Howe girl to compete for Miss Texas

chance to represent Texas in the Miss America pageant

Nelms first began competing in pageants to overcome weaknesses.

"I was super shy." said Nelms. "My mom put me in pageants to open myself up. We did my first couple and met a lot of people who helped train me Once we started, we were hooked and people kept coaching us and helping us It's like a big family"

Lady Bulldogs All-District Honors

10-3A District MVP - Riley Harvey

Howe senior Kendall Nelms was crowned Miss Lake Worth, 2015

In the pageant life, Kendall Nelms took one of the most important steps towards every pageant girls dream - Miss America.

On Saturday, February 28, Nelms was officially crowned Miss Lake Worth from the Miss America preliminary round held on February 14.

Nelms, 17, started competing in the seventh grade and started competing in the Miss Teen competition last year and ended up becoming Miss Fort Worth She gave up her title to compete in "Miss" which is the age group from 17-24 The decision paid off as she was crowned Miss Lake Worth and will now compete for Miss Texas in July

Nelms will be competing against 45-50 others across Texas for a

As part of the competition, Nelms had to go through over a nine minute interview about her platform The platform can be on anything of their opinions, but she chose the one that hit closest to home. She spoke of her brother who has a chronic illness

"You go from interview to swimsuits and talent, which is a minute and a half and I play the flute." said Nelms. "At the end is the evening gown "

Nelms has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and will continue to do so and will start doing more public appearances It is now important for her to start marketing herself before the July 4 Miss Texas pageant to be held in Richardson

Miss Texas competitions only happen in cities where they are based There is no title for Howe, and she missed Allen and Richardson, but obviously was able to make the Lake Worth event.

1st Team - Alissa Smith, Darci Foster

2nd Team - Madisyn Hargrove, Peyton Streetman

Honorable Mention - Kayla Anderson, Holly Hawkins.