MISS MISSOURI VISITS STUDENTS IN CAPE, SINGS AT SEMO BALL GAME

Michelle Eise wouldn't be where she is today without a winning attitude.

The reigning Miss Missouri tried five times -- that's right, five times -- before winning the title last June. She said her achievement wouldn't have been possible if she hadn't worked hard and believed in herself.

"There's no way I would have won this if I didn't have confidence in myself and had been a quitter," she told students at Washington Elementary School as she showed off her crown.

Eise delivered a message of positive thinking and perseverance to students at Washington, May Greene and Franklin schools and at the Division of Youth Services during assemblies Thursday. Her visit was sponsored by the local AmeriCorps program and the Miss Malden pageant scheduled for today.

Besides visiting the schools, Eise also signed photos and books during a benefit book fair held at Barnes & Noble and performed the National Anthem before the Southeast Missouri State University basketball game later that night.

"The Miss Missouri pageant works with AmeriCorps to promote community service projects," said program manager Michael Harris. "She's speaking to the kids about making good choices and helping others."

Eise told students their minds are like computers. They only do what they're told, she said, which is why it's important to "program positive thinking" and not focus on faults or limitations.

"You can get a lot more accomplished when you tell yourself you can do it," she told students. "No matter what your goal is, whether you're trying to become Miss Missouri or win a race, you need to reprogram yourself to think positive."

Eise is a senior at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, where she is studying vocal music. She has served as a summer camp counselor at Self-Esteem for Kids and Teens and volunteered at St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf.