'MISS JACKSON' ENJOYS VISIT; READY FOR STATE PAGEANT

"Miss Jackson" has been getting to know Jackson the past two weeks.

Christina Heckenkamp, a Quincy, Ill., native, is in the middle of her reign as Miss Jackson and will be representing the city at the Miss Missouri pageant next month. She has been in town since classes ended at Truman State University, speaking to area groups.

Heckenkamp has just completed her junior year at Truman, as sociology/anthropology major. She plans on becoming an elementary teacher. Later she intends to go back and get her Master's and become a junior high guidance counselor.

The Miss Jackson Scholarship Program requires a platform, or area of community service, which figures in the contest judging. Heckenkamp's platform is the awareness and education on eating disorders.

"I had an eating disorder myself," she said. "After going through it, I realized how little information is out there. It's important for people to know so those who have it out there are able to get help. This has given me quite an opportunity to go and explain the importance to knowing about eating disorders."

Heckenkamp did not grow up a perpetual beauty pageant contestant.

"I never grew up with pageants," she said. "I was Miss River City and was county fair queen one year; those were about it. It's a lot more work than what you would think -- but it's also more rewarding. It's a wonderful opportunity for a person to go and do things and meet others."

The Miss Jackson Scholarship Program provides a $2,000 scholarship to the winner, to be used at the school of her choice.

"I'd like to thank Jackson for its generosity and support," Heckenkamp said, "and the businesses who support the program. The $2,000 scholarship is one of the largest in the state. That says a lot about Jackson. I also appreciate the A.B.W.A., who sponsors the program, and Kent and Marybeth Williams. They've been more than kind."

Heckenkamp has stayed with the Williamses, who have served basically as her personal managers during her visit.

She will report to Mexico, Mo., June 6 to begin the Miss Missouri Pageant. The winner will be crowned June 12 and will go on to compete in the Miss America Pageant.

"You get to know most of the girls during the competition," she said. "It is weird to think tha tone of us is going to go to the Miss America Pageant.

Meanwhile, Heckenkamp has been enjoying getting to know the community she represents.

"I've been down quite a few times since the pageant (in November)," she said. "I'm beginning to learn my way around all the streets. It's a wonderful town."