To the editor:

My daughter, Hannah Norman, an eighth-grader at South Junior High School, also competed in the Miss Kansas Junior Teen pageant (“Bright lights, big stage,” Aug. 24, Journal-World). Although she did not place in the top, it was a very positive experience for her and she met wonderful people during that weekend. It also opened a door for her at the John Robert Powers Talent School, where she was accepted and began acting and commercial print classes earlier this month.

Contrary to what many may believe, we did not find the pageant experience to be full of uppity girls and parents. The girls were friendly and their parents were everyday people. I would encourage girls of all ages to participate as it increases self-confidence, interview skills and public speaking skills, all so important in today’s job market.

Kelley Norman,

Lawrence