Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Latest:
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Lifestyles

CSC student passes on support to fellow pageant participants

Kristina Harter

There are moments when pageant participants doubt themselves. A stutter can ruin an interview. Swimsuit and heels on a stage can be uncomfortable. Six judges watch every move. It is, after all, a competition.

It is for those doubtful moments that beauty pageants need a Miss Congeniality. Someone who is fearless and friendly, who says “you can,” and who can make you laugh, if need be. At the Miss Alliance/Panhandle Pageant, that someone was CSC sophomore Justy Bullington. Behind the shimmering gown and on-stage poise, she is one of the Nebraska Panhandle’s most enthusiastic and ambitious young women.

Justy Bullington, 20, sophomore of Mullen demonstrates the dance she performed for her pageant talent. Miranda Miles, 21, junior of Gering, choreographed the dance. — Photos by Ashley Swanson
Justy Bullington, 20, sophomore of Mullen demonstrates the dance she performed for her pageant talent. Miranda Miles, 21, junior of Gering, choreographed the dance. — Photos by Ashley Swanson

Bullington, 20, captain of the CSC cheer team, was all smiles and laughs as she described her first beauty pageant experience.

Growing up on a ranch near Mullen she and her sister, Courtney Bullington, were raised to believe they could be whatever they dreamed.

“I never fit the ranch stereotype and we joke about my lack of natural country,” she said, adjusting the floral scarf around her neck, “My parents have always been supportive of me. I sat on the bench in every sport I ever played but they never missed a game.”

Ambition and fellow competitors inspire her to compete inspiration but her mother, Jodi Bullington, should not to be overlooked. A few months before the pageant, Justy stumbled onto her mothers Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant scrapbooks. The keepsakes ignited her desire to enter herself.

Bullington lists her goals during an interview Tuesday. — Photos by Ashley Swanson
Bullington lists her goals during an interview Tuesday. — Photos by Ashley Swanson

“My mom always tells me that you can never be over dressed or over educated and the Miss America Organization, particularly the Miss Alliance/Panhandle Beauty Pageant was a great way for me to develop my-self growth,” Bullington said.

Pageant day was the easy part. It was the tough workouts, dance practice for her talent, mock interviews and mental preparation that kept Bullington busy for nearly two months.

“Going into the pageant, I was focused on staying true to myself. It was a lot of self-talk,” Bullington said, “I never once doubted myself, which is due to my support system.”

Megan Dimmitt, Miss Northwest 2012 and Bullington’s close friend offered tips, attire, and the support any pageant girl contestant might need.

“Without Megan I would have been naked on stage,” Bullington joked.

In addition to all the hugs and congratulations after the pageant, several former winners told Bullington that Miss Congeniality is the highest honor a participant can earn.

“You only spend so much time with the girls and the fact that I could leave a lasting impression was a fortunate experience,” Bullington said.

Eying next year’s local pageants, Bullington plans to work with a local judge to improve her interview techniques and her health and fitness. But her aspirations go beyond the pageant circuit.

“My ultimate goal is to be an anchor for the Today Show or a field reporter for ESPN,” she said with a perky spirit, “It’s common for former pageant contestants to be hired because they are taught from a young age how to speak well and be on their toes.”

Whether pageants lead to life-long friends, a career in broadcasting, or a mother’s pride, Bullington’s approach is simple. “Do it,” Bullington said, “You have nothing to lose, there’s no cost and donations go to the Children’s Miracle Network which is a great organization.”