Kids & Family
Orland Park Hooters Waitress Going for International Title
Oak Forest native Jessica Hauss, 19, is competing for the crown in the Miss Hooters International pageant, which will be televised at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 23 on the FX channel. Hauss works at the Orland Park Hooters and attended Tinley Park High School.
Jessica Hauss is enjoying a glamorous taste of a model's life—tropical photo shoots, pageant rehearsals and the chance to appear on national television.
And the alumnus, who now works at Orland Park's Hooters, doesn't have a shred of modeling experience. But due to an appearance in a corporate calendar for Hooters, where Hauss works full time, she will be facing off against 100 other employees in the running for Miss Hooters International.
The title is awarded annually to one Hooters Girl during the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant. During her reign, the winner will be the official spokesperson and personality for Hooters, according to the company's website. She will be featured on Hooters national TV commercials, billboards, Hooters Magazine, Hooters Calendar, as well as represent the brand through various events and charitable initiatives.
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At 19, Haus said she in no way planned to compete for the honor but when the opportunity came, she grabbed it.
"It's awesome," Hauss told Patch from Miami during a phone interview. "I never thought it would be me here doing this."
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In addition to the title, Hauss could win more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. The pageant will air at 9 p.m Saturday, June 23 on FX. Supporters can cast their vote for Hauss now in the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant Viewers Choice and keep up with Hauss' progress on Facebook.
Hauss said she eventually wants to have a career in sports therapy. She's currently pursuing certification at the National Academy of Sports Medicine in Chicago.
"Girls all over the world would love to be where I am," Hauss said, of the Hooters experience. "I just really think all my hard work and dedication paid off."
So her advice to those other girls?
"Try something new," she said. "Get out of what you're used to."
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