The 16 young women competing at the 2017 Miss Nebraska Pageant kicked off a full week of events Sunday afternoon that will culminate with the crowning of a new Miss Nebraska. Local titleholders from across the state were special guests at the 2017 Miss Nebraska Pageant Opening Ceremonies at Platte River Mall. We welcome you to use the attached photo; please courtesy Kamie Stephen Photography. The contestants will take part in preliminary competition Wednesday and Thursday, and attend the 80th Anniversary Gala Friday night. The Top 8 contestants will compete Saturday night for a record number of cash, prizes and college scholarships and the chance to represent Nebraska at the 2018 Miss America Pageant.
The Miss Nebraska Class of 2017 includes:
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Courtney Pelland of North Platte, who will attend Midland University with at least $60,000 in scholarships from participating in the Miss Nebraska Organization
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Tristen Wecker of Minatare, a sexual assault survivor now advocating for other victims of abuse and sexual assault awareness
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Allison Tietjen of Chester, who has helped raise an estimated $30,000 for Nebraska Honor Flights; she has also accompanied veterans on these flights several times
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Jessica Shultis of Dannebrog, a former Doane basketball player, now working to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network while surviving cancer herself
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Lianna Prill of Holdrege, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student and past D.J.’s Hero Award Winner, honored for her work spreading awareness of Celiac Disease
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Jaicelyn Shakespaere of Verdigre, who has lost more than 50 pounds in the last year preparing to compete for Miss Nebraska
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Kaelia Nelson of Alliance, a Peru State College student who has spoken with multiple groups about her struggle with mental illness
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Alayna Wilson of Columbus, who has focused her year as Miss Gering advocating for Sammy’s Superheroes, promoting awareness of childhood cancer
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Wellesley Michael of Omaha, who has visited dozens of metro area schools teaching students about mindfulness, calming techniques and yoga
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Emma Wilkinson of North Platte, a future Baylor University student, selected for several state choirs across Nebraska
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Kogan Murphy of Omaha, a professional ballerina with Ballet Nebraska
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Jenni Wahonick of Papillion, a special education teacher who will present a Slam poetry piece advocating for educators
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Devin Owens of Omaha, a University of Nebraska-Omaha student who founded Project Poise, a leadership initiative for young women in low income areas
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Shaniah Freeseman of Gordon, a multi-sport athlete who will attend Eastern Wyoming College on a volleyball scholarship
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Nikki-Catrina Anderson of Scottsbluff, a Brigham Young University student who has held multiple events collecting donated books and encouraging literacy
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Krista Hinrichs of Lincoln, a member of the Midland University Dance Team, who has spent her year as Miss Kool-Aid Days spreading awareness of distracted driving
The 2017 Miss Nebraska Pageant takes place June 7-10 in North Platte, Nebraska and will be streamed LIVE online. Contestant photos, titles, interviews and more available upon request. Please contact Brandi Petersen, Co-Marketing Director at marketing@missnebraska.org.