Kuhns to compete in regional pageant

Kimball first grader Ashlynn Kuhns will travel to Rapid City, S.D., May 15-16 to compete in the Our Little Miss regional competition.

This competition teaches youngsters grace under pressure and with contests in talent, interview and a runway walk.

Although Ashlynn's talent is dance, for which she uses different songs, she said she enjoys the runway walk the best.

Ashlynn, who will compete against others girls her age from Nebraska, Montana and South Dakota, said the interview is the hardest contest.

Even so, the quiet 7-year-old won the Our Little Miss title after the preliminary competition in Cheyenne Wyo., on March 21.

One winner is chosen for each age division, but Ashlynn's mother, Dakota, said that two were chosen in Ashlynn's age division - one for Cheyenne and one for Kimball.

"The lady who ran it asked me to try to get my friends to compete," Dakota said. "They didn't want to commit to going to Rapid City if they won at Cheyenne."

Judges complete a scorecard based on contestants grace, smile, attitude and clothing, among other categories, and there are optional competitions as well, according to Dakota.

"One is living doll, prettiest hair, prettiest eyes, prettiest smile and most photogenic," Dakota said.

Ashlynn is currently selling raffle tickets as a program-wide fundraiser. Prizes awarded to the winning raffle tickets include two $500 Visa gift cards.

Proceeds from that fundraiser go to help winners at the regional level pay for entry fees into the national level, awards and the scholarship fund.

Additionally, Ashlynn will be raising funds for her trip to South Dakota.

"We will do some kind of fundraiser, I don't know what yet, in May for Ashlynn's trip," Dakota said.

Winners of the regional competition advance to the worlds, which is the national level, in Minneapolis, Minn., for a week-long competition in July.

Anyone wishing to purchase a raffle ticket or help with Ashlynn's trip to the regional competition can contact Dakota at 307-399-4133.