Miss Scott County Teen USA places in the Miss Mo. Teen Pageant

High school senior Abbie Cook recently competed in the Miss Missouri Teen Pageant along with 63 other girls and placed in the top 15 at the event held Dec. 10 through 12 in Kansas City, Mo. The result was a $35,200 scholarship to Lindenwood University, where Cook had planned to attend prior to receiving the scholarship.

Cook is the daughter of Debby and Allen Cook of Scott City, and granddaughter of Albert and Joann Schlenker. She is involved in FBLA, FTA, FCCLA, Student Council, Pep Club and the National Honor Society. Her activities include volleyball, track and serving as cheerleading squad captain.

The Southeast Missouri area was well represented by five competitors, including Laura Schuart, 16, of Sikeston and Cook, 17.

Cook said, "It was really tiring but it was fun." She explained the whole weekend was "a blur because we got no sleep. We got home at like 11 p.m. and had to get up at 5 a.m. in addition to walking in heels nonstop."

"I think meeting Miss USA was the best part," she said, adding that she looks forward to watching Miss Teen USA on TV after having met her in person.