Coordination of community service projects the focus
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Calia Freitag and Mackynzie Sanders often practice routines together as members of Burlington’s Midwest Dance Center.
The Burlington duo – involved in multiple performances presented by the local dance studio – have another reason to spend time together with both earning crowns at the Royal American Beauties scholarship pageant last November in Wausau.
Royal American Beauties, a national organization, emphasizes the importance of community service with a motto dubbed “Crown to Serve.”
Calia, 13, daughter of Scott and Tracy Freitag, held the crown of Miss Wisconsin Sweetheart Princess a couple of years ago before the recent honor of Miss Badger State Pre-Teen.
“I was amazed, I was so happy and was so proud of myself,” said Calia, the youngest of three children.
Mackynzie, 9, daughter of Amy and Jeff, earned the crown of Miss Wisconsin Sweetheart at the same pageant.
Mackynzie, who was soft-spoken during an interview with Southern Lakes Newspapers on Jan. 13, is described by Calia as outgoing and willing to help others.
“She is fun to be around. Right when you meet her, she is very outgoing and tries to help out,” Calia said.
Dedicated to serve
As part of American Royal Beauties, the youngsters need to coordinate at least 11 community service events through their terms. They have already completed a handful of projects.
Projects include, but are not limited to, contributing time at Feed My Starving Children based in Illinois –where they packed meals for other children in need of nutrition, donating food to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin through an event held at Bubba’s Brickyard in Burlington last December, and pitching in at a local church.
“They are focusing now on Crown to Serve. They are doing community service,” Amy explained. “It is focused on what you can do to help others.”
Mackynzie, a fourth-grade student at Dyer Elementary School, said she has learned valuable lessons through community service projects. She has also found service a rewarding experience.
“It feels really good to give back to the community,” said Mackynzie, a member of the Dyer student council and the school’s safety patrol.
According to Amy, Mackynzie, the youngest of two children, supports foster children and plans to become more involved in helping them in the future.
“She really enjoys getting out there and helping,” Amy said. “Mackynzie has a heart of gold.”
Excited to help
Calia, a seventh-grade student at Karcher Middle School, has been involved in several pageants was inspired by a family friend.
She recalls seeing the daughter of one of her mother’s friends participate in pageants.
“I just fell in love with the pageant gowns and the competition,” said Calia.
As she continues to be involved at Midwest Dance Center and contribute to community projects, Calia is also a member of Burlington Back 40 4-H Club and shows poultry at the Racine County Fair.
Although Calia has a busy schedule from dance lessons to raising poultry for the fair, she said she looks forward to serving the community as Miss Badger State Pre-Teen.
“I am ready for the challenge. I am so excited,” Calia said.
Calia credits her mom for helping her keep a balanced schedule.
“I am really thankful for my mom,” Calia said. “I am just thankful for her helping.”
Tracy said Calia’s enthusiasm did not come as a surprise.
“She is a go-getter, she is not shy,” Tracy said.
Calia and Mackynzie will each advance to national competition for their respective titles in Ohio from July 29 to Aug. 2.
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