April 15, 2023
By Cheryl Schifferdecker
Katie Langdon, 18, raised in Lee’s Summit and currently a Pleasant Hill High School senior, and Amber Gates, 26, Lee’s Summit High School graduate currently attending the Metropolitan Community College of KC, are two ambitious young ladies who demonstrate strong leadership skills. The ladies share a common message: Be strong and loud in your values, set the example for others, and work towards your goals. This is exactly what both ladies will be doing as they compete in Miss Missouri Teen USA and Miss Missouri USA on May 20-23 at the Mansion Theatre for Performing Arts in Branson, MO.
Being selected for the Branson competition from an abounding number of applicants is an honor in and of itself. Scored on an interview, swimwear competition, and evening gown presentation, winners of the pageant will be awarded, in addition to other prizes, a $32K, 4-year undergrad CLAS scholarship from Central Missouri University in Fayette, MO ($8K per year). Runners-up are awarded a $6 per year scholarship.
Katie Langdon, daughter of Mike and Carol Langdon, expresses sheer delight that will be representing Cass County, Missouri in the Miss Missouri Teen USA Pageant. Currently a senior at Pleasant Hill High School, she has participated in Show Choir (Hillside, Hilltop), cheerleading, basketball and soccer during her academic success. She plans to study nursing at UCM this fall of 2023, following in her mother’s career footsteps. Langdon volunteered at the Groves Nursing Home for three summers. Langdon states, “I want to raise awareness for mental health, and particularly for those in the nursing field.” Langdon recalls a family road trip to a theme Park when they witnessed a terrible car accident a few years ago. Although they were on a tight timeline, her mother insisted that her father pull over to assist the victims of the crash. The family did not make it to their theme park, but Katie and her two brothers learned a valuable lesson about priorities in life that day.
To sponsor Katie Langdon for her Miss Missouri Teen USA pageant, email her at: katelynlangdon07@gmail.com.
Amber Gates, daughter of Alfred and Shawna Gates, is attending the Metropolitan Community College of KC with plans to attend UMKC in the Spring of 2024. Gates states about being selected as the Miss Lee’s Summit contestant in Miss Missouri USA pageant, “I am completely honored to represent my hometown. It’s an opportunity for me to pursue my dream of being a role model to not only young women, but people from all diverse walks of life. I want to be a motivational force for those who feel like giving up, or that they don’t have a voice.” Gates pokes some fun at her prior multi-talented dabbling and states that she now views herself a triple threat: Model, actress, and artist complimented with journalism experience at MU prior to her senior year of high school. She has participated in sports, art, dance, choir, musical instruments, and also spearheaded her own little community outreach. At 19 years old, Gates landed her first role working with big names (Oprah and Tyler Perry). Gates states her main goal in life is to make a positive and impactful difference for others.
To sponsor Amber Gates for her Miss Missouri USA pageant: http://missmissouriusa.com/sponsorme, select dollar amount, enter contestant’s name and their state (Missouri).
