Amber Sickler, a music education major at Dickinson State University (DSU), lives an incredibly full life. Spending time with her family and friends is very important to her, and she does her best to balance those aspects of her life with her studies and extra-curricular activities. That balancing act has become a little more difficult as her interests and aspirations have grown. For the first time ever, Sickler is competing in a pageant: Miss Montana 2020.
Sickler has three siblings and considers her dog and two cats a part of the family, too. She is from Glendive, Montana, and went to high school at Dawson County. Sickler was involved in cheerleading, volleyball, pep band, tennis, choir… the list goes on. After her graduation in 2019, Sickler joined the Blue Hawks, and during her upcoming sophomore year, she will serve as a Resident Assistant and participate in cheerleading and DSU’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Sickler became interested in competing in the Miss Montana competition because the program serves as a great learning and scholarship opportunity for women. “I’ve heard it’s a life-changing experience,” she said. “I’m excited to share my passion: music.”
If she is crowned Miss Montana 2020, Sickler will take the next school year off to travel about Montana, visiting schools and participating in local events. This will allow Sickler to represent the organization and promote her platform: “Music Matters: Music Education.” “I want to bring awareness of how music should matter in today’s world,” Sickler shared. “I want to emphasize how music can influence someone’s mood, and being involved with music has many benefits.”
During the event, the competitors are judged based on social impact, talent and eveningwear, and they are interviewed both privately and onstage. Sickler hones her musical talents nearly every day in preparation, in addition to watching YouTube videos about pageants, because she has never participated in one before. “I have learned that it takes a lot of work to prep for a pageant. Trying to find 10 casual dresses, lots of paperwork, fundraising, onstage dresses, makeup, and knowing what your platform is, all takes a lot of time and work. But, it will be worth it!”
The Miss Montana competition begins July 23 in Glendive, Montana. Sickler’s supporters can participate in the People’s Choice voting currently taking place on the Pageant Planet website. Each vote costs $1, and the money raised will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. Dickinson State wishes our Blue Hawk the best of luck in the competition!
