HOPKINS COUNTY, KY - During the Miss Missouri USA pageant of 2010 in Springfield Missouri last Sunday a local-born Hopkins County native, 20-year-old Ashley Strohmier, was awarded the esteemed crown of Miss Missouri. This is quite the accomplishment as the next step in Strohmier’s ladder of beauty pageant success is that of capturing the Miss USA title.

During an interview with iSurf News, Strohmier’s grandmother, Mrs. Jewel Winstead of Madisonville, stated that Ashley was born in Madisonville and attended Christ the King Catholic School. She and her parents moved to Missouri when Ashley was seven years old, but Ashley and her family comes home to Madisonville quite often to visit. Ironically, Mrs. Winstead, herself, was crowned Miss Hopkins County in 1955.

“My husband and I are so very proud of Ashley,” said Winstead. “Your grandkids are almost like your own children, and when one of them gets famous it is just incredible.”

With the Miss Missouri crown claimed, Ashley will be leaving out for the Miss USA pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada three weeks before the actual pageant date of April 18, 2010. According to contacts, during this three week pre-pageant period she will be attending functions and events and meeting various high-profile celebrities, such as Donald Trump.

“It’s just overwhelming,” Dana Strohmier, Ashley’s Mother, told iSurf reporters. “It’s almost as if the entire population of Jefferson City, Missouri is rallied around Ashley.” Dana went on to say that the constant recognition has not gone to Ashley’s head. “Ashley is a down-to-earth girl,” she said. “Regardless of the fame, she is still just Ashley. In public events she doesn’t wear her crown much as she feels like it makes people uncomfortable to approach her. She’s very morally grounded and has a strong heart for children.”

The pageant will debut on NBC Television on April 18. Both the parents and grandparents will be attending the Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas with Ashley. iSurf News encourages all of Hopkins County to watch and support Ashley Strohmier as the next potential Miss USA.

J. L. Graham
iSurf News