Three elementary school girls from Nome are headed to Anchorage later this week to compete in the Miss Alaska Elementary, Jr. High, High School, and Collegiate Pageant (JHC). The trio, Liliana Bickford, Mercedes Ventress, and Azaleigha Stickman, along with their mothers, are preparing for the October 26 event that will test their public speaking and confidence on a statewide stage.
The idea of participating in a pageant began when Ventress received a flyer from her second-grade teacher. The now-third-grader said she saw the crowned women and thought, “Oh, I want to get a crown.” But Ventress says it’s more than just the tiara.
“It helps me speak up more,” Ventress said, adding that the competition is also a chance to improve her public speaking.
Ashley Payenna, Azaleigha's mother, said pageants like Miss Alaska strike a healthy balance between pageantry and self-expression.
“We tend to look at the semi-glitz pageants because I want my daughter to feel beautiful in her own skin,” Payenna explained.
The focus, she said, is on teaching her daughter to share her unique story and speak publicly while feeling confident in her identity as a Native Alaskan.
The journey to compete in Anchorage is not without its challenges. Participating in the Miss Alaska competition involves rigorous preparation, from practicing interview skills to preparing outfits.
On top of that, logistical hurdles arise from Nome’s rural location. Travel costs for airfare, lodging, and other expenses are all factors that the families must account for. The trio of moms have teamed up to make the experience possible for the young girls.
Rachel Ventress, Mercedes’ mother, initially posted on Facebook hoping to find others interested in the pageant.
Rebekka Bickford, Liliana’s mother, responded and soon after Payenna joined the group too, bringing with her extensive experience in pageantry going all the way back to winning Miss WEIO in 2006.
Fundraisers, donations, and words of encouragement have also flowed in to help the families with expenses.
“Nome is just a great community,” Ventress said. “Everyone has been very positive about them and recognizing that they’re doing something that’s hard.”
Although this is not a talent-based competition, the girls will compete in three categories: evening gown, fun fashion, and interviews.
There’s also a “crowd favorite” online poll that the community is invited to vote on.
The Elementary Miss Alaska pageant will take place on October 26.
