By Derek Beck | North Platte Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The crown may be changing heads this week, but Miss Nebraska 2024 Raechel Warren and Miss Nebraska’s Teen 2024 Janae Harris are savoring every final moment of their reign as the next generation of competitors arrive in North Platte.
Twelve young women will vie for the title of Miss Nebraska 2025, and another twelve for Miss Nebraska’s Teen 2025, during a weeklong celebration of talent, service, scholarship, and style. Events begin Wednesday, June 4, with a Red Carpet Welcome Ceremony at Venue 304 and culminate with the final night of competition Saturday, June 7, at North Platte High School.
Warren and Harris joined the North Platte Post to reflect on their journeys, share advice for this year’s candidates, and spotlight a packed week of pageant festivities.
Watch Warren and Harris' Interview with POST
“This time last year, I had no idea how much this role would change my life,” said Warren, who competed in her final year of eligibility in 2024. “My goal was to go in, be 100% Raechel, and give it everything. Winning was just the cherry on top of the most fulfilling year.”
For Harris, her journey began with a bit of pre-pageant coaching at a family gathering. “Derek, you sat me down and gave me interview questions. I was so nervous, but it helped so much,” she laughed. “This has been the most incredible year, and I hope to compete at Miss Nebraska in the future.”
A Week of Tradition and Sisterhood
Miss Nebraska Week is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of tradition and mentorship that sets the program apart. One such tradition: each contestant is hosted by a local family—something unique to Nebraska.
“Our host families make this week unforgettable,” Warren said. “It’s a hallmark of the program and part of what makes North Platte feel like home.”
The Sparkler program, previously known as “Little Sisters,” pairs young girls aged 6–12 with delegates. For Harris, the bond she formed with her sparkler last year—sealed with a friendship necklace—remains one of her favorite memories.
“This year I get to see her again,” Harris said. “Mentorship is what my platform is all about, and this week is a chance to pour into the next generation.”
Warren added, “These little girls come back year after year. Some even grow up to compete. It shows just how lasting the impact is.”
Community Events and Competition
This week offers the public multiple chances to meet the delegates. In addition to Wednesday’s Red Carpet Welcome, preliminary competitions will be held Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. at North Platte High School. Saturday’s final begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by a post-pageant celebration at Venue 304.
Additional events include the Forever Red Celebration on Saturday afternoon, autograph signings, and visits to local businesses throughout the week.
“Our board and volunteers have done a phenomenal job,” Warren said. “The events are bigger, the marketing’s stronger, and the community support continues to grow. We’re grateful for all of it.”
Life After the Crown
Though neither will compete this week, both reigning titleholders plan to be a constant presence throughout the festivities—encouraging contestants and celebrating the sisterhood.
“This week is so different, not having the pressure of competition,” said Warren, who will perform with her mother Friday night. “My job now is to remind the girls to just enjoy it. They’ve done the work—now it’s time to shine.”
Warren plans to marry in September and continue her full-time career at Scoular, a commodities trading company. She and Harris also plan to expand their platforms into businesses, offering mentorship and outreach beyond the stage.
For Harris, who has aged out of the teen division, her sights are now set on Miss.
“This is a sisterhood that changes lives,” she said. “To everyone competing: soak it all in, make friends, and know that this is just the beginning.”
Pageant Schedule At a Glance
- Wednesday, June 4: Red Carpet Welcome Ceremony, Venue 304 – Doors open 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday & Friday, June 5-6: Preliminary Competitions, North Platte High School – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 7: Forever Red Celebration, Venue 304 – 1 to 3 p.m. Final Night Competition, North Platte High School – 6:00 p.m. Post-Pageant Gathering and Awards, Venue 304 – Immediately following crowning
- Forever Red Celebration, Venue 304 – 1 to 3 p.m.
- Final Night Competition, North Platte High School – 6:00 p.m.
- Post-Pageant Gathering and Awards, Venue 304 – Immediately following crowning
The public is encouraged to attend and support these ambitious young women. As Warren put it, “This is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for what’s next.”
— For more information, visit missnebraska.org or follow the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program on social media.