Woodbury Girl Crowned Miss Minnesota Princess

Woodbury resident Deona Nester says the change in her daughter has been dramatic.

Previously a somewhat shy child, Grace, 7, now approaches people with confidence, introduces herself, looks them in the eye and shakes their hand.

“It’s crazy,” Nester said. “She’s just a different child.”

And Nester attributed the change to Grace’s early June victory in the Minnesota National American Miss Pageant. Grace will represent Minnesota in her age bracket this November during a national event in California.

After a friend at Woodbury Dance Center won last year’s competition, Grace told her mother, “‘Mom, I want to be a princess,’” Nester said.

Nester was initially wary about her daughter competing in a pageant. But once she learned it was about developing young leaders and not a “glitz competition,” Nester was sold.

Grace—who attends New Life Academy and plays the piano—took on 67 other girls in three categories: personal introduction, formal wear and interview. She also won first place for “casual wear modeling” and third place in a separate talent competition, showing off the moves she learned at Woodbury Dance Center.

Before Grace could compete, however, she had to raise $480 (and another $50 for the other competitions), and went around to area businesses, practicing her poise and giving a speech about the pageant.

It was also a bit of a test from her mother, who wanted to make sure Grace was serious about it. Grace secured several local sponsors, including Woodbury Dance Center, Carrie Pyrz Photography and Pet Evolution.

As for Grace’s win, Nester said her daughter was “shaking with suspense” as the top finishers’ names were called, and she developed plenty of friendships along the way.

On stage at the Double Tree in Bloomington, Grace let the runner-up try on her crown, Nester said.

“It was just the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen,” she said.

Each year, National American Miss Pageants award $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes. Grace will have the chance to win a 2013 Mustang convertible in California this November.

For more information, visit the National American Miss website.