Rory Winter is a 6th grader from Wheatland who just won the title of 2017 Pre-Teen Miss Wyoming from the Little Miss Wyoming Scholarship program. She is the daughter of Ton and Pastor Lincoln Winter.
Winter has been competing in the Little Miss Wyoming pageant system off and on for seven of its 12-year history. Preliminaries are held throughout the state all year and the State competition is held in June in Sheridan. The preliminary in Wheatland for this coming year is slated for February. The age divisions start at 0-2-years-old and go through age 15.
Contestants compete in interview, party dress, casual wear, onstage question and talent. There are optional categories that include photogenic, academics and community service. Girls who are involved in the program develop skills in communication, interview, and public speaking. Along the way they also learn self-confidence, self-esteem, and good sportsmanship. The value of community service is at the core of this pageant system.
For her onstage question she was asked, “What is something you want to learn to do?”
“Well it has to do with what I want to do when I grow up – go to the Air Force Academy to learn how to fly airplanes,” Winter replied. “It might be challenging since I’m afraid of heights, but it will be a great adventure.”
Winter’s motto is, “It’s OK 2 B Who U R,” encouraging everyone to not be afraid to let their true personality shine through.
Winter is incredibly excited to hold her very first state title and is looking forward to her reining year. The activities and community service of Winter and her Queen Sisters can be followed on Facebook under the heading “2017 Little Miss Wyoming Royalty.” Winter was in the Glendo Daze Parade last Saturday and the whole court will be in the Frontier Days Parade after meeting with Governor Mead on July 22.
ABOVE: Winter the night she was crowned with her 6-foot trophy.
