Last November, three Missouri ladies were crowned royalty as part of the Miss Audrain Scholarship Pageant, held in Mexico. Olivia Henson of Belton was crowned Miss Audrain 2020; Alana Lemon was named Miss Brick City Outstanding Teen; and Erica Mock was selected Miss Audrain Outstanding Teen.

A lot has changed in the world since then, as not only people, but events, have adjusted to life under COVID-19. Henson was to advance to the Miss Missouri Pageant slated for June, but due to the virus, it was cancelled. In response, organizers talked to the trio, who agreed to continue to serve until June 2021.

There was one slight complication: During the summer, Mock moved to the state of California during the summer.

“We loved Erica,” said pageant director Bev Meuschke. “But it was going to be a struggle to get back and forth and to be a part of the community.”

With that, Mock’s successor has been named. Riley Barringer of Wentzville will assume the Miss Audrain Outstanding Teen crown in a ceremony slated for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at Teal Lake Shelter, located at 2600 Huntingfield Road, Mexico.

“We’re all excited to have Riley on board,” said Meuschke.

The public is welcome to attend the ceremony and to welcome Riley as pageant royalty. Invitations have been extended to special guests, including Miss Audrain 2020 Olivia Henson, who plans to attend.

Bev Meuschke is pageant director; co-director is Amy LeCount.