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Wife of local wins Mrs. Kansas
Samantha Reinecke is honored to be your Mrs. Kansas, proudly representing married women across the state.
Samantha Reinecke, wife of Shawn Reinecke, mother of Layla, 2, and daughter-in-law of Max and Maxine Reinecke, Fort Scott, was crowned April 17 as Mrs. Kansas 2010.
Samantha is a 10th grade English teacher at Chanute High School in Chanute. Besides being actively involved in her students' academic success, Samantha is also the sponsor for the CHS chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Through her guidance, the club (which has 122 members) raises money to adopt families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas. FCA is also involved in the Kiwanis annual Pancake Feed, the Jessie Jackson Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, and See You at the Pole.
She earned a bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in English, from Pittsburg State University, and an Associate of Arts degree from Neosho County Community College. A driven individual, Samantha obtained these degrees in just three years after graduating from high school. She began her teaching career at CHS at the age of 21.
Samantha's husband, Shawn, is a Staff Sergeant at Whiteman AFB, working as a Firefighter, and is an EMT at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. Through the first two years of their marriage, Shawn was stationed at Eielson AFB in Alaska, while Samantha began her teaching career in Kansas, raising their then newborn girl, Layla, by herself. While those two years were extremely difficult, the Reinecke family pulled through, gaining an entirely new level of admiration and respect for military families around the world. Armed with the state title, Samantha will seize this opportunity to promote the platform of USO and military family support, shining a light on the sacrifices and bravery of our men and women in uniform and their families.
The 2010 Mrs. Kansas America winner receives more than $10,000 in prizes including an all expense paid trip to the National Competition Mrs. America, an Alberto Makali Evening Gown and wardrobe for use at Mrs. America, a 14K Gold Crown Ring from Ballerina Jewelers, use of a custom evening gown from Frankie Couture plus much more.
In addition to the Mrs. Kansas Crown, Reinecke was awarded Mrs. Photogenic, Best Gown, Fitness and Perfect Smiles Dental Care Most Beautiful Smile awards.
For more information about the Mrs. Kansas competition, the 2010 Mrs. Kansas winner, or past winners, visit the website at http://www.mrskansas.net.