EDUCATION: QUEEN STEPS TO STUDENTS' NEEDS

Every little girl wants a crown.

For 10-year-old St. Vincent de Paul student Katie Boyer, it has taken just five years to go from newcomer on the pageant circle to Miss Pre-teen Missouri.

Although she won't be eligible for at least eight years, Boyer has set her sights on being Miss Missouri.

Seeking inspiration and maybe a few pointers, Boyer sent an e-mail message several months ago to the reigning Miss Missouri, Arron Wendel, 24, of Lawson, Mo., inviting her to visit Boyer's school.

The message sparked a pen pal relationship that resulted in Wendel visit to St. Vincent's on Wednesday to talk with students about the importance of mentoring and to perform the dance that helped her win her title last summer.

"I was just touched and knew I wanted to go to as many schools as possible, so I said yes," said Wendel.

Boyer, who was armed with her tiara and Miss Pre-teen Missouri sash during Wendel's visit, said she was "nervous and excited" to meet her idol in person.

Boyer dreams of winning the Miss Missouri title and hopes to be the inspiration for other girls that Wendel has been for her.

"She inspires me because she goes to kids and talks about mentoring," said Boyer. "I really want to be Miss Missouri. It's always been my dream to be a really big famous person."

Wendel downplayed any fame she might have achieved, choosing instead to focus on the need to help children feel safe, set goals and work hard to achieve them. Mentors give hope to children who might otherwise quit trying and do nothing, she said.

She said her own mentor, a counselor, helped her overcome a childhood riddled with physical and emotional abuse and persevere to earn a degree in dance in 1999 from Southwest Missouri State University.

"I think the pain I went through has strengthened me, especially when I think about the people who have helped me," said Wendel. "I would not be standing here today if I had not had people paying attention to me and supporting me."

Lisa Boyer, Katie's mother, said she is glad her daughter has chosen Wendel as a mentor because they share similar values.

Katie Boyer told Wendel if she doesn't achieve riches and fame, she may settle for life as a kindergarten teacher. Wendel told her neither goal was out of reach.

"Just be real," Wendel said. "Be true to who you are. You don't fail when you do that.".