Schools

National American Miss Pageant Next On List For Avon Lake High School Student

Rachel Sodee will compete in Columbus for the Ohio title.

Rachel Sodee, who will be a senior next month, is spending her summer preparing for the next phase of a national beauty pageant.

Sodee is an Ohio finalist in the Houston-based National American Miss pageant and will head down to Columbus at the end of the month for the state competition.

“If I would be lucky enough to win a title or place well at the pageant in any sub category, I could then move on to the National pageant over Thanksgiving weekend in Hollywood, CA,” Sodee said.

Find out what's happening in Avon-Avon Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sodee’s parents, Leeanne and Robert will attend the Columbus competition with her. Her father will act as her escort for the formal wear competition.

Although this is Sodee’s first pageant, the 17-year-old has plenty of experience on stage from participating in dance competitions.

Find out what's happening in Avon-Avon Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Still, preparing for the pageant means hard work.

“For the past few months I've had to write letters to local businesses and ask for sponsorship and collect money to pay for my pageant fees,” she said. “I also have to practice formal wear and different stances as well as write a personal introduction.

“Personally, I am entering a competition at the pageant called 'Spokesmodel' so I also have to write a speech as well.”

The well-rounded student also volunteers and is a member of the National Honor Society.

According to the pageant's website, girls are judged on

Should Sodee win the state title, she’ll earn $1,000 in addition to a paid trip to California.  


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Avon-Avon Lake