Badgers women's hockey captains Casey O'Brien and Caroline Harvey and alternates Laila Edwards and Lacey Eden discuss being part of the leadership group for the 2024-25 season. At just 10 years old, Rielyn Conner of Twin Lakes continues to be recognized and win pageants. Conner took home the National Christian Miss Sweetheart title for the Christian Miss pageant system in June.
That followed her November 2023 crown as Junior Supreme Star in the American Royal Spirit pageant. The national Christian Miss pageant selects its representatives on the basis of their community service involvement, communication skills, and dedication to helping girls their age develop confidence in being their authentic selves. “Winning this title is very exciting,” Conner said.
“There was a lot of time and practice that I did before the pageant, but now I get to use my title to promote my platform, Reading with Rielyn. I also want to inspire other kids to be kind, brave and confident.” Conner’s favorite part of the pageant was meeting with other contestants and preparing outfits and accessories with her mother and grandmother.
The most challenging part, which Conner spent time practicing, was her presentation. “We gave a one minute speech on our platform and what we do in our communities with that platform,” she said. “Public speaking always would make me nervous, but the more I practiced, the more confident I became.
(While) waiting backstage, I say some positive thought, and I leav.