Chaney Miller

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

AKRON — “This was a special summer for our family,” stated Chaney Miller, Akron. “My sister Chesnee won the title of Miss Fulton County, and I won the title of Teen Miss Fulton County. I think it must run in our family. Our mother was Miss Fulton County in her day. She’s helped with local pageants through the years. I think my sister and I learned confidence and poise from our beautiful mother Kim Miller.”

This is not Miller’s first pageant placing. “I was first runner-up in Little Miss Fulton County in 2015. I’ve started my freshman year at Tippecanoe High School. I was hoping to place in a pageant to boost my confidence before the school year.”

The pageant took place on Saturday, July 6, of fair week. “We had a few weeks of training on our walks, and we also had practice interviews.”

Miller has learned the way a girl walks tells a lot about her personality. “When I saw video coverage of the pageant, I noticed that I walked the whole stage, making it my own. I learned to be graceful and elegant. But the confidence I had also showed through. Since all eyes were on me, this was my time to shine.”

The judges’ interview was held a few hours before the pageant. “I shared with the judges my love and admiration for my sister Chesnee. She’s always there to boost my confidence. If I have any questions about situations, Chesnee is the first person I’ll ask. They also asked me how my friends would describe me. I said they’d remark that I was a happy, kind and caring person, always there to lend a helping hand.”

The pageant began with personality wear. “I wore my show pants and sparkly belt I wear when showing swine in 4-H at the fair. I also wore my hot pink Tippecanoe girls’ basketball team shirt, with my Miss Runner-up pin I got in the Little Fulton County pageant and my cheerleading All-American medal.” Miller looked pretty but professional in her green business dress and beige-colored heels during the professional wear portion.

However, Miller wowed the crowd when she came out in her elegant, sparkling sleeveless evening gown. “I chose a sparkling, colorful dress because it fits my personality.”

She thought she might make first runner-up. “I was filled with joy when I won the title. There are no words to explain my joy. My parents (dad Blake Miller) and grandparents hugged me. My sister was there to cheer me on. It was a great time. Then when Chesnee was crowned Miss Fulton County in her pageant, it was doubly special.”

This past summer at cheerleading camp, Miller made the All-American Squad. “With that title comes some fun trips and great comrade with other girls who share that honor.” She’s been a cheerleader since sixth grade.

“I’ve been on the girls’ basketball team since fifth grade. It’s great to be part of the high school team this year.” One of the things she’s learned about teamwork is that each member shares leadership in the areas where they are most gifted.

“Looking at my mom, I still see the spirit of Miss Fulton County,” Miller concluded. “She’s taught Chesnee and me to be confident and poised. Mom gives me a nudge forward when I’m nervous or afraid.”