Miss Texas Magazine | January 2021

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Miss Texas Miss Colleyville Miss El Paso County Miss Grapevine Miss Piney Woods Miss Plano Miss Rockwall Miss Twin Rivers

Volunteer Spotlight Legacy Society Texas Cares For Children Article Article Article

Chandler Foreman Mallory Fuller Andrea Chacon Jaelene Luper Jordan Johnson Landry Champlin KK Tunnell (Cover) Madi Franquiz

Tara Watson Watkins Regina Casaday Ambassadors Collect Christmas Gifts All Things New The Eagle Has Landed Reflections From Isolation

JANUARY

magazine THIS MONTH

Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Alliance's Outstanding Teen Miss Arlington's Outstanding Teen Miss Burleson's Outstanding Teen Miss Carrollton's Outstanding Teen Miss Joshua's Outstanding Teen Miss Lonestar's Outstanding Teen Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Ovilla's Outstanding Teen Miss Southeast Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Southlake's Outstanding Teen Miss Sugarland's Outstanding Teen

Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Coming Soon

Allie Graves Gina Sisco Gwennyth Simmerman Haidyn Hill Kennedy Hardeman Alexxia Carter Ava Hunt Mallory Lorant Kaylee King Lauren Faria Laurel Jones Zona Johnson

Dillard's Terry Costa University of North Texas 1937 Club

2021

A New Year!

i t H

refresh and

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THERE SHE IS

Welcome to

2021

Turns 100 this year!

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Tara & Brent Watkins

Tara Watson Watkins, Analeigh, and Brent Watkins

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

- Elizabeth Andrew If you ask any little girl what she wants to be when she grows up, at some point they will say a princess. My answer was the same but at the age of 7, it changed to wanting to be Miss Texas. As the youngest of thee and the only girl, my dance teacher, Jo Thompson, was the closest thing to a sister that I ever had. I started taking dance from Jo and her mom, Rita, at the age of three. I longed to be just like her. Not only as a dancer but as a human. Her love of people and life was infectious, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. In 1985 Jo won the title of Miss Lufkin and my parents and I came to Ft. Worth for the entire week to watch and support her as she competed for the title of Miss Texas. Little did we know that 36 years later we would still not only be attending the week of competitions, but we would have our lives forever changed from this incredible organization. In 1987, Jo saw her dream come true of becoming Miss Texas and 13 years later she would be there to watch me be crowned Miss Texas 2000. Talk about a full-circle moment.

I have such wonderful memories of coming to Ft. Worth each year.

We would always stay with my Aunt Ouida and Uncle Bob and they started attending the pageant each year with us. My Uncle Bob eventually quit coming, until I started competing, but my Aunt Ouida still loves attending the pageant each year. It’s been a family adventure, to say the least. As a young girl, I started observing and soaking up every ounce of Miss Texas. Over the years, I have witnessed the job of Miss Texas change from ribbon cuttings and parades to the true job that it has become today.

In 1990, B. Don Magness started the teen program and within 8- 10 years, all the states had joined and begun their teen program. The first two years of the teen program I sat in the audience and watched and then I decided at the age of 14 that I was ready to compete. To everyone's surprise, mine being the most, I placed 1st runner up to Carley Jarmon and tied her for the overall interview

- Miss Texas 2000, Tara Watson award. I went back next year and was blessed to be the 4th Miss Teen Texas crowned. It was an amazing year and one that forever changed my life as a young girl. I began speaking on HIV/AIDS awareness as a 15-year-old and continue to speak any time that I have an opportunity to kids on this subject.

Fast forward three years and now I am on the BIG stage at Miss Texas. Not only did I not win, but I never heard my name called out- not even in the top 20. Talk about a humbling moment. I decided to sit out a year and enjoy my freshman year of college at TCU and then came back to compete in 1998 as Miss Dallas. Once again, I surprised myself by winning swimsuit and placing 1st runner-up to Tatum Hubbard. I was on fire—let’s do this again!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

It gives you a voice and if used correctly, a platform to stand on that can catapult you to your highest possible dreams.

I am so proud to be a part of the Miss Texas Organization and to be able to give back and volunteer for an organization that has meant so much not only to myself but also to my family. We have always said that we have multiple families—our immediate family, our church family, and our Miss Texas family. Ten years ago, I was asked to join the team and become the Judge’s I came back for my third year of competition as Miss Lake

Chairman. This is not a job that I take lightly but with of the Pines and not only did I not win, I dropped to third

great honor. To be able to be with 14 individuals each place. God sure has a way of making sure you stay humble

summer and help them navigate the ropes of choosing and grounded and reminding you who is in control. At this

another young woman to become Miss Texas or Miss point, I decided that I was done competing and that God

Texas’ Outstanding Teen is an honor and privilege. But had greater plans for me that I just could not see but Bob

make no buts about it, I run a tight ship. I strive to make Horan, former Chairman of the board, did not see it that way.

The night I gave up my crown in Longview as Miss LOP, Bob Horan rode back to Ft. Worth with me, and by the time I got home, I was competing again representing the Hurst Euless Bedford communities.

I went back as a 21-year-old senior at TCU and had my life forever changed on July 6, 2000. My year as Miss Texas was an absolute dream come true and one that has helped to shape my life even 20 years later. I was fortunate enough to be able to make over 450 appearances and speak with over 300,000 school-age kids on my school programStayin’ Alive. My journey to Miss American was a dream come true and was blessed to have over 250 friends and family come to Atlantic City to cheer me on! I am proud and honored to be able to say that I placed top 10 at Miss

sure that all t’s are crossed, all I’s are dotted, and that everything is done on the up and up and by the book.

To the young women competing for this job, I encourage you to dig deep and ask yourself why you want this responsibility? If you are doing it for the fame and ability to say that you are or were Miss Texas I have to tell you to go find another dream. That’s not what this is about. If you want to touch lives and have your life changed by the “Dakota’s or Mallory’s” in the state, then fight for what you believe in and be the very best you can be when we all get to be back together and have another pageant. It’s so much more than winning. It’s about sitting on the ground and letting kids crawl over you with runny noses. It’s about giving your testimony at churches as you travel across our Lone Star State. It’s about having the time of your life while changing lives and having your life forever changed in the process. It’s

America but got to come home and have the greatest job

time to Rise Up and give your all to an organization that there is for a year—the job of Miss Texas.

continues to give to all of us yearly. Know that I will be This incredible opportunity continues to open doors for me and the other women whom I call “sisters”.

cheering you on as we watch your dreams come true.

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED CHANDLER FOREMAN

University of North Texas while serving as the reigning Miss Texas.

experiences which will ensure I excel in my desired field. I know that I am prepared to take on my life’s journey with the foundation provided.

With numerous organizations and opportunities to engage and participate in, UNT cultivates the creativities of all students. We are able to find both productivity and inclusivity in our selfselected spaces.

At the University of North Texas, the environment ensures students thrive by providing space to have a voice and feel welcome.

My university supports the career aspirations and diversities of its students. UNT has provided us with a strong education and personal development, equipping us so we are ready for the professional workplace.

Thanks to UNT, I will never approach an opportunity with fear. I will graduate knowing that I am ready for what my career and future holds.

YROTS ERUTAEF

As a senior, I have engaged in many It has been a privilege to study at the

THE UNIVERSITY OF

NORTH TEXAS NEW YEAR, BRIGHT FUTURE

HOME OF MISS TEXAS, CHANDLER FOREMAN

Model: Miss Piney Woods, Jordan Johnson

Texas Cares for Children Ambassadors Collecting Christmas Gifts for Families in Need

texas cares for children E N C O U R A G I N G L E A D E R S H I P P R O M O T I N G E D U C A T I O N D E V E L O P I N G C H A R A C T E R

The Texas Cares For Children program was created to address social inequality on a peer-to-peer level through leadership development, community partnerships and training. Texas Cares For Children, a 501(c)(3), strives to bring life skills, values education, and leadership into schools; demonstrating the importance of setting personal and educational goals; teaching students how to stand up to negative peer pressure and turn it into positive peer pressure and establishing lifelong healthy practices. The initial program was developed in 1993 through collaborative efforts with the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and won the endorsement of former

President George Bush and then Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander. The concept is to help each individual participant develop and improve his or her capabilities through instruction and training which in turn benefits the community as a whole. By sharing a platform about which an individual is passionate, each participant not only teaches, but learns. Participants learn about character building and life skills, making healthy choices and wellness practices part of their lifestyle, effectively dealing with bullying and peer pressure, overcoming adversity and challenges, understanding and respecting one another’s differences and combating drug and alcohol abuse.

Model: Miss Carrollton's Outstanding Teen, Kennedy Hardeman

All Things NEW I think I can speak for all of us that we are so excited for a NEW year! Last year was tough but packed with so many blessings and opportunities for creativity and growth.

New beginnings bloom around us and within us every single day. Isn’t it wonderful news that we don’t have to wait for a clean slate?

It’s such a comfort and joy to know that God is in the business of making all things new.

remember to give yourself grace.

During this new year and new season, I’m looking for NEW OPPORTUNITIES and encouraging you to do the same. They literally present themselves every single day.

We’ve officially begun the countdown to crowning a new Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen! We are in the downhill stretch to finding out who she will be. I know if you’re

I always love entering a NEW YEAR and

like me, discouragement can creep into your

considering the possibilities for growth and

life and you might begin to think that only

opportunity that will arise within this NEW

the “lucky” people are awarded the best

chapter. As we have entered 2021, let us

opportunities and you just might not have the

remember no matter our circumstances we

personality trait of being lucky. However,

can choose to rejoice in each NEW day. This

everyone of us encounters opportunities and

year, I’m choosing to remember what love

we must seize those opportunities and invest

can do. It sounds so cliché but love truly

in those around us. Recognize each day as

makes the world go round. The gift of

an opportunity to experience style,

having people to love, hold, and encourage

scholarship, success and service. They are the

is one of the greatest gifts we are ever given.

four building blocks for being a successful

It’s always so exciting to enter into a NEW SEASON. Kristen Dalton once said, “Be aware

titleholder and translate into building you into the best version of yourself.

of what season you are in and give yourself

As a student, daughter, granddaughter,

the grace to be there.” Those words ring

friend and titleholder, I’ve found that the old

especially true for me as I move into the

adage is still true today. "The best way to

second semester of my college freshman

find yourself is to lose yourself in the

year. Everyday is another day to grow, learn,

service of others.” Newness is all around us

change, adapt, and experience life with the

friends. Let’s soak it up and have a great

people around us. It is my hope that we all

2021. Can’t wait to see all your faces in

will be empowered by the choices we make

person soon.

to build a better today and tomorrow. When those choices land you in a difficult place,

A

ra G e i ll

ce

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING DEDUCE THE JUICE

LIKE A SOMMELIER BENEFITTING THE MISS TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HOST, THE 2019 U.S. BLIND WINE TASTING CHAMPION AND CERTIFIED SOMMELIER, TAYLOR REX ROBERTSON

REFLECTIONS FROM ISOLATION

By Allie Graves A PERSONAL COVID EXPERIENCE

The words from the popular Disney song rang clear to me beginning December 27. “A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I’m the queen”. After an entire semester of being very diligent and proactive in remaining healthy while being a full-time college student attending in person classes, I tested positive for Covid-19.

I immediately went into isolation in my bedroom for 10 days and began to learn some of the most valuable life lessons. When you wear a mask in your own home and are concerned for the health of those you love most, you gain a whole new perspective on life. Lysol, disinfecting wipes and bleach were in every corner of our home.

The “covid cocktail” of Vitamins C, D and Zinc along with a good probiotic were my daily diet and time alone became a cherished gift to remind me of my blessings and the things that matter most.

I learned a few things in isolation: Never take for granted the time you spend with people.

Loving and being loved by people is one of the greatest gifts of all.

After many days of isolation, I realized how much I did not treasure listening, talking and being around people because I thought I would always have them around me.

Every moment matters. I truly thought isolation would be painfully boring but I found this left me time to reflect, process, learn, and appreciate what I've been given.

It’s always so important to count your blessings.

People (family and friends) are a gift. Truly. I had the blessing of having my mom and dad literally meet every physical need while maintaining their own health. What a sweet gift to be loved by family.

Many things are beyond my control. I do not have to be overwhelmed by my lack of control but rather focus on loving people. I once again was taught that surrendering my fears and being truly thankful, not just for material things but the mercy of learning new things, is a choice I must make daily.

No one WANTS to be diagnosed with COVID during this pandemic but if you find yourself in isolation, choose to use your down time to reflect on the wonderful things in your life and count your blessings.

It is my prayer that we all remain healthy and do our part in getting this virus under control so we can all be together soon.

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A big shout out to

Thank You

for inviting me on your

morning show!

e i l l A

Model: Miss Ovilla's Outstanding Teen, Kaylee King

FIND THE GOWN

Model: Miss Alliance's Outstanding Teen, Gina Sisco

THAT TAKES THE CROWN

MISS TEXAS CHANDLER FOREMAN

SCHOLAR

PERFORMER

SPEAKER

University of North Texas Senior with $25,000+ in scholarships

Award-winning flautist

School assemblies, community engagements, awards presentations and more

Booking Inquiries: bookmisstexas@misstexas.org

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The Style of Your Life.

MISS TEXAS' OUTSTANDING TEEN ALLIE GRACE GRAVES

SCHOLAR

PERFORMER

SPEAKER

Ouachita Baptist University Freshman with $20,000+ in scholarships

Award-winning vocalist

School assemblies, community engagements, awards presentations and more

Booking Inquiries: cindyf@misstexas.org

Misslegacy Texas society The Miss Texas Legacy Society celebrates those who have shaped the Miss Texas Organization, preserves our history and expands networking opportunities.

It was established to honor past titleholders (local and state, miss and teen) and the supporters who have mentored and encouraged them along the way.

The three branches of the Legacy Society include: Former Local Titleholders Past State Winners Volunteers and Supporters (including family, friends, directors, board members, donors, sponsors, judges and fans from all years).

Become a member of the Legacy Society by visiting: www.misstexas.org Update your profile and gain access to Legacy Society membership opportunities prior to, and during, competition week.

Pictured: Miss Texas 1992 Scholarship Pageant Week: Sharron Melton (Miss Arlington 1992) before her private interview with the judges. Photo provided by Michael Hannah.

REGINA CASADAY IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss Sulphur Springs Local Director, 1979-1993 Parent of Past Teen Candidate, late 80's-1992 State Volunteer, 1994-present MTSO Board of Directors, early 2000's MTSO Board, 2018-present Director of Field Operations, 2018-present

Pictured left: Regina and husband, Rick.

"Rick is the love of my life and the one I shared 23 years of volunteering with the Miss Texas Organization with."

My very first involvement with Miss Texas was in 1969. I accompanied the very first Miss Duncanville to her local talent competition and then served as her hairdresser at the Miss Texas Pageant that summer.

I was asked to help a local candidate as her back stage hostess at the Miss Sulphur Springs pageant in the spring of 1979. When the head of the pageant found out I had helped a girl at Miss Texas in 1969, he appointed me as the new manager/chaperone for Miss Sulphur Springs.

About two weeks after he had told B Don Magness (Miss Texas Executive Director at the time) that I was serving in that position, he thought to ask me if it was ok. I said yes and the rest is history. The same year I joined the Miss Sulphur Springs pageant, Warren Morrison started the Miss Commerce (later Miss Hunt County) pageant- which was only 20 minutes away. We have had some fun experiences together.

I have made many friends through the years and felt blessed to have had contact with, relationships with so many wonderful girls and there families- many of which I consider friends today.

I believe in the organization and love seeing young women develop into young ladies ready to meet the challenges of the work in front of them.

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Regina Fox Martin Casaday

Miss Texas legacy society

BIO Regina Casady has been involved with the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization for more than forty years and has served in numerous capacities. She is an active member of First Baptist Church (Dallas) and a former church pianist at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs.

Regina impacted many students and families during her career as an elementary school teacher and later as a principal. In addition, she spent nearly fifty years as a private piano teacher. Regina is married to the love of her life, Rick, and is the proud memaw of 13 fabulous grandkids, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

STORIES AND MEMORIES There are too many to single out just one but will share a few. In 1981, there were three young women we called "the three musketeers." This included Gloria Gilbert (my Miss Sulphur Springs at the time), Donna Hatcher Whitehead, & Linda Davis (who went on to become a Country and Western star). Wherever you saw one of them, you saw all three!

Sweet memories.

Another special one - when Rick & I were in charge of transportation, we carried the contestants all over in vans. Every time we left the hotel or arrived back, there were lots of parents, directors, etc. there to cheer them on. Everyone just loved it!

There were many special families, but two families really left an impact on me. I remember wonderful times with Tara Watson’s parents and Lisa Dalzell’s folks. Miss Texas has been a part of my life for over half of my lifetime, so the memories are endless.

Pictured: Millie, the "official Lone Star Pooch."

Rick and Regina are the proud parents of Millie (pictured), who has spent the last six years volunteering with the Casadays at Pageant Central/Crown Central during competition week.

REGINA CASADAY - LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER

LONE STAR PRINCESS

Each exhibits strength, character, poise and grace under pressure while sharing their social impact initiative and serving their communities.

The Lone Star Competition experience (the week of June 20 - 26, 2021) is a fun-filled week of activities, rehearsals and performances.

Participants will enjoy lunch with their titleholder, take part in a fashion show, attend a real Princess party, and perform in a group

A MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

production number on the Miss Texas stage.

Our Lone Star Princesses do not personally compete, but they accompany their titleholder

The Lone Star Mentoring Program is a yearround program where your princess will be mentored and have the opportunity to learn from the Miss Texas and Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen program's leaders and role models. Princesses will watch these intelligent young women as they communicate, perform, and interact with others.

during the Red Carpet competition, as the titleholders compete in their Evening Wear. This special event is held during Miss Texas and Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Competition week (June 20 - 26, 2021).

Visit www.misstexas.org for more information on joining the Lone Star Mentoring Program

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