Cool Kids: Fifth-grader finds pageants fun, inspiring
“I’m a girly-girl with a contagious laugh,” says Woodridge Elementary fifth-grader Heidi Wiebers, when asked to describe her personality recently. “I have an upbeat personality, and I am always happy,” the precocious 10-year-old says.
In her second National American Miss state pageant, Heidi was crowned National American Miss Washington Junior Pre-Teen Cover Girl on Sept. 1 in Sea-Tac, Wash. Heidi began her pageant career last year. Her family received a pamphlet in the mail, and her parents thought that it would be a great experience for their daughter.
“We’ve seen (Heidi) mature going through the pageant process,” says her mother, Kathy Wiebers, from the family’s backyard gazebo. “Her introduction to the judges surprised me. It was nice to see that she wasn’t afraid. She was also very compassionate to the other girls.”
“We’re proud of Heidi’s growth in self-confidence, poise and the hard work she’s put into it,” says Heidi’s dad, Jim Wiebers. “We hope it will help her be more of a leader as she grows up.”
This year, as in the previous year, Heidi’s dad acted as her escort. However, when Heidi competes in November for the national pageant in Anaheim, Calif., her younger brother, Andrew, will be her escort.
Heidi was selected as Cover Girl in her age division. She also won the Spirit of America Award.
In preparation for the upcoming national pageant, Heidi has been performing community service at Regency Care, where she helps some of the residents with bingo.
“I flip the number panels for them because some of them can’t see them,” she says of her experience.
In addition to the trophies, crowns and banner, Heidi also received roses, host hotel accommodations, the Spirit Award, the Portfolio Award, airfare and hotel accommodations for Anaheim, cash and an iPod.
When she isn’t preparing for and competing in pageants, Heidi participates in ballet twice a week. She also enjoys skiing and traveling with her family. She has seen 20 American states and visited Canada and Mexico.
When asked what she has learned from her experience, she ponders a moment and replies, “I’ve learned to speak to adults. I’m more comfortable getting up in front of people. I’ve made a lot of friends. I would recommend pageants to other girls because it is fun.”