Perham area teens compete at Minnesota pageants

PERHAM — The Perham Area Teen Scholarship Competition titleholders had an exceptional showing at the 2023 Miss Minnesota’s Teen competition held in Chaska, Minnesota, on March 25. Natalie Berg, Miss Heart of the Lakes’ Teen, won the title of Miss Minnesota’s Teen and was awarded a prize package valued at over $34,000 in addition to $3,500 in educational scholarships. She will represent Minnesota at the Miss America’s Teen 2024 competition.

Natalie won the top talent award (tie) for her Irish hard shoe dance to "Cry of the Celts" from Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, her top evening gown, and also the Mary Swenson Confidence and Poise essay.

Kenzie (Mackenzie) Steinmetz, Miss Perham’s Teen, won non-finalist talent (three-way tie) and a $250 scholarship for her jazz dance to Jessie J's "I’m Burning Up." Kenzie was also a Text-to-Give winner and will receive a portion of the proceeds in the form of a scholarship. Jillian Bain, Miss Moorhead’s Teen and student at Perham High School, also competed in the competition.

Natalie’s social impact initiative is Building Children’s Literacy: One Book at a Time. As Miss Minnesota’s Teen, she will serve as Miss Minnesota’s Teen brand ambassador and make appearances across the state as well as promote her social impact initiative. As Miss Minnesota’s Teen, Natalie is available to emcee, meet, speak or participate at business or organization events. To request Natalie, contact the Miss Minnesota’s Teen board directly at: schedulemmnoteen@missminnesota.org .

Next up for the Perham Area Scholarship Competition Titleholders is the Miss Minnesota competition, which will take place June 25 at Treasure Island Resort and Casino. Perham is sending three young women to compete for the title of Miss Minnesota: Morgyn Haugen, Miss Perham; Topanga Brown, Miss Heart of the Lakes; and Grace Henderson, Miss Lady Slipper. The Miss Minnesota Organization awards over $20,000 in educational scholarships in addition to over $100,000 in In-Kind scholarships, as well as a prize package that includes travel and preparation for the Miss America competition.

Like Natalie, all Perham titleholders would be happy to emcee, meet, speak or participate at an event. To request any or all Perham titleholders, contact Nicky Hardy, local director, at nickyhardy@missminnesota.org .

Be sure to keep an eye open for some sparkle at Turtle Fest 2023; the titleholders plan to be in attendance.