“During basketball practice, I came down and twisted the tendon on the kneecap that stretches and holds the bones together. It was pretty painful,” Bahr said. “I had to drop out [of basketball];  that was definitely hard. I have a little limp but I am trying to get that mobility back. I am not sure how much of a physical fitness routine I will be able to do because I can’t make sharp turns.”
    Bahr will work with the state pageant trainer to determine her participation level.
    “They [doctors] said it was a six month healing process and you can’t push your mobility.
    While Bahr is uncertain whether the judges will be informed of her injury, she said “It may be something I can bring up in the interview.”
    Either way, she knows the most important part of the pageant is to enjoy every moment.
    “I just am trying to go into this with a positive attitude right now and realize it will be fun no matter what.”
    There is much to look forward to.
    “I would definitely say the potential friendships I will gain and growing as a person through the whole experience is something to look forward to. The local experience showed me who I am and where I stand and I hope that will continue,” she said.
    Former state contestants have given her good advice that she plans to use during the weekend.
    “During the interview they highlighted that with the judges it’s good to have eye contact and to just be yourself,” she said. “I love that aspect of it, getting to talk with people as if it were a business interview, I love that whole aspect of it.”
    While she enjoys interviewing, she wonders how it will be to play piano in front of a much larger crowd than she had in Bremen.
    “I definitely think that can be very nerve-wracking in front of a lot of people because it can get to you, but I know I will be OK,” said Courtney.
    She’ll have plenty of people cheering for her, not only here in Bremen, but also with her, as her whole family is going down for the pageant, which takes place Feb. 7 to 9.
    According to Pam Gunterman, chairman of Bremen’s Junior Miss program, Bahr will head down to Frankfort Feb. 3 for a week of pre-pageant activities.
    “I give her a great deal of credit for preparing herself in every way she can, considering she was injured,” Gunterman said. “I think she will do wonderfully in the pageant. She is such a well-rounded young lady.”
    Bahr encourages other girls to get involved with their local Junior Miss program — not only for the scholarship awards, but for the experience.
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While in Frankfort Feb. 3 to 9, Courtney will be staying with the Miller family. Cards and notes of support may be mailed to her at this address:
Courtney Bahr
c/o Mr. and Mrs. Steve Miller
1315 N. CR 30 East
Frankfort, IN 46041