Pageant hopefuls get put through their paces

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

On Saturday morning, approximately 65 contestants for the 2022 Copperas Cove Five Hills Scholarship pageant turned out for a rehearsal, held at Cadence Church, three weeks in advance of the March 26 event. 
The contestants, ranging in age from under one year of age to women age 50-plus, are not only competing for a tiara or crown and banner and one of 16 titles, but for prize packages that include scholarships and the opportunity to represent the City of Copperas Cove during the next year. 
In addition to receiving their numbers for the competition, contestants sat for their professional headshots for the event program. 
Working with the reigning royalty in their specific divisions, contestants learned the stage pattern, how to walk and pose on stage, make eye contact with the judges, and how the scoring system works. 
To help the contestants, reigning titleholders also worked with each group to help alleviate any nerves and also to answer questions they might have.
Contestants were also encouraged to practice at home and those age nine and older were encouraged to prepare for their on-stage interview and perfect their platform goals.  
Five Hills Ambassador Dawn Hale has been in the contestants’ shoes in the past, having competed in both the Five Hills Scholarship Pageant as well as the Krist Kindl pageant. Hale is a former Senior Ms. And was crowned Ambassador at the 2021 pageant. 
“Pageant rehearsal day is always exciting as you get to meet the contestants, give them tips, answer questions, and share all the great things you got to do during your reign. This past Saturday I got to work with the Junior contestants which was so much fun. I got to teach these young ladies how do their model-T,  and walked them to get their contestant numbers and get their headshots for the program book,” said Hale. “Then we moved on to walking on the stage. For many this was their very first time and their nerves showed, but after a couple practice runs they were getting their confidence up, they smiled bigger and had a bounce in their walk. 
“I am so excited to see all the contestants on pageant day. I want to wish each and every one of them the best of luck, and as I told them at rehearsal remember to have fun!”
Young Miss Five Hills Emily Kimball was likewise on hand Saturday morning to help contestants.
“Working with the contestants at the Miss Five Hills Scholarship Pageant rehearsal is always super beneficial for everyone. It helps to make sure that come pageant day, everything runs smoothly and our contestants are prepared to do their best on stage,” said Kimball. “During this year’s rehearsal I talked to a lot of our older contestants about their platforms of service. A lot of these women had great connections and were very eager to support their chosen charity. I taught several ladies how to walk, turn and pose, and even helped them with their communication skills. I feel like all of our contestants this year have great potential, and I know that everyone will do their best to help our community.”
The current titleholders will be crowning their successors at the pageant, set for Saturday, March 26 at the Copperas Cove Civic Center. 
In addition to the new royalty being crowned, two more representatives of Copperas Cove will be announced from the ranks of the royalty – the new Five Hills Ambassador, as well as the Junior Ambassador. 
Admission to the pageant is $5 per person. Doors open at the Civic Center at  noon, with the younger categories taking the stage first, followed by the categories for ages nine and up.