The Mr. & Ms. Sweetheart Pageant kicked off Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at the Carterville Community Center. The pageant was hosted by Stephaney Stroud Odle, owner of Stephaney’s Bargain Boutique. Children aged birth to 16 were eligible to compete in 12 divisions organized by age and gender. Contestants were judged on appearance, beauty, poise and personality.

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Five-month-old Zalei Mocaby and Mother Britney reacts as Zalei wins Baby Ms. Sweetheart Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 during the first Mr. & Ms. Sweetheart Pageant inside the Carterville Community Center. Photo by Isabel Miller