CHAFFEE GIRL WINS MISS TEEN OF MISSOURI CONTEST

Jamie Wessel of Chaffee said that she knew what she was getting in to and thought she had a good chance to be the 1996 Miss Teen of Missouri.

She was right.

On Aug. 11, Wessel's mother Linda's hands were shaking as she filmed her daughter walking across the floor and winning the 1996 Miss Teen of Missouri contest.

The contest, sponsored by a scholarship and recognition program called Teen Achievers of America, was held in Jefferson City from Aug. 9-11. This was Wessel's second year in the program.

"Everything was a lot easier this year," said Wessel, 18. "I knew what was going on, and I knew how to conduct myself."

Wessel, along with 99 other contestants, were judged on personality, personal development and achievement, and scholastic accomplishments. Program sponsors said that over 60 percent of the judging for the contest was based on previously written resumes. Academic achievements, school involvement and community activities were among the most important criteria. The Miss Teen of Missouri Program, unlike traditional pageants for young girls, does not focus on the outward appearance of the contestant.

"There's no swimsuit competition or evening gown competition," said Wessel.

Wessel said that beauty pageants were not her style at all. In fact, Wessel doesn't think that people should be judged solely on outer beauty.

"At this contest, you're judged on what you should be judged on: personality, accomplishments, and your inner self, not beauty," said Wessel.

"Lots of girls want to be the 'super model,' and I don't think they need to portray that image. They just need to be themselves."

Wessel said one of her initial motivations for entering the contest was the scholarship money. By winning the contest, Wessel accomplished her goal. She now has a $2,000 educational savings bond, an achievement plaque and medallion, and an expense-paid trip to the Miss Teen of America Program Finals in San Diego, Calif., next summer.

Wessel said that this summer, she was "staying really busy" with her work at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Wessel is also planning to attend Maryville University in St. Louis in the fall.

A four-sport athlete in high school, Wessel said she doesn't know if she'll tackle as many sports in college.

"I'm just going to concentrate on grades, and I'm thinking about cheering," she said.

Wessel said that another goal for this summer is to share her experiences with other people.

"Involvement is so important," said Wessel. "I hope that I can help other kids get involved in school activities."