Mikowski shines in the face of adversity at Junior Miss program

Shanea Mikowski may not have won the Montana Junior Miss crown, but she demonstrated royal determination.

Mikowski earned the title of Bigfork Junior Miss in April of this year. On August 14, she competed in Cut Bank against 14 other girls in Montana's Junior Miss Scholarship Program.

Kelsey Davis of Shelby took the Junior Miss title. The term "break a leg" was not one of good fortune for Mikowski.

"I had such bad luck that week," Mikowski said. "I sprained my ankle two days before the competition. And right before the talent portion, a string broke on my violin. I had it taped with Scotch tape, and it sounded awful. So, I had a brace on my ankle and a broken fiddle, but I still had so much fun."

It was that can-do spirit that endeared Mikowski to her fellow competitors prior to the competition, thereby earning her the Spirit of Junior Miss Award and a $250 scholarship.

During the weeklong preparation for the program, the contestants stayed with host families in Cut Bank. Mikowski was hosted by Doug and Sonja Ray.

"They basically adopted me for a week. They were the nicest people and really made me feel at home," Mikowski said.

Activities during the week included community service to earn money for the Wishing Well program, a presentation to introduce the girls to the public, a round of golf, and a visit to the Hutterite colony.

"It was really different to see their culture," Mikowski said.

In addition to activities, the girls had to learn choreography for the program's opening number, practice their talents and memorize a fitness routine.

"We practiced all the time," Mikowski said. "It was tough."

Mikowski added that all the time spent together resulted in a friendship between the participants.

"We had a really tight bond. The whole atmosphere was so positive," she said. "The other girls were so supportive and nice. We're all keeping in touch."

In addition to new friends, Mikowski said she also discovered new inner strength.

"The motto for Junior Miss is 'Be your best self.' By the end of the week you really found out who you were," she said.