By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Megan Doughty on our Kubota Podcast
NORTH PLATTE — The Miss Nebraska Organization will return to North Platte in early February for its annual Crowns and Gowns weekend, bringing pageant events, leadership workshops and a former Miss America to the community.
Crowns and Gowns is scheduled for Feb. 6–8 and serves as the final local competition opportunity for contestants before the Miss Nebraska state pageant in June. Events are centered around professional development for young women ages 14 to 27, as well as public activities open to the community.
This year’s weekend will feature Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000, who will serve as a keynote guest throughout the weekend. French Henry will emcee the local Miss Nebraska competition on Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at Mid-Plains Community College. Doors are expected to open at 6:30 p.m., with tickets available at the door.
She will also headline a Women’s Empowerment Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at North 40 Chophouse. Tickets for the luncheon are available online at MissNebraska.org.
Megan Doughty, executive director of the Miss Nebraska Organization, said Crowns and Gowns is designed to help young women grow far beyond the stage.
“The word ‘pageant’ is really a misnomer anymore,” Doughty said. “It’s about developing personal passions, advocacy and life skills that carry through long after competition.”
Throughout the weekend, delegates will participate in workshops focused on interview skills, public speaking, branding, advocacy development and community engagement. Professional hair and makeup services, headshot photography and private gown appointments will also be offered.
The local competition includes personal interviews with judges, on-stage questions, fitness wear, evening gown and talent segments. Scholarships are awarded based on placement and special awards.
According to Doughty, the Miss Nebraska Organization awards more than $40,000 annually in cash scholarships, along with access to more than $1 million in tuition scholarships through partnerships with Nebraska colleges and universities.
The current titleholders include Miss Nebraska’s Teen Gabriella Swift of North Platte and Miss Nebraska 2025 Mackenzie Gregory of Scottsbluff.
Doughty said community support has helped make North Platte a key location for pageant events statewide.
“We’re bringing young women from across Nebraska to experience our community,” she said. “It’s about showcasing North Platte while helping these delegates realize their potential.”
More information, including luncheon tickets and registration details for prospective contestants, is available at MissNebraska.org.