On Sunday, September 28, I had the opportunity to compete in the Oktoberfest Pageant. I would not have considered myself a pageant girl whatsoever, but participating in this pageant made me realize pageants are not what most people assume them to be. Instead, it is something that helps young women build their self-esteem. I left the pageant on Sunday with several life skills.
I was not planning on participating in Miss Oktoberfest at all. However, I was asked by several friends to compete in the pageant, so I said yes. After a bunch of stress and nerves, it was pageant day. I felt confident as the interviews were completed the day before. I felt I had done well, so my confidence was high leading into pageant day. I walked across that stage with a smile on my face and a pep in my step. I was feeling so optimistic; there were three crowns and seven awards. There were eight contestants, so I was bound to get something right? Nope, I did not win anything.
I was left with nothing, not a crown, not a paper, not even a pin in front of an auditorium full of strangers, friends, and family. However, I kept a smile on my face and congratulated all of the contestants and winners. I was left feeling less than worthy and stupid. I spent my own money on outfits to get nothing. After the pageant, several friends and “pageant moms” were consoling me, telling me it was only my first pageant, and I could not let it get me down.
One might think the results of the pageant left me with a negative view of pageants, but I do not. Pageants are a way for women and young girls to express themselves and build self-confidence. I learned so much about pageants, but more importantly, about myself through this experience.
After all of my crying and self-loathing, I began to instead think about all of the good that came out of the pageant. I learned so much. I learned how to sit during an interview, how to give short, detailed responses, how to walk in six-inch heels, and how to smile. The most important thing that I learned, however, was how to love myself. I learned I need to continue to trust in the Lord and to remember he has a plan for me. Lewis Cass alumni and inaugural Oktoberfest Queen, Kyah Preston, has competed in several pageants, including, just recently, Miss America Organization pageants. When asked how pageants have helped build her confidence in herself, “I can confidently say that they (pageants) have made me into the woman I am today. While competing in pageantry, it has taught me confidence, communication skills, how to problem solve, and poise. It truly is a night and day difference from where I started communication-wise before competing to now.” In the time I spent with Kyah, I can say agree she is very confident in who she is, and I truly look up to her.
Some people view pageants from a negative perspective that affects women’s and young girls’ mental health. In my experience, pageants can be a positive thing even without winning the crown. In an interview with Anabel Reckon, Lara Hakamaki, director of Michigan Psychological Care, states, “When I first joined (the pageant), I thought that it was going to be a bunch of catty girls who were out for the crown and would tear you down to get themselves out, but when you really get into it, you have more confidence than ever before because all of these amazing, beautiful women that you look up to are looking up to you and telling you how amazing you are.” This shows that in the pageant world, there is so much love and support from all of the girls.
One aspect I was really looking forward to going into this pageant was the friends I hoped to make. I met some of the best people participating in this experience. I realized it was not about the crown or sash, it was about friendships. Some people think competing in a pageant is about comparing yourself to the other girls, but it is not. When asked how women can use pageants to uplift each other and not compare themselves, Preston stated, “The biggest thing is the idea of sisterhood and bonding together through what seems to be a scary interview or scary modeling portion. I feel that women get in their heads that they aren’t good enough, but that is why we have girls surrounding us to remind us that we were made for this moment and that we are unique.”
At the end of the competition, one point I needed to remind myself of was that the crown does not determine my beauty or worth. I was the same, goofy Olivia, I was before the pageant. The crown is just a decoration. Miss Oktoberfest 2025 1st Runner Up, Rylan Preston, was asked how she can remind others that confidence is much more than a crown. Rylan stated, “A crown is not what defines a person. Having confidence in the Lord is the most important thing to have. When we know where our true identity comes from and a crown doesn’t compare to the crown the Lord has given us as his beautiful daughters in Christ.” This is truly so inspiring. Rylan lives her life for the Lord, and she shows it in everything she does. She is a fantastic mentor.
After all that happened at the pageant, I have made the decision that I am going to continue to participate in pageants. I feel as if I have grown so much by competing in Miss Oktoberfest. I recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and trying a pageant. Preston was asked what she would tell someone who was on the fence about trying a pageant. Her response was, “Please just jump in and do it! I have only ever competed in my county pageants or the festival pageant in my county, and I just stepped out of faith and competed at my first Miss America organization and got third runner up, a scholarship, and the People’s Choice. I say this because so many times women like I do get in their heads and think they aren’t good or aren’t the pageant type, but to that I say just go for it, you never know what will happen.” I hope to see more Lewis Cass girls in pageants and building their confidence!
