Miss Nebraska USA & Miss Nebraska Teen USA

Vanbros became involved in the MISS USA & MISS TEEN USA pageants over 26 years ago. They began as the director for Kansas, and later became the director for Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas and Illinois. Vanbros has taken more than 150 women to the national MISS USA & MISS TEEN USA competitions. Under his direction, our states have become regulars in the top-15 and top-5. There have even been six national winners. However, Vanbros is most proud of the 'post-pageant' real-life successes enjoyed by the titleholders and the contestants who write to thank us for their experience. You can read some of the testimonials at www.vanbros.com.

The focus of Vanbros from the beginning, is for this program to provide a fair environment in which young women have the opportunity to better themselves. We hope the pageant encourages the contestants to gain self-awareness, self-confidence, individual pride, and greater social awareness. We hope each contestant improves her ability to communicate effectively, speak in front of people, and stand up for her beliefs. We encourage our contestants to find issues she feel's strongly about, and to become involved in organizations and causes that speak to her heart. Each young lady who enters this program has different goals, and we strive hard to assist each young woman in her own personal quest.

Regardless of what your future career plans are, this is an environment that can open many exciting doors. Each year, career connections are made by contestants during their pageant experience! Or, maybe you have not decided yet on a future career path. That’s okay too because maybe this experience will help you find something you want to do with your life. This could even be your chance to get "discovered!" It’s happened to many young women before!

We're especially proud of the fact that many contestants each year have never been in a pageant and they find it to be a rewarding and worthwhile experience. Many have won on their first attempt, and many others return because it was a positive experience. We like to believe that each young woman who participates in our pageant leaves a little more prepared to deal with the world around them, and more importantly, the world ahead of them! Basically, our philosophy for the MISS NEBRASKA USA & MISS NEBRASKA TEEN USA Pageant is not about encouraging young women to ‘win’ a pageant, but to encourage excellence in young women, and to help them develop life skills that will ultimately help them win in life by being the best they can be in everything they do.

The winners of our State Pageant will each embark on an exciting journey, and receive a prize package including cash, wardrobe, and travel.

Competition Weekend:
While our program places an emphasis on excellence, achievement, and personal growth, we also strive to make the pageant experience FUN! The pageant is a two day event.

On the first day, it's fun, fun, fun! The contestants enjoy getting to know the pageant staff and other contestants. The day is full of rehearsals. We bring in a choreographer and a producer, who will put together a great show. The day concludes with the Presentation Show. During the Presentation Show, each contestant is presented to the judges in the preliminary active wear/swimwear and evening gown competitions.

The second day begins with the personal interview competition. During the interviews, each contestant has the opportunity to meet individually with each judge for a four minute interview. Each contestant has the opportunity to convince the judges she is right for the job of MISS NEBRASKA USA or MISS NEBRASKA TEEN USA. Following the interviews, the contestants return to the theater for more rehearsals. The second day ends with the Coronation Show. At the end of the final show, we will have a new MISS NEBRASKA USA & MISS NEBRASKA TEEN USA.

The winner of MISS NEBRASKA USA will advance to the nationally televised MISS USA Pageant, and the winner of the MISS NEBRASKA TEEN USA title will advance to the MISS TEEN USA Pageant. Should MISS NEBRASKA USA go on to win MISS USA, she would then advance to the ultimate contest... the internationally televised MISS UNIVERSE Pageant.

The Competition:
Each Contestant will compete in three equal phases of preliminary competition: active wear/swimsuit, evening gown, and interview. The scores from the preliminary phases of competition are added up, and the contestants with the highest composite scores become semifinalists. The number of semifinalists will be between 10 and 15, and will be determined by the total number of contestants in the competition.

Scoring is based on the following:

Active Wear/Swimsuit: each contestant is evaluated on her physical fitness, stage-presence, and overall impression.
Evening Gown: each contestant is evaluated on grace, poise, style, stage presence, the confidence with which she carries herself, and overall-impression.

Interview: preliminary interviews are personal one-on-one style. You will have four minute interviews with each of the five judges. Its very comfortable and conversational. Contestants are scored on their communication skills, and personality. They are NOT scored on their opinions or personal beliefs. Once the semifinalists are announced during the final show, they will again compete in swimsuit and evening gown. These two phases of competition will narrow the field to a group of five finalists.

The top-5 will then each have an on-stage interview. The interview will be conducted by the emcee. She will ask them a question submitted by a fellow contestant and one submitted by a judge. The interview will end with one randomly selected question unrelated to their bio, and submitted prior to the show by either the panel of judges or the contestants. After the top-5 interviews, the judges will make the final rankings based on their overall impression of each contestant. The judges will select a winner, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, 3rd runner-up, and 4th runner-up in each age group.

Competition Wardrobe:
Each contestant will need rehearsal clothing (sweats, sweatshirts, tennis shoes, etc.), and a business casual outfit for registration. The required competition and stage wardrobe is as follows:

Private Interview: An outfit that represents your personality and you feel comfortable wearing. This can range from casual to business oriented, but something you would find in your own closet.

Active Wear (TEEN): You will be competing in athletic wear as opposed to swimwear this year. You will need an athletic style sports bra and may chose between compression pants and compression shorts. You can select any color or pattern. Reflect your personality. No customized text (your name or title) is allowed. Wear coordinating tennis or gym shoes.

Swimsuit (MISS): Miss contestants may chose between one and two-piece suits. However, adequate coverage is required and no thongs are allowed. Swimsuits may be any appropriate style, and design, and there are no color restrictions. Patterns and prints are also acceptable.

Evening Gown: all contestants must have a full-length evening gown of their choice. The style, design, and color is up to you. It can be elaborate, or very simple. Choose something that makes you feel like Cinderella. Your gown should represent YOUR own personality and taste. Remember, you can look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks! Teens are encouraged to wear gowns that reflect a more youthful style and look than the Miss contestants.

Fashion Show Opening Introductions: NEW! Beginning this year, we will no longer have an opening number dance routine. Each contestant will select an outfit of their choice to wear in a runway style FASHION SHOW INTRODUCTION. Select an outfit that reflects your own personality, style and sense of fashion. You can select a dress, pants, shorts, jumpsuit/romper of any color or print with coordinating footwear and any accessories (NO FULL LENGTH GOWNS or FLOOR LENGTH TRAINS). Please make sure your outfit is in good taste! Have fun and show your personality! You may select a fashion show opening outfit that can also be worn during your private interview (refer to the private interview information above).

How to Enter:
After reviewing all of the information on our Web site, if you have an interest in becoming a contestant, click on "Apply Today" above and follow the easy steps. There is NO fee required to apply. Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed by a selection committee. If your application is approved, you’ll be contacted by the pageant office.

Miss Nebraska USA & Miss Nebraska Teen USA is the official preliminary to the Miss USA & Miss Teen USA pageants.

The winner of Miss Nebraska USA and competes at the Miss USA pageant, representing Nebraska, for a chance to win the title of Miss USA and further go on to compete at Miss Universe. Miss Nebraska USA has four phases of competition that include: private interview, on-stage question, evening gown and swimsuit. In order to compete for Miss Nebraska USA you must be at least 18 years old and under 28 years of age before January 1st in the year they hope to compete in the Miss USA pageant and you need to have won a preliminary title.

Pageant History

Check out the winners of the Miss Nebraska USA pageants in the past:

Miss Nebraska USA 2020 - Megan Swanson
Miss Nebraska USA 2019 – Lex Najarian
Miss Nebraska USA 2018 – Bree Coffey (succeeded Sarah Rose Summers after she won Miss USA 2018)
Miss Nebraska USA 2017 – Jasmine Fuelberth
Miss Nebraska USA 2016 – Sarah Hollins
Miss Nebraska USA 2015 – Hoang-Kim Cung
Miss Nebraska USA 2014 – Amanda Soltero
Miss Nebraska USA 2013 – Ellie Lorenzen
Miss Nebraska USA 2012 – Amy Spilker
Miss Nebraska USA 2011 – Haley Jo Herold
Miss Nebraska USA 2010 – Belinda Wright
Miss Nebraska USA 2009 – Meagan Winings
Miss Nebraska USA 2008 – Michaela Johnson
Miss Nebraska USA 2007 – Geneice Wilcher
Miss Nebraska USA 2006 – Emily Poeschl
Miss Nebraska USA 2005 – Jana Murrell
Miss Nebraska USA 2004 – Guerin Austin
Miss Nebraska USA 2003 – Jessica Perea
Miss Nebraska USA 2002 – Stacey Skidmore
Miss Nebraska USA 2001 – Su Joing Sollers
Miss Nebraska USA 2000 – Valerie Cook
Miss Nebraska USA 1999 – WaLynda Lou Sipple
Miss Nebraska USA 1998 – Jennifer Naro
Miss Nebraska USA 1997 – Kimberly Jane Weir
Miss Nebraska USA 1996 – Kerry Lynn Kemper
Miss Nebraska USA 1995 – Chandelle Peacock
Miss Nebraska USA 1994 – Shawn Wolff
Miss Nebraska USA 1993 – Tish Gade
Miss Nebraska USA 1992 – Jeanna Blom
Miss Nebraska USA 1991 – Ziba Ayeen
Miss Nebraska USA 1990 – Angela Humphrey
Miss Nebraska USA 1989 – Renee Harter
Miss Nebraska USA 1988 – Kellie O’Neil
Miss Nebraska USA 1987 – Amy Anderson
Miss Nebraska USA 1986 – Ellen Withrow
Miss Nebraska USA 1985 – Lori Leigh Straight
Miss Nebraska USA 1984 – Joni Rundall
Miss Nebraska USA 1983 – Penelope Boynton
Miss Nebraska USA 1982 – Lori Novicki
Miss Nebraska USA 1981 – Ladonna Hill
Miss Nebraska USA 1980 – Rebecca Staab
Miss Nebraska USA 1979 – Rhonda Lundberg
Miss Nebraska USA 1978 – Shari Alyce Reimers
Miss Nebraska USA 1977 – Deb Ridge
Miss Nebraska USA 1976 – Catherine Fricke
Miss Nebraska USA 1975 – Mary Lee Hoth
Miss Nebraska USA 1974 – Mary Wolff
Miss Nebraska USA 1973 – Janice Geller
Miss Nebraska USA 1972 – Theresa Engels
Miss Nebraska USA 1971 – Lola Butler
Miss Nebraska USA 1970 – Connie McElveen
Miss Nebraska USA 1969 – Marily Poole
Miss Nebraska USA 1968 – Linda Dresher
Miss Nebraska USA 1966 – Karen Weinfurtner
Miss Nebraska USA 1965 – Constance Kellogg
Miss Nebraska USA 1964 – Georgia Merriam
Miss Nebraska USA 1963 – Sandy Zimmer
Miss Nebraska USA 1961 – Gail Weinstock
Miss Nebraska USA 1959 – Priscilla Eckrish
Miss Nebraska USA 1958 – Dee Kjeldgaard
Miss Nebraska USA 1957 – Carolyn McGirr
Miss Nebraska USA 1956 – Shari Lewis
Miss Nebraska USA 1955 – Donna Jo Streever
Miss Nebraska USA 1954 – Margie Winkhoff
Miss Nebraska USA 1953 – Berneta Nelson

The winner of Miss Nebraska Teen USA competes at the Miss Teen USA pageant, representing Nebraska, for a chance to win the title of Miss Teen USA.

Miss Nebraska Teen USA has four phases of competition that include: private interview, on-stage question, evening gown and athletic wear. In order to compete for Miss Nebraska Teen USA you must be at least 14 years old and under 19 years of age before January 1st in the year they hope to compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant and you need to have won a preliminary title.

Pageant History


Check out the winners of the Miss Nebraska Teen USA pageants in the past:

Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2020 - Audrey Eckert
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2019 – Erin Swanson
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2018 – Michaela Edstrand
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2017 – Samantha Washington
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2016 – Erika Etzelmiller
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2015 – Paige Pflueger
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2014 – Savannah Rave
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2013 – Jasmine Fuelberth
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2012 – Sarah Rose Summers
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2011 – Madison Novak
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2010 – Amanda Soltero
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2009 – Sarah Hollins
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2008 – Melissa DeJong
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2007 – Lauren Clabaugh
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2006 – Danielle Zuroski
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2005 – Kelsy Brown
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2004 – Meagan Winings
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2003 – Leighann Thagard
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2002 – Brieanne Bogart
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2001 – Heidi Lammli
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 2000 – Amy Weigert
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1999 – Kiley Kempcke
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1998 – Lori Andersen
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1997 – Natasha Fisher
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1996 – Mandy Goff
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1995 – Marlo McVea
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1994 – Elizabeth Schmitz
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1993 – Lauriette Logan
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1992 – Marney Monson
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1991 – Erin Mouther
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1990 – Shauna Redfern
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1989 – Melissa Jennings
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1988 – Pamela Brown
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1987 – Susan Weikel
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1986 – Elizabeth Beshay
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1985 – Tina Farmer
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1984 – Cyndi Freymuller
Miss Nebraska Teen USA 1983 – Jackie Kuenning