Andrea Penzel of Jackson was recently crowned the 1977 Little Miss Missouri.

The competition was held in mid-July in Mexico, Mo.

She performed a gospel song, "I Start My Day," that wowed the crowd. Penzel is the daughter of Sandy and Phil Penzel of Jackson. Her grandparents are Ed and Sharon Pinkerton of Jackson and Gene and Sue Penzel of Jackson.

Penzel qualified for the competition when she won Miss Snowball at the Miss Jackson Scholarship Pageant.

Two other area girls participated in the Miss Missouri Misses Pageant.

Brooke Burrows won second runner-up in the Young Miss Missouri division. She qualified for the pageant as Junior Miss Christmas in Jackson. She performed her rendition of the country hit "Blue."

She is the daughter of Larry and Dale Burrows of Jackson.

In addition, Nikki Hoover also participated in the pageant. She is the daughter of W.W. and Susan Coburn of Dexter, and was Miss Christmas at the Jackson pageant.

Contestants follow the same guidelines as Miss Missouri and Miss America pageants. There is an interview along with swimsuit, evening wear and talent competitions.

Judging also follows the Miss America format. The new 1997 Miss Missouri, Michelle Eise, and the 1996 Miss Missouri, Kimberly Massaro, served as co-masters of ceremony.