Written by SMT writer

Jessica Snider

This weekend the annual Miss Stoddard County Pageant was held in Dexter. This pageant is specifically for contestants who have placed in a pageant within the past twelve months.

 The Xi Lambda Psi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Sorority sponsored the event and all proceeds go to help local charities in our communities. There was a great turn out of contestants in all categories this year. Though every girl looked beautiful on stage, however the judges must narrow it down to a queen, a first alternate, and a second alternate. The job of judging is one that many of us would find very difficult to do in a beauty pageant.

 The Miss Stoddard County was crowned Sunday afternoon. Sophie Thorn of Bloomfield, Missouri, took the crown and is now the 2012 Miss Stoddard County. Along with her, Lauren Thrower of Dexter took home first alternate, and Taylor Owens won second alternate.

Sophie is the Daughter of  Tony and Laura Thorn of Bloomfield.  Lauren is the daughter of Lori Hawkins and Bob Thrower of Dexter.  Taylor is the daughter of Ken and Shannon Owens also of Dexter.

A big congratulations goes out to these three girls along with all of the contestants who participated! All of the contestants work very hard to get ready for these pageants and deserve this moment in the spotlight.

Be sure to attend the Stoddard County Parade that begins at 5:30 today.  The parade will be filled emergency vehicles, bands and of course the area queens.

All three of these young ladies have been crowned queen in various area events and will be involved in the parades as well.