Kimball second-grader wins 'Our Little Miss' pageant

Ashlynn Kuhns, a 7-year-old from Kimball, recently won the "Our Little Miss" title at the preliminary competition in Cheyenne, Wyo. She was also awarded with the "living doll" award.

According to her step-mother Dakota Robbins, Nebraska doesn't offer an "Our Little Miss" pageant.

Several of Ashlynn's relatives residen in Sidney. They include: grandparents, Arnie and Sherrie Biberos, Rob and Regina Kuhns and Scott Padilla; and her step-father and mother, Kennth and Danielle Lancaster.

"This is her first year competing in pageants," Robbins said. "I saw a post on Facebook about the competition being in Cheyenne and asked Ashlynn if she wanted to compete. She said 'yes' and was really excited about it. So I contacted the lady who runs the pageants to see if it was OK for Ashlynn to compete even though we live in Kimball. "

The Little Miss Wyoming nonprofit youth scholarship program helps girls develop skills in communication, interview, public speaking and talent. By participating in the pageants the program helps to encourage a strong understanding of the importance of serving their communities, strive for academic excellence and create an indescribable bond with their parents through the preparation and activities associated with this program.

Robbins said the second-grader competed in the interview, party dress and casual wear categories. Kuhn also performed a dance for the talent portion.

The girls competing in their respective age groups are judged on their poise, smiles, attitudes, clothing and talent. There are also different category winners such as "living doll," prettiest hair, smile and eyes, most photogenic and personality award.

Kuhns will next compete at the "Our Little Miss" regional competition May 15-16 in Sheridan, Wyo.

The winners of the regional pageants advance to the national competition in July in Minneapolis.