Big things come in tiny package for pageant hopeful

Bonnie Pullian, Iola, is the proud grandma of 6-year-old Adayrean West of Le Roy, the reigning 2017 Princess of America’s Tiny Miss Kansas.
“When I grow up I hope to become a wheat scientist and help develop ways to grow more food on less land. I want to be able to feed the future,” Adayrean told the judges.
Her polished interviewing skills, creativity and drive helped to secure four trophies along with the title, sash and tiara during the pageant held April 22-23 in Junction City. West placed first overall and in two separate categories; creativity and community service. She placed runner-up for casual wear. She collected the most non-perishable food items and donated them to God’s Store House, Burlington. 
“This is the first official pageant she has entered,” said her mother, Amy West. 
Adayrean has participated in three pre-pageant preliminary programs including the Miss Hay Capital princess program held at Yates Center.
“It’s a confidence-builder for little girls,” Amy said.
It was Adayrean’s dad, Spencer West’s, idea initially to get his daughter involved in pageants, saying it would be a good way for her to learn about investing hard work into something that eventually pays off.
“I was originally against pageants,” Amy said. “There was no way I wanted my little girl being like the little girls I see on ‘Toddlers & Tiaras.”’
But Amy gave the go-ahead for her daughter to participate in the Yates Center program saying it proved to be a good experience. Afterward, Amy started researching “natural” pageants throughout Kansas.
“She’s not even allowed to wear makeup,” Amy said.
It took a team to help prepare Adayrean for the Princess of America Tiny Miss Kansas Pageant, including Coach Mercedes Kang and Adayrean’s aunt, Jackie Riley, of Waverly. Spencer said he was excited his daughter won.
The tiny princess agreed.
“My hard work paid off,” Adayrean said.
Adayrean is now qualified to compete for the national title in Branson, Mo, July 31- Aug. 5.
A requirement of the ambassador category includes submitting a portfolio of completed community service tasks. Adayrean and her mom are looking for ways the six-year-old can serve communities in Allen County. 
“We live in the country, we don’t just rely on one town,” Amy said.”We are in Iola just as much as Le Roy essentially.”
Agencies that would be willing to allow Adayrean to volunteer should contact Amy at 620-363-4996. The Tiny Miss Kansas is also available for public appearances.