not going to find in any other group or organization that you decide to join. Since 2011 Jackie Thurlow has competed in pageants but she got off to a rough start. She competed 11 times before winning her current title and she never gave up. I really was determined because I knew that this was something I really wanted, this title being a representative. I knew I could do the job. I just wasn't ready at that time. As Ms. Baxter Thurlow has applied was she discovered in pageantry to her career in the health field when her boss asked her to do a presentation in front of 250 people she was ready. I was actually able to take out some of my skills. Was it as polished as maybe I would hope it would be? Probably not but that was a while ago and now I've been able to grow and develop and I know this next year. I have to for sure speak at that event again and they invited me back. Holding a title in pageants is also considered a job. The ladies make appearances and do their part within the community by supporting their causes such as health and wellness or ending child hunger. The director stressed the importance of public speaking and interviewing skills that way young girls know how to present themselves when they're trying to land that dream job. The girls practice interviewing there were told to make eye contact and be sure not to chew gum. They also learned to dress professionally so they can make a good impression. Brooklyn Abramsome sees herself competing in a pageant one day and says the life skills can help her in many ways. I really enjoy theater so I think that might help me for like speaking out for auditioning and being up on stage and just looking mature. Last but not least came the fun part doing a walk and signature pose in Brainerd, Haiti Clotter, Lakeland News. Jackie Thurlow along with Hannah True will participate in the 2017 Minnesota United States pageant in Brainerd on February 18th. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.