Love Of Volunteering Leads Miller To Miss Montana Program

By Bill Vander Weele

Being a long-time volunteer herself, Kyrsten Miller of Frazer was attracted to the Miss Montana Volunteer program for several reasons.

“It’s a great scholarship opportunity for young girls,” Miller said. “It’s a great sisterhood and community to be involved with.”

This is only the second year of the Miss Montana Volunteer program. The Miss Montana Volunteer Program emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support local communities, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. The Miss Volunteer America Program is a nationwide, service-oriented scholarship program that seeks to empower young women across the country through educational scholarships and extraordinary opportunities.

Miller explains her recent volunteering experience has included being a volleyball coach and a fitness and wellness coach in Frazer.

“I’ve always been involved in the community and volunteering,” Miller said.

Previous volunteering work has featured food drives, coat drives and helping at a local Headstart program.

Her platform will center on supporting the active military. The Frazer School board has recently approved her to lead an effort to supervise students writing letters and preparing care packages to be sent to soldiers.

Last year, Miller was the preliminary wellness and fitness and evening gown winner.

Activities began on Sunday, July 10, in Glendive. The competition begins on Thursday, July 14. The crowning night program starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at the Dawson County High School’s auditorium.

Montana’s choice voting is now open. To vote for Miller, visit pageantplanet.com/ event/miss-montana-volunteer.

Contestants are judged on private interview, talent, evening gown and fitness. Miller said she’s the most nervous about the talent portion of the program.

She will sing Think of Me from the The Phantom of the Opera for her talent.

Miller is hopeful to use scholarship funds to continue her education. Last year, she used scholarships on her student loans.

She is pursuing a degree in psychology and addictions counseling. She has a goal of helping children overcome trauma.

Miller encourages other young women to get involved with the Miss Montana Volunteer program and develop life-long skills. She especially hopes more Native American woman become contestants.

“We have a lot to offer,” Miller said.