People may shy away from the big stage and the bright lights. They can't handle the constant attention and strangers critiquing their every move, but that is not the case for women in the pageant industry. Their purpose is to display themselves to the world and create a one-woman show.
Residents in the Nacogdoches community must first participate in the "Miss East Texas" pageant before advancing to "Miss Texas" and hopefully "Miss America." Contestants are required to register at www.missamerica.com, before filling out an application on the "Miss East Texas" Web site, www.misseasttexasorganization.com.
The 2009 "Miss East Texas" winner was Jessika Williams, and the "Miss Teen Texas" winner was Rachel Callicutt. (http://www.misseasttexasorganization.com/MeetMissEastTexas.html)
The search to find "Miss East Texas" and "Miss Teen Texas" will begin again on Sunday, Nov. 8, in Garland. The pageant will take place in the Plaza Theatre and will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15. (http://www.misseasttexasorganization.com/Events.html)
According to www.misseasttexas.org, the winners of the pageants are required to carry out numerous duties as title holders. She must be able to develop and present an articulate presentation to various audiences. She must have the ability to engage her audience, whether it is a small classroom of 5-year-olds, executive meetings or a large gathering at a public park. Judges look for someone who will exhibit a charismatic personality and good speaking abilities. They want someone who will value her character and reputation in public settings.
She also must spend as much time in the community as possible. She must be on time to all scheduled appearances, dressed appropriately and wear her crown. (http://www.misseasttexasorganization.com/MissContestantForms.htm)
The winner has to fully understand that the organization board has final approval for all decisions concerning wardrobe, talent selection, head shots and any other items related to competing for the title of "Miss Texas." She has to be committed to her education and her platform.
"Miss East Texas" or "Teen Texas" must be mature! Regardless of her age, she should portray a mature young woman who will be taken seriously when she speaks.
(http://www.misseasttexasorganization.com/MissContestantForms.htm)
Taylor Lowery, "Miss Teen Texas" winner, said, "It teaches you how to speak to people and obviously you're going to be speaking to people the rest of your life, and it teaches you how to do it in a manner that shows that you have poise and that you're intelligent." (http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=10673063)
Almost all contestants have either received or are in the process of earning college or postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss Texas scholarship awards for furthering their education. (http://www.misstexas.org/miss/aboutus/aboutus.htm)
"To hear my name put with the title of Miss Teen Texas, I didn't even know what to think," Lowery said. "It was the most exhilarating feeling that anyone could ever have." (http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=10673063).
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!