FPS staff report
July 1, 2008

A Carrollton teen is heading to the National American Miss pageant in Columbus July 19 and 20.

Katlin Unkefer, 15, received a notice in the mail informing her she had been selected for an open call interview with the possibility of competing in the pageant.  She was one of 20-30 chosen out of over 100 girls.  Unkefer is the daughter of Jan and Sam Ball of Carrollton and Dave Unkefer of Malvern.

Unkefer said, "I wanted to go into modeling and saw this as  a chance to do it.”  This will be the first pageant she has competed in but she has a poise and confidence usually reserved for repeat competitors.  "The nervousness hasn't hit me yet but I am sure it will right before the competition.  I am not the type of person who enjoys speaking in front of a crowd,” she states.

Unkefer will compose a personal introduction telling her name, where she is from and her future plans.  She will go through interviews with a series of judges who use her resume' as a basis for questioning.  The highlight will be modeling formal wear.  Her dad, Dave, will escort her across the stage at that time.  She is also entered in "Miss Photogenic,” an optional contest held during the pageant.

Katlin's brother, Shane Unkefer, 9, is very excited about the competition but is undecided if he will attend.  He has been a constant supporter even helping pick out the dress Katlin will model.  "He's my number one fan.  He was the critic when choosing my dress,” laughs Katlin.

The National American Miss pageant is dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders.  Each year the pageant awards scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist the development of young women nationwide.

Katlin's mother, Jan, said, "I like this pageant because they are judging the girls based on what's inside not on how they look.  It is to help them build self-esteem and confidence with  interviewing which they will need.”

Katlin had to gather sponsor money and sell ads in a program book to cover her entry fees.  This was a step for Katlin.  "She was very shy when she was little.  She had to go out and find this money.  She just amazed me.  She was very professional and polite,” said Jan.

Unkefer will be a sophomore at Carrollton High School this fall where she is a member of the track team.  She plans to continue in pageants and modeling as a way to eventually go to college and study nursing. 

The top five winners from Ohio will go on to compete in the national pageant in California.  Katlin lives on Fresno Rd. and has two step brothers, Brock and Brent  Ball, 21, and a step sister, Brittany Ball, 17.

For more information about the National American Miss pageants, visit www.namiss. com.