Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Roman, Rohde
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/13/2021
Neillsville Youth Named ARB Miss Wisconsin Sweetheart (Olivia Roman – 2021)
Olivia Roman of Neillsville has earned the title of American Royal Beauties Miss Wisconsin Sweetheart. She received several other awards of the state pageant as well, including the
Community Service Award. Submitted photos
By Valorie Brecht
Through being in a pageant, Olivia Roman, has grown as a person and found an outlet to help others.
“You’re building lifelong skills; it’s not just about the crown and pretty dress,” said Holly Rohde, Olivia’s pageant coach.
Olivia 9 attends Neillsville Elementary School. She was recently crowned American Royal Beauties (ARB) Miss Wisconsin Sweetheart. The pageant took place Sept. 16 in Wisconsin Dells. Olivia’s Mom found out about the pageant online and forwarded the information to Holly who is also Olivia’s dance teacher at Uplifting Movement and Fitness in Loyal. Holly thought the ARB pageant would be a good fit for Olivia and encouraged her to apply. She did, and the rest is history.
The mission of the ARB pageant system is “empowering women so they can empower others.”
The Wisconsin pageant was open to all ages, from baby to adult. There were about 25 participants in all. Olivia competed in the Sweetheart Division, which is for ages 7-9. She was the only one in her age division. Fifty percent of her final score came from an interview, 40 percent was from the formal wear competition and 10 percent was based on a community donation. The ARB organization places a high emphasis on community service, with a motto of “Crown to Serve.”
Wisconsin pageant contestants were asked to donate to the Hope House of South-Central Wisconsin. The Hope House, in Baraboo, provides shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence. All participants were required to donate at least one item from the Hope House wish list.
Olivia chose to donate diapers. She went above and beyond the one item requirement, though, and hosted a donation drive at her dance studio. She filled the back of an SUV with donations and won the overall Community Service Award.
Olivia Roman displays all the diapers she collected for the Hope House of Central Wisconsin as part of her participation in a pageant in Wisconsin Dells.
In the interview portion of the pageant, Olivia answered questions about herself, her interests and why she donated what she did, Rohde coached her to prepare.
“We worked on interview skills and how to answer questions… We also practiced her evening gown walk and modeling skills,” said Rohde.
Olivia also competed in the “casual wear” competition. Besides the Community Service Award, she won several other awards, including Top Model (out of a few divisions), Best Smile, Best Eyes, Best Personality and Cover Girl.
Olivia said she had fun at the pageant. Her favorite part was collecting the diapers. She enjoyed the other aspects if it as well. She said the biggest thing she learned was to “be yourself.”
Rohde said it was a great experience for Olivia.
“It’s great to build confidence. And learning how to speak in public, to be able to speak on the spot and express yourself, that’s something that can benefit anyone in any career,” said Rohde.
She said she appreciated the community service aspect as well and how the pageant place a strong emphasis on that. Rohde has experience in the pageant world herself, as she competed in pageants in high school and this past year won the United States of America’s Mrs. Central Wisconsin title.
“That’s why I do it, it for he community service,” said Holly.
“It’s a great opportunity for a child of any age to get involved in their community and learn how to give back. And performing builds confidence.”
Olivia will advanced to the national competition on July 27-31, 2022, in Ohio. The winners from all 50 states will be eligible to compete. There will be a community service aspect to that pageant as well, and Olivia has already selected the cause she will support.
When Olivia frit started school, she noticed it was hard to find diverse books, including books with kids that look like her. She wants to change that. She is going to raise money to order three diverse boos, including “Skin Like Mine,” to donate to local elementary schools.
People wishing to donate to help purchase books may contact the dance studio at 715-503-1082 or may contact Olivia’s Mom, Samantha, at 612-810-8382.
Samantha said she was proud of all her daughter has accomplished.
“She’s been competing in dance competitions, so this is just one more step. Through the donation part, she’s learned more how it’s what’s on the inside that counts. She’s learned about staying true to herself and being confident in who she is.”
