MISS TEXAS MAGAZINE JUNE 2021
MAY
miss texas FEATURED Miss Texas Miss Austin Miss Brownfield Miss Colleyville Miss Dallas Miss DFW Miss Fort Worth Miss Grand Prairie Miss Grapevine Miss Harris County Miss Jollyville Miss Joshua Miss Plano Miss Sam Houston Miss Southeast Texas Miss Sugar Land 2021 Miss Class 2021 Teen Class Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor
On the Cover
Chandler Foreman Jahnavi Muppaneni Nicole Wingard Mallory Fuller Averie Bishop Jacquelin Petescia Alex Andrews Angelica-Jasmine Bates Jaelene Luper Madison Lamont Shana Dukes Amber McKenzie Landry Champlin Madison "Ace" Ventura Angela Witzkoske Ashley Stafford Local Miss Candidates Local Outstanding Teen Candidates Bar Method City of Richardson Frost Bank Lash Lounge - Frisco Starwood Legacy Tailor Mama Roos McShan Florist Rustic Cuff Terry Costa
Chandler Foreman Allie Graves
JUNE
magazine THIS MONTH Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Brazoria County's Outstanding Teen Miss Colleyville's Outstanding Teen Miss Coppell's Outstanding Teen Miss Dallas' Outstanding Teen Miss Fort Worth's Outstanding Teen Miss Frisco's Outstanding Teen Miss Harris County's Outstanding Teen Miss Joshua's Outstanding Teen Miss Lone Star's Outstanding Teen Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Northeast Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Ovilla's Outstanding Teen Miss Park Cities' Outstanding Teen Miss Plano's Outstanding Teen Miss Richardson's Outstanding Teen Miss South Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Southeast Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss South Lake's Outstanding Teen Miss Sugar Land's Outstanding Teen Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society
Cover Page Photo Credit Miss & Teen Texas Crown Photos Credit
2021
Allie Graves Nyla Staes Liliann Nunley J-Belle Kimbrell Alannah Bruce Celeste Lay Sheridan Garbe Jessica Larry Alexxia Carter Ava Hunt Mallory Lorant Addison Hash Kaylee King Mia Donato Emily Walker Alison Grundelman Brynlee Buffaloe Lauren Faria Laurel Jones Zona Johnson Heather Edwards Bruce Lexi Rains Becky Steinsultz Ashlee Gilchrist Michelle Williams Donatto Sadie Schiermeyer Morgan Fuller Stephanie Wendt April Graves BluDoor Studios
Who Will Be Next?
Miss Aggieland, Katie Chen
Miss Alliance, Naia Abdul-Malik
Miss Aubrey, DeeDee Kong
Miss Austin, Jahnavi Muppaneni
Miss Brownfield, Nicole Wingard
Miss Carrollton, Natalie Merrell
Miss Colleyville, Mallory Fuller
Miss Coppell, Chailie Alsaffar
Miss Dallas, Averie Bishop
Miss DFW, Jaqueline Petescia
Miss El Paso, Emily Miller
Miss El Paso Co., Andrea Chacon
Miss Fort Worth, Alex Andrews
Miss Fulton, Chelsey Ott
Miss Golden Crescent, Kynleigh Jimenez
Miss Grand Prairie, Angelica-Jasmine Bates
Miss Grapevine, Jaelene Luper
Miss Gulf Coast, Denise Kwong
Miss Harris Co., Madison Lamont
Miss Houston, Cassidy Scott
Miss Jollyville, Shana Dukes
Miss Joshua, Amber McKenzie
Miss Keller, Ellie Breaux
Miss League City, Blanche Beohon
Miss Mid-Cities, Maddison Dawson
Miss Next Era, Jordan Johnson
Miss North Texas, Taylor Kilpatrick
Miss Park Cities, Lindsey Sharpless
Miss Piney Woods, Mackenzie Patterson
Miss Plano, Landry Champlin
Miss Richardson, Kendra Land
Miss River Oaks, Niza Garcia
Miss Rockdale Fair, Whitley Boyd
Miss Rockwall, KK Tunnell
Miss Sam Houston, Madison "Ace" Ventura
Miss San Antonio, Natalie Torresday
Miss South Texas, Meaghan Co
Miss Southeast Texas, Angela Witzkoske
Miss Southlake, Gracie Anderson
Miss Sugar Land, Ashley Stafford
Miss Texarkana, Courtnee Gilchrist
Miss Twin Rivers, Madi Franquiz
Miss UT Old Gold, Adesuwa Ehioghae
Miss Victoria Co., Daniela Castro
Miss Waller Co., Madelyn Wawarofsky
MISS TEXAS COMPETITION
JUNE 20 -26, 2021 EISMANN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 2351 PERFORMANCE DR, RICHARDSON, TX
always a Miss West Texas, Paulina Alvarado
week of excitement!
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MISS TEXAS SPONSOR A full service alterations company specializing in wedding, pageant and prom attire. The #1 choice of DFW Brides, Miss America and Miss Texas contestants. Over 30 years of expertise offering complete and custom bead work and embellishments on all types of evening gowns, wedding dresses for women’s and men’s formal wear.
Appointment Required for Bridal, Formal and Pageant Clients. www.legacytailor.com LegacyTailor@gmail.com 972-312-1717 4140 Legacy Drive, St 304 Plano, TX 75024
Competition Week - Overview
Hours of Operation:
Saturday, June 19th thru Saturday, June 26th
Find details here about ALL the scheduled events and questions you have during the week. The Information desk is located in the main lobby of the Renaissance Conference Center.
Daily hours:
9:00am – 5:00pm and Sat, June 26th (last day) - 9:00am – 11:00am
ARRIVAL & VISIONARY BRUNCH - Sunday, June 20th at 11 am Kick-off the Miss and Teen competition week as our candidates are recognized. During this ticketed event, Scholarships and Awards will be given in the non-competition areas.
CREDENTIALS - Security Badge There will be times when it is mandatory to have a security badge/credential. They are
necessary to
attend events where the Candidates are involved. A badge may be purchased during competition week.
FLOWER & GIFT Room - Open All Week up to June 25th Supporters may drop off the gifts throughout the week prior to Friday, June 25th. After this date, we cannot guarantee their delivery. Gifts, flowers and cards will including
NOT be accepted at the Eisemann Center or any
other location,
during Visitation.
MEET THE JUDGES LUNCHEON - Thursday, June 24th 12pm The judges will be introduced and you will hear from them personally. Parents and support team of a Miss or Teen candidate are invited. A quick overview will be covered about what to be prepared for if your candidate wins the title of Miss Texas or Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE Contest - up to June 24th This is a fun way to support your favorite candidate through this contest. The top two candidates with the most votes are automatically in the Semifinals (Top 12).
Votes are $1 and people can vote as many before the final (Thursday, June 24th).
times as they want.
Voting runs through the last prelim
Y'ALL BALL GALA - Friday, June 25th 7:30 pm From your best
Dressy Texas Wear
to your fancy
Denim and Diamonds
outfit, you won't want to
miss out on this entertaining event. This is our
annual Friday Night Gala
(Outstanding Teen).
before the crowning of Miss Texas and Miss Texas' OT
Come join the celebration for
an evening of dancing, excitement, and fun.
Who Will Be Next?
Miss Alliance's OT, Gina Sisco
Miss Austin's OT, Anna Lilie
Miss Brazoria County's. OT, Nyla Staes
Miss Burleson's OT, Haidyn Hill
Miss Carrollton's OT, Kennedy Hardeman
Miss Colleyville's OT, Lilliann Nunley
Miss Coppell's OT, J-Belle Kimbrell
Miss Dallas' OT, Alannah Bruce
Miss Fort Worth's OT, Celeste Lay
Miss Frisco's OT, Sheridan Garby
Miss Golden Crescent's OT, Taylor Hamrick
Miss Grapevine's OT, Olivia Grace George
Miss Gulf Coast's OT, Madison Eddington
Miss Harris Co. OT, Jessica Larry
Miss Houston's OT, Meredith Charboneau
Miss Joshua's OT, Alexxia Carter
Miss Katy's OT, Grace Zhang
Miss Lewisville's OT, Katherine Omo-Osagie
Miss Lonestar's OT, Ava Hunt
Miss Midland's OT, Baryn Brown
Miss North Texas' OT, Mallory Lorant
Miss Northeast Texas' OT, Addison Hash
Miss Ovilla's OT, Kaylee King
Miss Park Cities OT, Mia Donato
Miss Pearland's OT, Marah Concepcion
Miss Plano's OT, Emily Walker
Miss Richardson's OT, Alison Grundelman
Miss Rio Grande Valley's OT, Olivia Canales
Miss River Oaks' OT, Kalia Wong
Miss Shavano Park's OT, Brooke Kapoor
Miss Southeast Texas' OT, Lauren Faria
Miss Southlake's OT, Laurel Jones
Miss South Texas' OT, Brynn Buffaloe
Miss Sugarland's OT, Zona Johnson
Miss Tarrant Co.'s OT, Haley Taylor Schlitz
Miss Texarkana's OT, Shelby Ross
Miss Twin River's OT, Hollan Palmore
Miss Brazoria County's Outstanding Teen
Nyla Staes
MAY
MAY
MAY
AVAHUNT.CO @AVAHUNT
Ava Hunt MAY MISS LONESTAR'S O UTSTANDING TEEN
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
MAY
LONE STAR PRINCESS WHERE EVERY GIRL IS A PRINCESS LONE STAR MENTORING
LONE STAR CLUB
This is a year-round program where your princess
This is a virtual monthly program where your
will be mentored and have the opportunity to
princess has the opportunity to feel like a
learn from the Miss Texas and Miss Texas'
STAR as she is involved in monthly events and
Outstanding Teen program's leaders and role
opportunities throughout the year. Young
models. Princesses will watch these intelligent
ladies, ages five to twelve, develop
young women as they communicate, perform, and
character, communication skills and learn
interact with others.
how to make a difference in the community. Each month our registered Princesses will receive information on the upcoming STAR
LONE STAR COMPETITION
activity!
Our Lone Star Princesses do not personally compete, but they accompany their titleholder 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) and is a fun-filled week of activities, rehearsals and performances. Participants enjoy lunch with their titleholder, take part in a fashion show, attend a real Princess party, and perform in a group production number on the Miss Texas stage.
For information about joining visit:
www.misstexas.org/lone-star-princess-program
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 1951. Photo taken by Robert E. L'Roy.
HEATHER EDWARDS BRUCE IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Teen Haltom Richland Area 1992 Miss Grand Prairie 1993 Miss Cross Timbers 1994 Miss Grapevine 1995 Miss Burleson 1996 Miss Crowley 1997 Miss Gulf Coast Area 1998 Miss Collin County 1999 Parent, National Princess, 2008 Parent, Three Lonestar Princesses, 2008-2021 Family, Cousin to a State Titleholder (Teen), 2008 Above: Mother's Day 2021 with husband, Andre' and our 3
Local Director, 2004-2013
girls: Alannah, Zoey and Amaryss. Below: Receiving the
State Leadership Team (Events Team), 2013-2014
Miss Texas Hall of Honor in 2015, which was also my
Mom of a Teen Contestant, 2016-2021
oldest daughter's last year as a Lonestar Princess.
Inducted to the Hall of Honor, 2014
My cheer coach had been a local volunteer for the Miss HEB pageant and he encouraged me to enter my first local. I didn't win a title that first year (only competed in 2 pageants) but I loved it and came back the following year as a Junior in HS to compete in the Teen division for one year. I placed 17th at state as Miss Teen Haltom Richland Area. The following year, I moved up to Miss and it took me competing all year (almost every weekend... probably 20-something locals) to win the LAST local of the season -- I won Miss Grand Prairie 1993. Competed in Miss for 7 years before ever cracking the top 10! I placed 11th in 1998, missing it by 1 place. Then in 1999, I came back in my last year of
eligibility -- won prelim fitness, overall best dancer and
1st runner-up.
No one believes I'm an introvert by nature. If it weren't for the MTO, I wouldn't be able to speak to hundreds of people at events for the Chamber of Commerce, or lead trainings in front of hundreds of attendees for Zoom trainings with my Health & Wellness company. I believe I'm a better MOM too. I demonstrate to them on a daily basis that you can always grow and work on personal development. And this is something I learned through my involvement with MTO. Never ever give up and you can always learn more.
Miss Texas legacy society
STORIES AND MEMORIES Carly Jarmon won the Teen title the one year I competed as a teen and I remember how funny she was and how down to earth she was... and that continued as we competed in Miss together also. LOTS of backstage memories with girlfriends I'm still friends with today. And the trips to Atlantic City to watch Miss America-- some amazing times!! The volunteers of this organization are what truly made me want to stay involved. They poured into my life so much and I just wanted to do the same for other young ladies. As a director, I LOVED helping our titleholders. Some even came back to recompete for our title in future years. I loved it so much, for several years I was the director of multiple titles. And one year, I helped 8 titleholders prepare for state (see attached photo). Watching young ladies push themselves to become a better version of themselves was truly a HIGHLIGHT of all my years serving as a volunteer. And now as a mom of a contestant--- it is THE BEST experience ever-- far exceeds my own competition days.
Another highlight was watching my oldest look up to the titleholders all her life. She has been attending Miss Texas since she was 6 weeks old. She truly has had some of THE BEST role models b/c of this system. So much so, in 2015 she used some of her acting money to provide a nonfinalist talent scholarship. (she was only 12) I think this speaks volumes as to the character this organization builds within the people involved... from volunteers, princesses, candidates, etc. MANY MORE than just the winners can walk away a changed individual.
BIO Heather Bruce obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Texas Christian University, double majoring in Psychology & Social Work. She later earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas in Austin-- which was paid for 100% from Miss Texas scholarship earnings. She worked in the field of adoption (which was also her pageant platform) for about a decade, along with working in schools as a social worker for a few years. She spent seven years working part time job as an events director for a local chamber of commerce (a connection which was a direct result from pageant connections). Heather runs her own health and wellness business with Plexus Worldwide, where she is a top earner in the company, along with leading marketing for a garage door company. Heather and her husband, Andre', are the proud parents of three daughters: Alannah, Zoey and Amaryss.
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Heather Bruce Instagram: @HBruce18 Twitter: HBruce1974 LinkedIn: HeatherBruce Website: plexusworldwide.com/heatherbruce Website: www.familychrisitandoors.com
Pictured: The year I helped 8 titleholders prepare for Miss & Teen Texas-- this was at the Gala during pageant week-- along with a few of their LSPs.
HEATHER EDWARDS BRUCE - LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER
LEXI RAINS IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss Grand Prairie's Outstanding Teen 2018 Miss Frisco's Outstanding Teen 2019
I have known I wanted to be Miss Texas since I was a little girl! I grew up watching Miss America on TV and decided one day that I wanted to start competing myself. I had always looked up to the titleholders as huge role models. Being a part of this organization has given me every tool I need to succeed in life. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of. The Miss Texas Organization has allowed me to not only find my voice, but share that with others as well.
STORIES & MEMORIES The relationships I have made with the smart, talented, and incredible women in this organization are indescribable! We laugh until we cry, and we still find time to catch up and talk to this day. I could never pick just one memory because they have all been wonderful.
BIO With roots deep in music, Lexi was born on a Wednesday and on stage on Saturday. She is the founder of “Music Matters,” a nonprofit organization, a national influencer for the Country Music Association Foundation’s #ItStartswithME campaign, and the youngest member of the Denison Performing Arts Board of Directors. Sadie is a veteran of StageStruck Performance Troupe and a Red River Dancer. After placing Top 10 at Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen 2019 Lexie became a vocal and performance coach at Shawnda Rains Entertainment Group. She is the director of performance troupes Starlets, StageStars, and StageStars Mini- all ranging from ages 3-9. After becoming a published children’s book author with her first book “Harmony the Hippo,” Lexi continues sharing her personal story about finding her voice and reclaiming her passion for music. Lexi is a graduate of The University of Texas High School and feels blessed to have earned nearly $1,000 during the two years she competed as a teen.
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Lexi Shyanne Rains Instagram: @lexirainss
Miss Texas legacy society
BECKY STEINSULTZ IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss Johnson County 2003 (Arkansas) Miss Arkansas River 2005 (Arkansas) Miss Northwest Arkansas 2006 (Arkansas) Miss Arkansas Valley 2007 (Arkansas) Volunteer: Miss Keller Organization (2019-present)
I competed in the Miss America Organization for four years in Arkansas, 3 times making the top ten! Later, I spent one year as the Miss Northwest Arkansas Teen director before moving to Texas in 2008. I missed the organization tremendously after moving to Texas, and in 2019 I was approached about joining the board of the new Miss Keller Organization. I was so excited to have the opportunity to again be part of the Miss America Organization! My competition years had a dramatic impact on my development into a more confident and successful adult. Being able to help provide that experience to other young ladies here in Texas has been incredibly rewarding.
STORIES AND MEMORIES Being a part of building a brand new preliminary competition to Keller, and seeing the event come together in such an amazing way was the greatest feeling! So many hours were spent to create a grand and memorable experience for everyone involved and I know that was accomplished!
SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT I used scholarship money from the Miss America Organization to help in obtaining my Bachelors in Business Management from the University of the Ozarks and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas.
Miss Texas legacy society
BIO Becky began studying piano at the age of 5, and eventually took her talent to the Miss Arkansas stage, where she was named a Top Ten finalist three years! She began teaching piano in 2006 before making Texas her new home in 2008 and starting Stage Notes - teaching piano our of her apartment.
Stage Notes has since grown to teach over 400 students each week at two locations (Colleyville and Keller) in a large variety of instruments as well as theatre, dance and art. Becky also serves as co-director of the Miss Keller competition, an official preliminary to the Miss Texas and Miss America competition.
Stage Notes owners, Becky and Devin Steinsultz (stage name, Devin Leigh), are very active in the entertainment industry, bringing a level of expertise not found in other schools! Together, Devin and
Becky have recorded with 3 time
Grammy Award winning engineer, Tre Nagella, who has worked with artists such as Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, and Pit Bull. Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee, Juan GarciaHerreros, who toured with Christina Aguilerra, performed on Devin's latest album, "Searching for the Truth", on the song, "Suckerpunched". Devin and Becky have also performed in an off Broadway musical concert, "Tara Tremendous: The Musical", alongside Mickey Dolenz (the Monkees), Bart Shatto (Les Mis and Trans Siberian Orchestra), Annie Golden (Orange is the New Black), Mimi Ryder (Matilda), Mary Stout (Beauty and the Beast), and others. The show was created by Stewart St. John, whose credits include "Tom and Jerry", "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers", and Disney's "Seventeen Again". Devin and Becky also performed on the cast album for the show, recorded in New York City.
Becky also owns a vacation property in Arkansas in addition to her newest venture, Rebecca's Runway, which is a formal dress rental boutique. Becky now resides in North Richland Hills with her husband, Devin, and son, Cohen.
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Becky Steinsultz Website: www.stagenotesmusic.com Website: www.rebeccasrunway.com
BECKY STEINSULTZ - LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER
ASHLEE GILCHRIST IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss Allen's Outstanding Teen 2014 Miss Twin Rivers 2015 Miss Texarkana 2016 Miss North Texas 2017 Miss Plano 2018 Miss Frisco 2019
Sister to Teen/Miss Candidate (Courtnee Gilchrist) 2016-2021 Miss Plano/Frisco Scholarship Org. Volunteer, 2020-2021
I got involved in the Miss Texas Organization through my mom, Jennifer, who competed in the 90s and served on the board of volunteers with Miss Texarkana. She was the first to encourage me to compete in a local competition as a means to perform my talent, dance, more often.
The Miss Texas Organization not only provided scholarships that assisted in finishing my Bachelors of Political Science from Texas A&M University, but also encouraged me to pursue a Masters degree at the University of North Texas. Aside from furthering my education, the Miss Texas Organization taught me so many life skills, including public speaking, and interview skills.
STORIES AND MEMORIES My favorite memories are always the time spent with my fellow candidates during competition week. It was the best giant sleepover and I looked forward to it every year!
BIO Ashlee Gilchrist is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management at the University of North Texas. Professionally, Ashlee is an International Trade Compliance professional within the legal department of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. She now resides in Fort Worth, Texas, and will be getting married on October 8, 2021!
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Ashlee Gilchrist Instagram: @ashleenicolegilchrist
Miss Texas legacy society
SADIE SCHIERMEYER IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Lone Star Princess 2010 Miss Plano's Outstanding Teen 2019 Miss Colleyville's Outstanding Teen 2020
I watched a close friend of mine compete in the system and saw that pageantry gave her a platform. I had so many things that I wanted to say and Miss Texas gave me that opportunity. The Miss Texas Organization taught me how to present myself in a professional yet very sincere way. I got to focus in on the things I was passionate about, and through that, grow in skills ranging from public speaking to detailed planning.
STORIES & MEMORIES At the state competition, I used to pray with a handful of girls backstage before on-stage question. So many sweet conversations and friendships were formed in those moments. On a much funnier note- I almost set off the fire alarms at the first pageant I ever won. My curling iron caught onto an oil blotting sheet and it created a huge cloud of smoke. One of the girls held my (now unplugged) curling iron while I was frantically fanning my arms around to air out the room. This all happened mid-pageant!
BIO Sadie graduated from Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts with Academic High Honors in 2020. After graduation she attended Kanakuk Link Year to pursue ministry training and mission work both domestically and internationally. Sadie will attend Belmont University this fall and plans to use her Miss Texas scholarships to pursue degrees in psychology and biblical studies. Sadie hopes to continue working with her platform by helping children navigate hard emotions and teaching them how to build healthy and strong relationships.
STAY CONNECTED Instagram: @sadiekathryns Website: www.sadiekate.com
Miss Texas legacy society
MICHELLE WILLIAMS DONATTO IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss Southwest Trinity 1991 Volunteer for Miss Keller, 2019-present
I started competing in pageants at the age of 9, after watching Miss America on television with my mom every year. I told her that I wanted to be on that stage. So we started with Cinderella pageants. When I was older, I felt ready for Miss Texas and was drawn to this organization Below:Michelle's first pageant and first win. Cinderella Miss, Fort Worth, 1979
because of the emphasis placed on Interview and Talent. I've always felt that while important in pageantry, beauty is ALWAYS secondary to who you are as a person, and Interview showcases that. Additionally, I loved theatre and choir. Entertaining was fun for me, so naturally, I enjoyed the talent competition, and enjoyed watching my competitors just as much as I enjoyed competing.
I believe that my experience as a spectator, a contestant, a local judge, and now a local board member has had a great impact on my life. I carry the experience in everything that I do and I truly believe that once you are a part of this organization, it becomes a part of who you are. The experience socializing with other contestants, working on social campaigns, and interviewing has prepared me for all aspects of life.
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: The Southern Etiquette Society Instagram: @the.southern.etiquette.society Twitter: The Southern Etiquette Society Website: thesouthernetiquettesociety.com (coming soon)
Miss Texas legacy society
STORIES AND MEMORIES I remember leaving Fort Worth to drive to Wichita Falls to compete in Miss Red River Area. I was always very meticulous in packing my pageant bags, taking great care of every item. My favorite part of my precious cargo was my Caboodle Kit that carried my face and leg makeup. Well......as I was driving down the road, I heard a huge crash, but ignored it and kept driving for a while. Then it donned on me that I'd left my Caboodle Kit on top of my car!! I drove back to find my pageant face all over the road!!! I pulled over and several very nice strangers helped my gather my things, along with my broken Caboodle Kit. The rest of the drive, I was haunted by the thought of getting to the competition with no makeup, so I was even more careful and meticulous after that day.
Also, at the Red River Area competition, I met a sweet
Michelle's family in 2009
competition named Heather Lindsey (Williams). I was engaged at the time and she gasped when she saw my ring. Not because it was a massive diamond, but because we didn't talk about boyfriends and fiancés back then. I had no idea. She advised me to slip the ring off before judges interview and to not talk about my beloved fiancé to anyone. I had a new friend, and some insider information. ;-) I walked in feeling very confident, and I won Best Interview at Red River Area. To this day, we keep in touch via Facebook and I can't wait to meet up with her someday soon.
BIO With a BA in Communications from UT Arlington, Michelle was a radio talk show host for the now defunct KKDA AM radio, and
Michelle's family in 2019
worked as Research Director, Community Relations Liaison, and Interim Entertainment Reporter, for K104 FM. She worked briefly, as entertainment reporter with WFAA TV. She is a former pageant contestant who has held many titles across North Texas, including Miss Black Texas 1989. She was key in securing national anthem singers, including LeAnn Rimes and The Dixie Chicks, for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, while working there in the early 90s. Michelle is currently on the board of directors of The Miss Keller Scholarship Organization and serves on the executive board of the DFW Mid-Cities Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. as Editor and Protocol chair. In addition to that she manages a membership organization for fortune 100 CIOs. Her passion is teaching protocol, etiquette and manners, and she is the Owner/Director of The Southern Etiquette Society, and a founding member of The Etiquette Trainers Network. Michelle has served her community in many different
Michelle with her daughters
ways including working as a Volunteer for National Charity
Kennedy and Meredith at a
League and leading the support for the Battered Women’s
Miss America watch party --
Shelter, as well as serving on the board of The House of
Cheering on Chandler
Common for Westlake Academy. Michelle has been married for
Foreman
nearly 29 years to her beloved husband, Audwin. They have 4 children and several granddogs and a grand cat. Her future plans include opening a tea room, and a finishing school for young men and women.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS DONATTO - LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER
MORGAN FULLER WOOD IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Teen East Texas 2005 Teen Frisco 2006 Teen Longview 2007 Teen Lake O the Pines 2008 Miss Lubbock 2013 Miss Arlington 2014 Miss West Texas 2015 Volunteer, Traveling Companion for Miss Texas 2018 Family, sister of Madison Fuller Evans and Mallory Fuller
I got involved in my first prelim when I was 12 years old. I started in pageantry at age 9 and always knew my goal was to compete on the Miss Teen Texas and Miss Texas stage. I competed four years as a teen two as a miss. My mom competed at Miss Texas in the 80s. Our family has now been involved for 17 years now.
I think the people are what have impacted my life so much. They have changed over the years; some have come and some have gone but each has made an impact. We were very fortunate to have made lifelong friends through this organization. People who support and encourage no matter what. Some of those I got close to long after I was done competing so that is proof that it really wasn’t about the crown, but more about doing life together. I also think it taught me to be dedicated and work hard. I gained a lot of confidence and that has helped me in my career. No jury or judge will ever be as intimidating as a panel of 7 Miss Texas judges.
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Morgan Fuller Wood Instagram: @morganlwood16
Miss Texas legacy society
STORIES AND MEMORIES My favorite memory would probably be experiencing Miss America in Atlantic City the year my sister, Madison, competed. It was fun being there with all her supporters and experiencing the Miss America traditions at the board walk for the last time. A funny story was from when we used to go to the capital every year for capital day. In 2006 we took a charter bus from Dallas to Austin and me and Kendall Morris sat in the back and had a blast. I don’t remember any specifics but we would have probably been 14 and 15 at the time and had a digital camera so we thought we were cool. One of us spewed sprite everywhere it was great.
BIO Morgan Wood is an associate attorney at Chamblee Ryan in Tyler, Texas. Morgan received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in Agricultural Communications, Journalism and Agricultural Science. Thereafter, she attended law school at Texas A&M University School of Law, graduating in 2014. Since joining the team at Chamblee Ryan, Morgan’s practice focuses on civil litigation in the areas of medical malpractice, commercial litigation, personal injury, and premises liability. Morgan also has experience in handling family law and estate planning matters.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, gardening AND she still plays the fiddle.
Morgan serves as a Pro Bono Ad Litem attorney for kids in CPA cases and has continued
working with her platform - advocating for people with intellectual disabilities. Morgan has been married to her high school sweetheart for five years and they are very active in their church. They have a son, Baker, and two Goldendoodles, Brinkley and Huntley. In the fall, you can find the Wood family in College Station, Texas tailgating and enjoying Aggie football games.
MORGAN FULLER WOOD - LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER
STEPHANIE WENDT IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Lone Star Princess 2009-2011. Miss Fort Worth's Outstanding Teen 2015 Miss Plano's Outstanding Teen 2016 Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen 2017 Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen 2017 Volunteer, 2018-present
I became involved in the organization after being asked to be a Lone Star Princess for the White Settlement Organization in 2009. At age 9 I fell in love with the program and decided to compete as a teen when I turned fourteen.
There is not a single day that I haven't been grateful for all the Miss Texas Organization has done to shape me into the person I am today. The scholarship money I earned while competing is helping to me to pay my tuition as a student at the University of Texas at Austin where I will be able to graduate debt free.
Miss Texas has provided me with life long friends that I speak to on a daily basis. My interview and people skills have helped me to get jobs and internships that had competitive pools of other candidates. Miss Texas truly has impacted almost every aspect of my life and made it better.
STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Stephanie Wendt Instagram: @Stephaniewendt LinkedIn: StephanieWendt
Miss Texas legacy society
STORIES & MEMORIES One of my favorite memories as Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen was going to visit the Children's Hospital Houston. There I bonded with a toddler named Aubrey who had terminal cancer. I was able to hold her while she played with my crown and had the biggest, most beautiful smile on her face. That is a special moment I'll never forget.
SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT Stephanie earned thousands of dollars in scholarships from winning Overall Interview 2017, Preliminary Fitness 2017, 3rd Runner Up 2017, Highest GPA 2018, Preliminary Evening Gown and On-Stage Question at Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2018.
I have used my scholarship money to pursue my degree in Corporate Communication at the University of Texas at Austin where I will graduate in May 2022.
BIO Stephanie Wendt was crowned Miss Texas Outstanding Teen 2017 and traveled across the state of Texas promoting her platform, #SpreadtheSmile in partnership with The Smile Project. She is currently a Senior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Corporate Communication and double minoring in Business Administration and Government.
She has held multiple leadership roles through her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, including Director of Collegiate Alumni, philanthropy board member and Spreading the Love committee member. She is currently the Social Officer of the UT competitive Dance Team. Stephanie will spend summer 2021 working as a Development Intern for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Austin, Texas.
STEPHANIE WENDT - LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER
rusticcuff.com