Each year during Miss Ohio Week, people have the opportunity to see the contestants as they compete for the title of Miss Ohio. With all of the excitement that occurs onstage, it’s easy to forget the work that goes on behind the scenes.
Over 100 volunteers help set the scene for Miss Ohio Week and try to make sure their jobs go unnoticed for the sake of maintaining the fluidity of each day.
One volunteer in particular who has been serving the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program (MOSP) for over 25 years is Drena McCurdy.
McCurdy started out in the program as a spectator when her daughter competed in the MOSP. Then, she decided to become a volunteer. McCurdy currently serves on the Miss Ohio Board, and this will be her ninth year as the Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen Executive Director.
“I like doing it and like going to the pageants; my heart is there,” she stated.
With her volunteer titles, she accumulates several different responsibilities. “I have a list that I call, ‘Things I have to do before the day is over.’ There are probably 100 different things on that list; some are simple, but there is certainly a lot to do,” she said.
Although Miss Ohio Week rolls around just once every year, the preparation that is needed to make the competition happen requires extra time from the volunteers. “We work all year round,” she said. “We have fundraisers and preliminaries earlier in the year and we work on those all year.”
Despite the heavy laundry list of things to do and long hours that are involved leading up to the pageant, McCurdy stated, “I really enjoy it. Everyone has their own reason for volunteering, and I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.”
In addition to McCurdy’s volunteer work with the MOSP, she owns Theresa-Ann’s, a dress shop in Lexington. During this busy season, she works part-time in order to devote more time to the pageant.
“I look forward to Miss Ohio Week each year. I think one of the most important things I appreciate in this program is that we’re helping these ladies earn an education. I also enjoy meeting the contestants and I look forward to and going to Nationals with the winner.”