Mrs. Kansas 2008 Crowned

The show has come to a close and Kansas has a new queen! Although all of the women lead accomplished lives, Mrs. Kimberly McDowell, just crowned Mrs. Kansas America 2008 stood out from the rest.

Kim holds a PhD from Florida State University and is an Assistant Professor of Language and Literacy at Wichita State University. Kim is a mother to seven, YES seven and has been married to Troy to five years. She is actively involved with Susan G Komen For the Cure (mom, aunt and grandma are all breast cancer survivors) March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Club, Screen for Success, and tutoring/mentoring within a urban school district . As Mrs. Kansas Kim will continue to promote the platform of intervention services for at-risk youth.

The 2008 Mrs. Kansas America winner receives more than $10,000 in prizes including an all expense paid trip to the National Competition Mrs. America, $1500 worth of services from Salon Progressions and Day Spa of Wichita, Botox Treatments from Moeller Dermatology, Alberto Makali Evening Gown and 2 weeks of wardrobe for use at Mrs. America, $500 gift certificate from Crown Chic, a $200 from Dream Dinners of Wichita and much more.

Rounding out the top three included:
1st Runner up Mrs. Olathe - Jennifer Slavens
2nd Runner up Mrs. Riley Co. - Dianne Paukstelis

Other Award Winners:
Mrs. Photogenic –Kimberly McDowell
Best Gown, Fitness Awards - Kimberly McDowell
Interview Award - Dianne Paukstellis
Directors Award - Linda Green
Community Service - Kimberly Ruch
Marriage Longevity -Brandi Burd
Ambassador Award - Charalet Dunnigan
Career Achievement - Dianne Paukstellis
Perfect Smiles Dental Care Most Beautiful Smile - Leslie Wilson
Contestants Choice - Jennifer Slavens
Mrs. Congeniality - Kimberly McDowell
Most Ticket Sales - Kimberly McDowell
Memory Book Award - Kimberly McDowell

The Mrs. Kansas America Pageant encourages every married woman in the state to come together to discuss marriage, family issues, and community service. The Mrs. Kansas America Program, in partnership with the Mrs. America Pageant and the Mrs. World Pageant, is the largest system of its kind in the world. With a record number of applicants seeking to participate in the Mrs. America Pageant, it is now projected that this is the fastest-growing pageant program in the United States. Kim will travel to Mrs. America from August 14 – 30, 2008 to represent Kansas in the Mrs. America Pageant, the only nationally televised and recognized pageant for married women. Established in 1977, this National Competition is devoted to proving that America's 60 million married women are extraordinarily poised, articulate, hard-working and versatile.

Sponsors for the 2008 Mrs. Kansas America Pageant include Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill, The Skin Enhancement Center, Jason’s Deli, Wendy's, Carabba's of Wichita, Perfect Smiles Dental Care of Lenexa, Alberto Makali Couture Designer, Crown Chic, Wichita Salon Progressive and Day Spa, Image by Design Inc., Dream Dinners of Wichita and Crown Couture.

CONTACT: Tracy Crist, Executive Producer of 2008 Mrs. Kansas America Pageant, 785-539-5727 or visit our website at www.mrskansas.net