To the residents of Papillion, she is known as Miss Papillion, to friends and family, it’s simply Kiley. The next title 17-year-Kiley Alexander hopes to receive is that of International Junior Miss on Feb. 23-25 where she’ll compete with other women her age from Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. Kiley said it’s a struggle to find balance as a high school junior, working part-time and competing in the pageants. She said her parents’ serve has her backbone that keeps her focused. “I couldn’t have been able to compete in any of the pageants without the support of my parents financially, physically, and emotionally. And I definitely need their wallets,” she said.
Kylie has competed for two years, which is a relatively short time compared to some contestants around the nation. “I was underestimated my first year of competition, but beating out some of my biggest competitors was awesome.” In January, Kiley competed in Miss Teen Nebraska where she received first runner-up and the award for the best gown. “I believe that everything happens for a reason and it just may not have been my time, but there’s always next year to compete,” she said.
The cost of competitions, coupled with the stress of staying in shape, maintaining a high GPA and holding on to friendships can take its toll. For serious competitions, the cost of hair and makeup typically runs about $250, a swimsuit is $300, an interview suit another $200 and the big finale, the evening gown can run a contestant anywhere from $1000-$5000 according to gobankingrates.com. The payoff can be huge, a Miss America winner can win as much as a $50,000 scholarship for college.
Being Miss Papillion has changed Kiley’s life in many ways. She’s active in the Papillion community, and she received an offer for an internship working in the offices. “Don’t follow the stereotypical be a pageant girl kind of thing, just be yourself and know exactly what you stand for and don’t stoop to any levels because you are amazing, so show that to the judges and show the whole world,” she said.
Kiley was born July 4, 2000 in Alamogordo, NM. Her father was in the Air Force so moving around was a way of life. Next, her family moved to Okinawa, Japan before finally settling in Omaha in 2004. In the beginning, her passion was softball. She played for 10 years and she played one of the most physical positions on the field, catcher. A shoulder injury tabled her softball career led her to a new calling. “As one door closed for softball, another door opened up for pageantry.” Kiley said. Her father Billy Alexander is retired from the Air Force and her mother Kim Alexander works at Boys Town.
When Kylie reflects on the difference between her two loves, softball and pageantry, she said one of the biggest adjustments was going from wearing cleats to seven-inch stilettos. “I practiced every day for an hour for two months,” Kiley said.
After her time on the stage, Kiley plans on graduation in 2019 and to pursue her next goal of becoming an oral surgeon. “One of my favorite quotes is fly high but stay grounded. You can shoot for goals, but always know your roots and stick with them,” she said.
By DK Kellum
