Kaycee Krell Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Kaycee Krell is passionate about bullying and suicide prevention, a future wellness specialist, and the current Miss Cowley County. I was so flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Kaycee Krell visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Cowley County crown? 

After I was crowned Miss Cowley County 2023 in September, my amazing parents took me to Braum’s (my road trip treat) and we drove the three hours back to Leawood. I vividly remember getting in the car and crying just staring at my crown and sash feeling so proud that I did it! 

What part of the upcoming Miss Kansas competition are you most nervous about? 

I am a diehard perfectionist and hold myself to an incredibly high standard. I wouldn’t say I am nervous per se, but I am definitely anxious about being able to perform the way I practice! I put my heart and soul into everything I do, especially when preparing for the Miss Kansas competition, so the pressure to reach my goals and make myself proud is immense! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Cowley County? 

Definitely the partnerships and sponsorships I have established. I knew that I wanted to expand my CSI this year of service, but I am incredibly humbled to have brought on REDCARD KC, DARE Greater Kansas Chapter, and BabyJay’s Legacy of Hope as my partners. I still have some in the works! At this point, I have also brought on 15 brand new sponsors and counting. I am just surprised and appreciative by the amount of support I have received from local businesses and organizations this year! 

How did you select your CSI “The MIRROR: A Reflection on Bullying and Suicide Prevention? 

My passion stems from my own tragic story as a bully victim. Six years ago, I was forced out of my high school when I was falsely accused of “snitching” on students using illegal substances. I faced a mob of over 400 students chasing me down the hallway trying to kill me. I endured daily abuse, hate crimes, death threats, and all of the horrible acts you could ever imagine. Not only was this detrimental to my growth and development as a brand new freshman, but it followed me to the next four high schools that I would later have to attend because I could never escape the false persona made for me or the bullying that it attracted. Yes, my experience was traumatic, but it led me to build an entire platform focused on saving the lives of bully victims and helping them regain their strength, just like I did. 

I established six steps toward overcoming bullying guided by the acronym M.I.R.R.O.R., because I want everyone to be able to look into the mirror and recognize their inner strength–recognition and reflection are the first steps to healing. This framework brought me out of some of my darkest times and I have seen firsthand the impact it has on the lives of others who have gone through similar experiences. 

You’re currently studying Community Health at the University of Kansas? What drew you down that path? 

I actually started out as a Journalism major wanting to go into

News Anchoring. I quickly realized I was listening to everyone else’s opinion of what I would be good at instead of what I knew deep down I wanted to do. I have always been passionate about healing others, whether that was abandoned animals at an animal shelter, cancer patients at my local hospital, elderly individuals in a nursing home, or ultimately victims of bullying like I once was. My sophomore year, I found the courage to deviate from the path that was chosen for me, and instead follow my dreams of pursuing a career in healthcare. 

As someone who has struggled with health conditions, I was validated by many healthcare professionals and I want to replicate that positive and nurturing experience for others. I want to be a Wellness Specialist either in a corporate setting, for a nonprofit organization, or a hospital. This ambition stemmed from serving as the Wellness Specialist for a sorority I was part of in earlier years of college. Promoting the utmost healthy lifestyle (mentally and physically) is a passion of mine and I want to help others reshape their behaviors and patterns and live a life they can’t wait to wake up to! 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

I would be Mirabel from Encanto! Her story resonates with me a lot and I see myself in her. She was surrounded by others who received “gifts” and spent years searching for her own, but she was always encouraging those around her despite her own internal struggle. She never villainized her family members who had gifts or acted on jealousy, she was in awe of them and treated them as such. Her gift was not something tangible, it was the power and knowledge she possessed inside. She is a perfect reminder that the gifts we have in life may not be traditional, but we are always given exactly what is meant for us! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Kansas City Royals, who would you take with you? Why? 

Last year around this time I saw the Kansas City Royals play the St. Louis Cardinals and, of course, KC won! If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Royals, I would take my sister who is my best friend. Although she is not into sports at all, I think she’d be amazed by the funnel cake (but only if it is dairy free!) 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? 

In high school, I was the designated National Anthem singer for all of the sporting events and it was the biggest honor and joy for me. I’d love to sing the National Anthem at an MLB game for sure!

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That would definitely be a fantastic experience!

As always, I want to thank Kaycee for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Kansas! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Kaycee during her journey as Miss Cowley County. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. In fact, check out her whole linktree. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Kaycee, and good luck!   

Katelyn Andrist Visits Section 36

Photo: Tobie Andrews

Section 36 had another visitor! Katelyn Andrist is passionate about self acceptance, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Walnut Valley. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Katelyn Andrist visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Walnut Valley crown?

After being Crowned Miss Walnut Valley I celebrated my win with my family, friends, candidates, and the little princesses who came to watch. It was very important to not make this about myself, but to make it something special for the little princesses because one day they will be in my shoes.

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Walnut Valley competition that will help you when you compete for Miss Kansas this summer?

At the Miss Walnut Valley competition I learned I have the voice and the power to command a room. While in the private interview and on stage I had all eyes on me to advocate for all ages about self-confidence. I saw my inner and outer self- confidence grow into something unstoppable. I learned with my skills and talent I need to have more self-compassion for myself. I need to break away from the mindset of being perfect in every single aspect of competition. I am human and make mistakes. Overall, I have learned to be more soft and create self-compassion for myself. When competing for Miss Kansas this June there is a lot of pressure put on myself that I create. Now, this year I can learn to be more soft, gentle, and kind to myself like I do for others. I advocate for self-love and self-confidence which is a journey that I need to understand as well.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Walnut Valley?

During my time as Miss Walnut Valley I want to double my community service projects from last year. I completed 14 different projects all over Kansas. This year I want to do at least 20 different community projects with different groups of local communities. As Miss Walnut Valley I want to make a difference in my community and change people’s lives the best way I can. I want people around me to feel seen, loved and important. I want people to remember me for my servant heart because people remember how you made them feel. Therefore, my goal is to create a legacy and become a role model for my community.

How did you select your social impact initiative?

My social impact initiative is “Inner Self-Love, Self-Beauty Creates Your Journey to Acceptance.” I wanted an initiative that was genuine and powerful. A lot of ages and genders do not like talking about their mental health, body image, and self-confidence. I wanted to be that person to speak out and educate others around me. My journey could be that example for a little girl or boy who is struggling about finding out who they are. I am still growing and changing day by day. Throughout anyone’s life we all have struggled with one or all three of these topics. It is important to connect and create a bond with people through my initiative. I want to change people’s lives and mindset. Creating healthier, positive and stronger communities with mental health, body image, and self confidence.

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

Performing on the stage allows me to show my heart and passion to the audience. They can see my softer side because I perform lyrical or contemporary. This allows the audience to see my struggle, pain, happiness, and growth throughout my dance. My dance showcases my journey of understanding myself of the aspects of body image, self-confidence, and mental health. Being a dancer of 20 years I have struggles with self-confidence and body image. Throughout my years of dancing I have built up my self-confidence and understanding of my body. Therefore, when performing I always want to showcase my skills of dancing, mindset, and physical aspects.

How would you complete the sentence “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I get great satisfaction when I know I have made a difference in one person’s life because the smallest act of kindness has the biggest impact on one’s heart.

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would be Cinderella because she is kind, giving, genuine, and overall a selfless person. I think she is a good role model to show everyone kindness and respect even if they don’t deserve it. In my life I want to always show kindness and respect to each individual. Again, people remember how you made them feel and the kind / soft gestures you did.

If you had an extra ticket to a KC Royals game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my 97 year old great grandmother Mary. She has been my biggest support system in everything I do. I always want to strive to be the selfless, genuine, kind, outgoing, and powerful woman she is. Everything I do in life and pageants is for her. I love sharing moments and memories with her. She is something so special to me and this world. It is a blessing to be able to still have her in my life.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

At a baseball game I would like to experience meeting new people and talking to the crowd, staff, and baseball players. I love hearing everyone's experiences and stories of life. I am humble and grateful people intrust me to hear their moments of struggles and happiness. I have a few activities in mind which would include singing the National Anthem, pitching on the field, and having a table full of education flyers, gifts, and candy to advocate for my social initiative.

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That all sounds like a lot of fun!

As always, I want to thank Katelyn for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture to go with the interview.

As Katelyn continues her time as Miss Walnut Valley, I encourage you to check out her title and personal Instagram accounts! They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also want to wish Katelyn luck when she competes for Miss Kansas! It would be fantastic to have the first Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Katelyn, and good luck!

Dakota Derstein Visits Section 36!

Photo by Brittney Seger

Section 36 has another visitor! Dakota Derstein is passionate about wildlife, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Santa Fe Trail. I was excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Dakota Derstein visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Santa Fe Trail crown?
After winning I actually celebrated with convenience store snacks, I'm a sucker for a Dr. Pepper, and a two hour drive back home. Once I was home, I recapped my views of the competition with my family and a few days later I celebrated by having my favorite meal at a local restaurant!

What have you learned about yourself at past competitions that will help you when you compete for Miss Kansas? 
Each year of competition has taught me something different: humility, friendship, strength, fear, pride. The Miss Kansas competition teaches being humble while also being proud of your accomplishments. It's quite the balancing act, I used to struggle the most with wanting to show the judges everything about me and holding some of it back, afraid to overwhelm them. This is my final year of eligibility, so I'm simply going to be myself. 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Santa Fe Trail?
The most pleasant experience thus far was the support I had

from my local directors and the state board when I was offered my internship at Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. They all supported me in wanting to move out to the west coast for six months to pursue that dream!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “C.A.R.E.: Conserving And Restoring Ecosystems”?
My love for animals has always stemmed from a young age, growing up watching Steve Irwin is what filled my free time. C.A.R.E. is meant to focus on interspecies relationships, meaning between different species. I had different social impact initiatives before, the positive impact of 4-H, and students against drunk and drugged driving, platforms that are still very important to me. Judges typically ask an animal or environment related question due to my college studies but after being asked the importance of bees and how straws usage affects sea turtles, a judge gave my directors the feedback: "why isn't she always talking about animals?" The judge saw my passion for other creatures and my university classes showed me the importance behind caring about how we treat the planet.

You were able to intern at Wildlife Safari in Oregon. What was that experience like?

I wish there was one word to describe it, but there isn't. I was able to be part of a team that is ranked as the number two cheetah breeding facility on Earth and the number one breeding facility outside of Africa. I woke up everyday and drove to a safari park where I heard cheetahs purr when we arrived because they were happy to see us. I could be mere feet away from a lion pride when they all roared in the evenings. In-between feeding bears and training tigers, I got to teach guests all about the amazing animals that we cared for and continued to inspire new people. 

What is your personal fitness routine?
My fitness routine has varied over the past few years. As a Tiger Deb dancer at Fort Hays State University I went to a yoga class once a week, lifted weights once or twice a week, had three practices a week, and ran a timed mile once every month- that doesn't include the game days! While in Oregon I didn't have access to a gym and my work days were filled with manual labor, lots of heavy lifting and constantly walking.

Currently, I still practice dance 2-3 times a week and I run or bike when the weather permits- Covid-19 has made it hard to go to a gym so I focus on controlling my meal portions as well.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
This actually may be the hardest question for me! I thought, Pocahontas because she was connected to nature and was kindhearted, or Ariel because she's adventurous and loved her home in the ocean. But I think I'd pick Jane, from Tarzan, because she was all of those things too and her father taught her a love for animals but also a respect to help them. She was always drawing animals and admiring them, and she wasn't searching for love- but she found love when she stood up for what she believed in. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Kansas City Royals game, who would you take with you? Why?
I would probably take my mom! She's a big sports fan and she's never been to a game so I'd like to share that first time experience with her!

Is there a feature or activity at a Royals game that you’d especially like to experience?
There's an inside joke in my family that I'm a dancer (not a singer) for a reason, so we say at any sports event I would probably be more likely to present the game ball rather than sing the National Anthem, but I'll take it one step further and say I'd like to throw the first pitch!

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That's always been something I'd love to do too! 

As always, I want to thank Dakota for visiting with us, and for sending along the fantastic pictures to go with the interview.

As Dakota continues her time as Miss Santa Fe Trail, I encourage you to follow her on Facebook as well as her personal and official Instagram accounts. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Kansas title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!
 
Thanks again Dakota, and good luck!

Allie Gier Visits Section 36!

Photo by Josh Roesener

Section 36 has another visitor! Allie Gier is passionate about giving hope to people with depression and anxiety, a talented stage orator, and the current Miss Butler County. I was so excited she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Allie Gier visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Butler County crown?

Since it was just my mom and I who drove up to Augusta we went to Walmart and bought a whole bunch of snacks and watched movies in the hotel all night! I wouldn’t trade that memory for the world!

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Butler County?

One thing that is really surprised me so far as Miss Butler County is the close knit community of Augusta! Every time I go, I feel so welcomed by everyone there!

Since this will be your first time competing for Miss Kansas after competing in the Teen program, what part of the competition are you most nervous about?

I think the most nerve-racking part is getting to be on stage with so many other amazing and talented women!

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Depression and Anxiety: There is Hope”? 

I chose my social impact initiative for two reasons. One is that I’ve been suffering from severe depression and anxiety for quite a few years. The second reason is because I lost a dear friend of mine freshman year to suicide, it was something that really impacted me and I decided I wanted to help make a change.

What goes into creating a great monologue to perform on stage?

Lots and lots of drafts! My monologue went through five or six different drafts before I was finally happy with the current piece!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be any Disney character for a week it would definitely be Rapunzel!! I adore her both with her long and short hair. She has such a kind and brave heart and she knows what she wants!

You were a member of the state champion DC Explosion softball team. What do you remember most from that season?

My summer ball team was state champion back in 2018. A really memorable moment from the season was the moment I stepped up to the plate. I grabbed my bat by the barrel, looked up at God and asked him for strength. The ball came in and I swung, smacking the ball between first and second baseman and past the right fielder. Two girls scored putting us ahead by one point. Switching and going out on the field (I was left fielder) was intense. But we got three outs as each girl came up to the plate. The moment we got the third out we all ran into the pictures circle and we all started crying. We were state champions! On top of that we beat our rival team! 

You were able to make an appearance at a Dodge City A’s collegiate baseball league game. What was that experience like?

I’ve been throwing pitches for the Dodge city A’s for four years as a DC explosion player, but let me tell ya, throwing a pitch in a crown and sash is a whole different ball game!

If you had an extra ticket to a Royals game, who would you bring with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to go see the Royals I would definitely take my dad! I’ve always grown up watching the Royals. I have a baseball that is signed by the team players when they won the World Series back in 1985! My father and I have always bonded over baseball and softball!

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That sounds like it would be a great time!

As usual, I want to thank Allie for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Allie continues her time as Miss Butler County, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram and Facebook Pages. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything she’ll have going on.

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss Kansas title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Allie, and good luck!

Sierra Bonn Visits Section 36

Section 36 has a new visitor! The first visitor from the state of Kansas, Sierra Bonn is a talented violinist, a STEAM advocate, and

the current Miss Augusta. I'm glad we were able to find some time for her visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I hope you enjoy what she had to say!

So, lets see what happens when Sierra Bonn visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Augusta crown?

Immediately after the pageant, I went straight to a restaurant to get some much needed carbs — I love French fries. My mom (aka, my ultimate pageant supporter) and I then pulled out our planners and started getting to work, figuring out exactly how I’d like to spend my time as Miss Augusta!

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Augusta?

I run an initiative called “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead!” which promotes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education and engagement to empower young women to see their potential to thrive in STEAM careers. One facet of that education is to show young women the incredible and inspiring women who have come before them and paved the way in STEAM fields. I’m very fortunate to have accomplished one of my larger goals just last week — I worked with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and her office to officially proclaim and institute a Women in STEAM week, a celebration to highlight women throughout history, and to provide them as role models for future generations. The next goal is to get funding for teachers across the state to have resources to celebrate this new holiday!

What portion of the upcoming Miss Kansas competition are you most nervous about?

This is probably cheesy, but something that has been on my mind throughout my time as Miss Augusta is how much I want to make Augusta proud. This year is Augusta’s 150th birthday, and it has been a huge honor to represent the community for such a monumental anniversary. Being able to learn about the people of Augusta, both of the past and the present, I’ve come to understand how hardworking, kind, resilient, and supportive the community is. It’s a small community, but a strong one. I want to make sure I represent them well on the Miss Kansas stage.

How did you select your platform, “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead”?

Women make up around one fifth of the workers employed in science, technology, and engineering jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and for women of color, that percentage is even smaller. In order to grow the trend of women in STEAM fields, girls must be encouraged at a young age that they are capable of accomplishing incredible engineering feats and scientific discoveries. “Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead!” was created as a way to impact girls across the country and to empower them to make the world a better place by contributing their skills and talents. I needed a role model when I was younger, and by promoting this program through the Miss America Organization, it gives me the platform to serve as a role model for aspiring scientists, engineers, and artists.

As a talented violinist, what’s your favorite part about performing on stage? 

STEAM education focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. Without the creativity and passion that the arts bring to the equation, students of STEAM would lack crucial collaboration skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills and empathy. I’ve played the violin for 12 years, and in that time I’ve learned how math and music intersect when counting time, how the science of sound is translated to the audience, how technological advancements in the way a violin is engineered affects the tone and pitch. The Arts and the Sciences should not be seen at odds, pitted against each other — they are infinitely and intrinsically related, which is why I love having the opportunity to not only promote my social impact statement on stage, but also to express myself creatively.

You were recently able to travel to Boston, not far from Fenway. What was the trip like?

Yes! I had never been to Boston before this trip, but I’ve fallen in love and don’t want to leave. I got to walk all over the Back Bay

and saw some neat historical landmarks, and I ate an obnoxious amount of food. I think my favorite part might have been Quincy Marketplace, where I had some delicious clam chowder in a bread bowl (told you, I love carbs), and got to listen to some talented performers while I just chilled out and met some very kind and friendly Bostonians.

I came to attend the ACPA Conference for student affairs and higher education. For the first few years of college, I had worked at Wichita State University’s Office of First-Year Programs, where we focused on orientation, transition, and retention. I had a terrible transition to college, and I know that without the support I received from student affairs professionals, I probably would not have continued with my education -- I am eternally grateful for them. Someday, I’d like to return to higher education as an Engineering Educator, helping future generations of engineering students receive the support and resources they need to be successful.

Which Marvel Character would you say is most like you?

*Black Sabbath plays in the distance* I am Iron Man. As a biomedical engineer, I fangirled so hard when I realized that the Iron Man suits are just advanced prosthesis. I love wearable technologies, one of my career goals is to run a non-profit to provide low-cost medical technologies for underserved areas, and I would love to build the Iron Man suit one day! In fact, my sorority sisters at WSU voted me most likely to become Iron (Wo)Man… two years in a row. My love for wearable technologies and biomedical engineering could provide you a whole separate interview on it’s own!

As a KC Royals fan, who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

Mookie Betts is an interesting character, he’s garnered some pretty great accolades, but I think I like him because he’s also a bowler! Wichita State University has an awesome bowling team — a few of my friends make up the bowling squad and I also bowled in high school (very terribly, for the record). I think it’s neat that he has many different interests and talents, especially being skilled in two very different sports. 

If you had two tickets to see the Red Sox play the Royals in Fenway Park, who would you take with you?

My dad, definitely! Last time I went to a Royals game, he wasn’t able to join me because he was undergoing the final stages of cancer treatment. Now that he’s back in “fighting shape,” it would be an honor to hang out, eat hotdogs, and watch our buddy Whit play. 

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That is a wonderful answer!

As usual, I want to thank to Sierra for doing this interview, and for sending along some wonderful pictures.  It was so amazing of her to bring her Section 36 shirt with her on her Boston trip for those great pictures. (and thanks to Rodrigo Larioss for taking those shots!) I also certainly want to wish her the best of luck as she competes for the Miss Kansas. Hopefully she'll be the first Section 36 visitor to wear that crown!

As Sierra continues her time as Miss Augusta, be sure to check out her official Miss Augusta Facebook page to keep up to date. You should also check out her platform's Full STEAM Ahead website. There's a lot of great information there about how STEAM should play an important role in our schools.

Thanks again Sierra, and good luck!