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Senior competes in state homecoming queen event

Maggie Cook’s in it for experience — and the scholarship

Maggie Cook, Monroe’s homecoming queen, was selected to compete in Ohio’s 30th annual Homecoming Queen Selection scholarship program, April 10-11 in Dayton.

Gary Stelzer/Staff photographer Maggie Cook, Monroe’s homecoming queen, was selected to compete in Ohio’s 30th annual Homecoming Queen Selection scholarship program, April 10-11 in Dayton.

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By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer 10:40 AM Thursday, March 18, 2010

MONROE — Maggie Cook is planning to use her experiences from next month’s state homecoming queen competition as a stepping stone toward her future.

Cook, a 17-year-old senior at Monroe High School who was crowned the district’s 2009 Homecoming queen in October, has been selected as a finalist in the invitation-only Homecoming Queen Selection, from April 10-11, at the Dayton Marriott.

As a state finalist, Cook will compete in personal interviews and a prom gown competition. There is no swimsuit or talent competition, according to America’s Homecoming Queen Inc.

The winner will be named Ohio’s 2010 homecoming queen, receive a cash scholarship and will win a trip to participate in the American Homecoming Queen competition in Anaheim, Calif., the organization said.

“I’d love to go to California and win the scholarship,” Cook said.

To qualify, participants must be a high school homecoming queen during either football or basketball season and have never before participated in America’s Homecoming Queen Selection.

Cook, who has never competed in any kind of beauty pageant before, said her mom, Karen, came up with the idea for her to enter event.

“She showed me the letter that we got and then she told me ‘I think it would be really good experience for you even if you don’t make it to nationals with interviewing and things like that.’ I’m very nervous,” she said.

Karen Cook, an attendance secretary at the high school, said she is excited for her daughter and that she just wants her to enjoy the experience. “Hopefully, it will build some confidence with her.”

America’s Homecoming Queen Inc. is a Tennessee-based non-profit organization promoting education and community service for high school homecoming queens in all 50 states.

Even though Cook may not consider herself the All-American girl, she does have career goals.

Cook plans to enroll in the licensed practical nurse program at Butler Tech upon graduating. Upon completing that 10½-month program, she plans to either enroll in a possible new registered nurse program at Butler Tech or attend another school to obtain her nursing degree.

She said her goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse because she loves children.

“I’ve always liked being around children and helping them,” Cook said.