A communication studies major, McKinley Rexroat ’27 of Monmouth knows all about the value of a first impression.
The Monmouth College student certainly did so at the Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant in Springfield in January, showcasing her skills on a grand stage with 73 other competitors. With her strong background in public speaking and a deep connection to her hometown, she represented Warren County with grace and confidence, placing in the top 16 of the pageant.
When the opportunity to participate in the pageant arose, Rexroat saw it as a chance to enhance her communication skills, particularly in public speaking and interviewing.
“I’ve learned things in pageants that I will carry into every professional field of my life, and I also learned so much about myself,” said Rexroat, who won the Warren County pageant last July, also earning the title of Miss Congeniality.
Her favorite moment during the pageant weekend in Springfield was stepping onto the Crowne Plaza Hotel stage.
“Nothing will top the feeling of being in front of hundreds of people and feeling all the hard work appreciated,” said Rexroat.
Dress stress and a COMM-ing influence
However, preparation for the event was not without its challenges. A fashion enthusiast, Rexroat said choosing just the right attire was a daunting task.
“I spent three hours in the dress store searching for a perfect dress, and I was really stressed out trying to decide between two outfits,” she recalled with a laugh.
Throughout the competition, Monmouth College played a significant role. Rexroat highlighted the institution in her biography and pop questions, emphasizing the opportunities she’s gained as a student. On one of her social media posts, she addressed a “pop question” type of topic.
“A fun fact about me is that I have a podcast! My podcast is called ‘Mondays with McKinley,’ and on there I discuss recent events, hot topics and activities going on around my college campus. It has been so much fun taking requests from my listeners and making them feel included in my episodes.”
Rexroat believes her coursework and extracurricular activities, particularly as a communication major and music minor, gave her an edge in the competition.
“In my personal interview, I threw in random facts I learned through my academics at Monmouth,” she said. “For example, I mentioned how you have seven seconds to make a good first impression – something I learned in COMM 101 during my freshman year. It’s the little things I pick up on campus that I take with me to places even bigger than Monmouth.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her journey was the unwavering support from Monmouth College and the community.
“Everyone on campus has been amazing. It was so reassuring to compete in a state pageant knowing I had a whole community rallying behind me,” she said. “I have always loved growing up in Monmouth, but I was nervous about staying in my hometown for college. But now, I realize that all the opportunities I need have been right in front of me all my life.”
‘It means to the world to me’
Being crowned Warren County Fair Queen is an honor that holds deep significance for her.
“It means the world to me,” she said. “Representing the community that has supported me since I was 6 years old is still surreal, and I will forever be grateful for the amazing people I’ve met through this experience.”
Balancing her studies, extracurricular activities and her role as a fair queen is no easy task, but Rexroat stays organized through careful planning.
“I write in my planner and journal a lot,” she said. “I sit down each week and map out my schedule to make sure I don’t miss anything.”
For young women aspiring to participate in pageants, she offers simple but profound advice: “Just be yourself. The judges are looking for authenticity, and the girls are genuinely nice people.”
She said her pageant experience reinforced the importance of confidence and preparation, which have helped her in her studies, and that it also provided valuable life lessons she will carry forward. As she continues her journey at Monmouth College and beyond, Rexroat remains a shining example of leadership, resilience and community spirit.
***Courtesy of Barry McNamara, Monmouth College***
