NAM Texas Teen Pageant | August 1, 2011

When I was only 14 years old, I entered my first pageant on a whim, without any real preparation. It was the Miss Texas Jr. Teen Pageant for the National American Miss system. It was at this pageant where I met my first real pageant friend, Ashlee Davie. I walked away that weekend as the 3rd Runner Up out of over 150 girls. But that wasn’t all I took with me, I had gained confidence, poise, and matured as a person. I competed in NAM two more years before I took the title in 2007 with tears streaming down my face. Ashlee and I have been escorted back to back for 6 years. She watched me win in 2007 and to this day, I still remember her exact words of congratulations after I won. Last year in 2010, I watched her take the title, with my own eyes brimming with tears. I never knew that Ashlee and I would be so intertwined -we’re both broadcast journalism majors at the University of Texas and on Monday night, I wouldn’t have traded my seat for any other in the world. I sat front row, in Ashlee’s section as she passed on the title that has meant to most to her. Of course, I wore my own Miss Texas Collegiate sash with pride and honor and posed for a much needed photo with Ashlee. 

As mentioned in my previous blog post, I love going to pageants because it’s a great way to see old friends. Shannon Smith of Houston is the new Miss Texas and I’ve known her since 2005 as well. 

Also, Congratulations to the new queen, Maegan Alexandra Todd! Represent Texas well and show ‘em what you got at Nationals, girl! :)