Lindsay Stewart, a Fayette County resident and Miami Trace Elementary School teacher, recently acquired the title of Mrs. Midwest Captivating and will be representing the region at the National Mrs. Captivating pageant in September.
“Growing up, pageantry was always something that motivated me to be the best version of myself. As a Pre-teen and Junior Teen queen, I worked closely with my local animal shelters volunteering, raising money, and collecting dog/cat food and supplies. As I got older, I shifted my focus to what I could do for those in my community. I have always been a philanthropist at heart, and being back in pageantry has been such a blessing because it allows me to be an advocate for things that matter. I am also so honored to be competing in a Mrs. division. This title has been my favorite one yet because I am proudest to be a wife to my husband, Justin,” explained Stewart via email.
The pageant website, www.captivatingpageants.com/, says, “we encourage all our contestants to come and experience a weekend where your personal sense of style, height, shape and intelligence is welcome with open arms. Everyone is Captivating!”
Contestants are judged in the following areas: interview competition, captivating fashion competition, fitness wear competition (no swimsuits allowed), evening gown competition, and on-stage question.
In addition to choosing Teen, Miss, Ms. and Mrs., Captivating awards will be presented to the Most Photogenic, Best in Fitness, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Interview and Directors Award.
“Previously, I have won 4 state pageantry titles, including Miss Ohio American Teen in 2010 and Miss Ohio High School America in 2011. After a 10 year hiatus, I am excited to be a role model in our community and share my passions and platform, STARS,” wrote Stewart.
STARS stands for “Small Town Advocacy and Rural Support.”
“I believe in investing in local communities by shopping local and supporting small businesses, helping neighbors in need, and providing new experiences and opportunities for the youth. So far during my reign, I have launched a ‘small shop spotlight’ initiative through my official pageant Instagram page, and I hosted a women’s clothing drive for ARCS, the Abuse and Rape Crisis Shelter in Lebanon, Ohio,” wrote Stewart.
Most recently, Stewart explained she created a virtual fundraiser to raise a portion of the tuition funds for a group of Miami Trace fourth graders attending STEM camp at Bowling Green University over the summer.
“I have also volunteered to be a part of the Summer Learning Academy staff at MT to further support students in our community,” wrote Stewart. “I am eager to get involved with as many events as possible to support the amazing things happening in Fayette County. Parades, fundraisers, charity events, volunteer opportunities, public speaking opportunities… anything that I can participate in to be of service to my community and promote my STARS platform. I am also seeking partnerships with local businesses that would like to be featured in my small shop spotlight initiative. It has started out slow, but I would like to hit the ground running during the summer months. If I am able to be of service in any capacity, or if anyone is interested in becoming an official sponsor to support my journey to the national pageant, they can contact me at [email protected].”
When asked if it was difficult to be both a teacher and competitor, Stewart explained, “I don’t think it is difficult to be a teacher and a competitor. If anything, it drives me to succeed, because I have little ones looking up to me. I am so passionate about working with youth and promoting excellence and success. The best way to do that is to lead by example. As a mom of two (my son Corbin is 5 and my daughter Baylor is 6 months old) and a fourth grade teacher, I want to be a shining example for those around me. Most importantly, I want to empower my daughter and the young females within my classroom by showing them that little girls with dreams grow up to be women with vision. No dream is unattainable, and no voice is too small. The slogan for The Miss Captivating pageant system is ‘be you, be different, be captivating.’ I hope that my example can inspire others to do just that.”
Reach journalist Jennifer Woods at 740-313-0355.
