The family of Andalusia connections has had great success in pageantry. A mother was appointed the state director of USA National Miss and her daughter securing this year’s Teen category.
Shannon Spears Cook first was involved in pageants when she was a child living in Andalusia.
“A majority of my friends as well as I were in school pageants, and Caroline was interested in being a part of one. Then we began searching for one in our town of Alabaster. We discovered a charity pageant known as The Heart of Alabaster, which is a cancer research charity and we joined it at the age of 7 years old. young. The contest was a success and she ended up progressing to compete at the national level and that’s something I’ve never done before. We are extremely excited about her success,” Shannon said.
For Shannon it was her first time in directing an event of any kind. The family has been calling Alabaster home for over 10 years.
“It has certainly come full circle. We’ve traveled extensively over the last six years, and she was even a contestant for an international title through another system. Being crowned the USA National Miss Junior Teen is great and we are very happy with the organization. Caroline’s aim is to change the stereotype of a pageant. There is more to it than gowns and makeup. She has traveled across the country, and even had an interview on the set of Miss USA. These are life lessons she intends to use these experiences. She has a platform on which she assists veterans and is the host of her own radio show. Through all of these that she has boosted her confidence and self-confidence through the art of pageantry.” she said.
Caroline Cook was crowned USA National Miss Junior Teen in the summer in the national competition held in Hollywood, Florida where she took on representatives from states across the nation. Her mother was the judge for the state preliminary contest this year. They are married Alan Cook, also formerly from Andalusia.
“We have participated at this contest for approximately three years. There have been times when I’ve been first, and I have also participated in different divisions. I was prepared, and didn’t really have expectations prior to the event since I was the smallest and was competing against girls 2 years older. Each time I made progress and it was quite surprising and thrilling, but I didn’t expect to take home the title. The moment I won the race, it was awe-inspiring and an instant,” Caroline said.
Caroline began participating in pageants at seven years old. For Caroline her preparation to compete in the USA National Miss competition was many years into the making.
“I attempted three times to get an UNM title. I gathered all my experience and applied it to what I did during nationals. I was at my personal best and I would have been satisfied regardless of what the result was. .”
Caroline is an eight grader from Thompson Middle School. Her most memorable part of being a contestant was the sisterhood she made with fellow participants.
“A many people don’t get this, or just watch what’s on television, but you can actually form lasting friendships. I still have a few of those bonds that I made from my first pageant and continue to do so to today and am grateful for that. Through the girls I have met through pageantry, I’ve met people in every state.” the girl said.
To crown her the year before, Caroline received $10,000 cash as well as a cruise with all expenses paid in The Bahamas, and a three-year modeling contract to walk for designers during New York Fashion Week, in addition to other travel and prize money. Caroline will also be crowned her successor as the USA National Miss Junior Teen in Orlando in the summer of 2024.
Shannon explained that they usually participate at Chattanooga, Tennessee, because there wasn’t enough participants in Alabama. This is when she decided to apply for a position as director of Alabama.
“We are super excited to be doing this together, and we’re planning to do it all our way. Pageant moms are similar to dance moms because we have the chance to connection between our kids. We can spend time playing dress-up with them and watching them perform performing in front of the camera. It’s an amazing moment,” she said.
Caroline was born to Alan as well as Shannon Cook and the granddaughter of Paul Sr. and Denille Spears from Andalusia. The brother of Caroline, John Stoneback is an officer in the Andalusia Police Department. Her uncle and aunt include Paul Jr. and Kiley Spears, both of Andalusia.
The 2024 state preliminary pageant that is accessible to all residents of Alabama The event will take place on Jan. 20-21 in Thompson High School. Thompson High School Performing Arts Center in Alabaster. There will be a “sweetheart section” can also be offered for girls who aren’t able to travel, or simply would like to explore this world looks like.
“They will get a great overview of what the system will be about. There are some who cannot take on a state title since they might have already been awarded one, but they may participate in the sweetheart category. This will provide an opportunity for them to try their hand at. We’re excited and would like to bring it back to our home city of Andalusia in the near future. If Caroline is capable of it, anyone with the willpower can,” Shannon said.
For more information about the state’s preliminary competition or scheduling an appearance by Caroline, email Shannon at unmalabama@gmail.com.
More About USA National Miss
USA National Miss (UNM) is an award-winning national pageant organisation that aims to enhance the lives of young girls by providing an unforgettable pageant experience. Helping young women reach their goals, build self-confidence and develop life skills to unlock their leadership potential to the fullest, UNM is changing the lives of women in the midst of their teens all across America. Offering a prize package of more than $150,000 for each national winner, and more than $60,000 in cash scholarships each year to enhance their educational and career objectives, girls receive extraordinary opportunities which provide opportunities to succeed and grow. Alabama provides one of the most prestigious pageant contests in the United States and is regularly recognized as a market leader. Under the guidance of four-time award-winning National director Jackie B. Watson and Kayla W. Trubey, and a newly appointed state director Shannon Cook, USA National Miss is now one of the biggest and most respected national pageant programs in the United States.
The article Andalusia native is crowned USA National Miss Junior Teen and mother appointed state director of USA National Miss was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
