PHILLIPS CRONWED MISS PRE-TEEN MISSOURI

All five Jackson contestants received awards at the Miss Pre-Teen Missouri Pageant. From left were Kelley Kasten, top 20 semifinalist; Alisha Bohnert and Heather Hileman, Special Judges' Award; Phillips; and Brittani Lee Felkel, Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award.

After being named 2000 Miss Pre-Teen Missouri, Majhon Phillips of Jackson strongly emphasized that her new title is not from a beauty contest.

"It's not a beauty pageant," said Phillips, 12. "It's based on academic level and talent. It's not at all based on appearance."

"Image, appropriate attire, attitude, cooperation and enthusiasm were all taken into consideration," said her mother, Aleda Phillips.

Of the 128 contestants at Jefferson City on Sept. 1-4, five were from Jackson. All five won honors. Kelley Kasten was a top 20 semifinalist. Alisha Bohnert and Heather Hileman each won the Special Judges' Award. Brittani Lee Felkel won the Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award.

In addition to the Pre-Teen title, Phillips also took first place for best interview, best speech and Spirit of Pre-Teen.

"That's voted on by all the girls," Aleda explained. "It's who they think is the best person to represent them. It also goes to the most helpful and nicest."

"I really didn't feel had a chance," Phillips said, of winning the competition. "I thought maybe a runner-up. That was my goal. I was amazed."

Even as the finalists were named, Phillips merely assumed that her goal of being a runner-up had failed to come about.

"After they announced the runners-up I didn't think I had a chance," she recalled. "Everyone started looking at me. I wondered what was going on. Someone told me I was going to win. I didn't believe it.

"Then they called number 82 (my number). I screamed and then lost my voice. Then I started crying."

Phillips, who has been active in the community in the past, hopes to use her new title to its fullest. She has already offered her services to Mayor Paul Sander and the city of Jackson and hopes to travel out of state. Expenses will be paid for two out-of-state trips for Miss Pre-Teen Missouri to represent her state. Any additional trips will be the responsibility of the family.

"I'm rally not sure how often I'll travel," she said. "We haven't really decided that yet.

"I hope to change some girls' spirit in the program. If I can change one life, my goal is met."

She stressed that she is available for local appearances or to help with area projects, at 243-0701.

Phillips credited Matthew 5:16 with making her success possible. The scripture reads "Let your light shine before man that he may see in you good works and glorify your father in heaven."

The daughter of Allen and Aleda Phillips of Jackson, she is currently attending St. Paul Lutheran School.