COPS, crowns and competitions

By Kara Hildreth Today at 7:49 a.m.

Rosemount High School senior Peyton Schroeder is proud to be the 2018 Miss Minnesota Teen USA. She has chosen to support Care of Police Survivors as her charity since her father, Rick Schroeder, works as a captain with Dakota County Sheriff’s Department and is the Rosemount fire chief. Kara Hildreth / Contributor
ROSEMOUNT—Performing on stage is not new to Peyton Schroeder.

But instead of wearing dancing shoes to delight audiences with her graceful steps, she wears a crown as the new Miss Minnesota Teen USA.

After a knee injury last summer closed the doors to dancing, this seeming setback opened the windows of opportunities. Now she pursues personal development by competing in pageants. She put away her dancing shoes to wear high heels and now sees how this has been the silver lining.

Schroeder, 18, said she is ecstatic to represent the state and looks forward to her year reign.

Competing against about 40 other Minnesota young women, she said she was surprised to be crowned 2018 Miss Minnesota Teen USA last November. Kalie Wright of Eagle Bend was crowned Miss Minnesota USA. Both titleholders will compete in the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA national pageants later this year.

Schroeder said she looks forward to growing personally and professionally to enrich the world. She wants to learn how to provide humanitarian efforts that may lead to positive change while developing personal career goals.

Choosing a charity that is close to home, Schroeder said she will focus her energy to support the cause and promote the message of Care of Police Survivors. The COPS organization gives support to families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty while protecting public safety.

Her father, Rick Schroeder, works in the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and is the Rosemount volunteer fire chief.

"Since my dad is involved with Dakota County Sheriff as a captain in his office, it made my sister and I aware at an early age and on, and we have been exposed to reality," of the police line of work, Schroeder said.

She said looks forward to hearing families' stories and helping the public understand the mission of COPS.

During her reign, she has found reward in making appearances at Feed My Starving Children and visiting families at the Ronald McDonald House.

Schroeder said she has already learned how now she can definitely talk to anybody, working hard to improve her interview skills.

While balancing her commitments with Miss Minnesota Teen USA, Schroder plans to enjoy her senior year at Rosemount High School. For years, she has thrived on stages performing and competing in dance. After a long road of recovery, last month Schroeder put on her dancing shoes after she regained strength through therapy and healing.

"I am looking forward to the dance show at school in the middle of February with student choreographers and Christina Morris," Schroeder said.

This young woman is involved with the business group DECA and plans to attend University of North Dakota next year to study business management. As a true Minnesotan, her winter hobbies include winter sports and even ice fishing.

Filled with hometown pride for Rosemount, Schroeder said she looks forward to representing Minnesota in the national pageant this summer. She offers gratitude to all friends, family, the school and community for all the well wishes and support.

http://www.rosemounttownpages.com/community/people/4404003-cops-crowns-and-competitions