Elizabeth Gerke, 7, Crowned in 2014 Miss American Coed Pageant

A news release:

Elizabeth Gerke, daughter of Marvin and Kristy Gerke if Oxford, recently won the Princess Division at the 2014 Miss American Coed Pageants (MAC Pageants) national competition.

In addition to a crown, banner, trophy and flowers, Elizabeth earned a $2,500 cash award, two admission tickets to Walt Disney World and a travel allowance to next year’s MAC Pageants national competition, where she will crown her successor.

Elizabeth, 7, is in the second grade and is currently home-schooled. She spends most of her time at the dance studio training up to 12 hours a week for her competition dance team.

She also enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and volunteering in the community. She currently is leading a Magazine Harvest as part of The Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project – the first and only global, magazine industry-wide literacy campaign for children and families.

The MAC Pageants national competition is held annually during the week of Thanksgiving at the Hilton Resort at Walt Disney World.

Girls and young women from all over the country compete in seven age divisions: Princess (3-6), Sweetheart (7-9), Preteen (10-12), Junior Teen (13-15), Teen (16-17), Coed (18-22) and Ms. (23-29).

State contest winners and finalists earn the honor of representing their states at the national competition by winning or placing in contests held at the state level competition.

Contestants are scored on personal introduction and appearance in interview outfit, personal interview, and poise and appearance in eveningwear. Optional competitions including Academic Achievement, Volunteer Service, Talent, Speech, Fitness, Cheerleading, Modeling and Photogenic are also available to all contestants.

For 31 years, MAC Pageants have been hosting competitions that recognize and reward young people for their achievements and academic excellence, while teaching them skills that build self-esteem, poise and confidence.

State level pageants are scheduled from March through September across the country. For information, visit macpageants.com.