Miss Texas Magazine | Nov-Dec 2020

M I S S

T E X A S

M A G A Z I N E

'TIS A SEASON FOR

hope.

NOV | DEC 2020

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Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Colleyville's Outstanding Teen Miss Dallas' Outstanding Teen Miss Grapevine's 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 Arlington's Outstanding Teen Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Plano's Outstanding Teen Miss Southeast Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Southlake's Outstanding Teen Miss Sugar Land's Outstanding Teen

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

Chandler Foreman Mallory Fuller Averie Bishop Angelica Jasmine Bates Jaelene Luper Ellie Breaux (Cover Photo) Landry Champlin Lindsey Sharpless Ashley Stafford

Allie Graves Sadie Schiermeyer Alannah Bruce Olivia Grace George Celeste Lay Sheridan Garbe Jessica Larry Alexxia Carter Gwennyth Simmerman Mallory Lorant Emily Walker Lauren Faria Laurel Jones Zona Johnson

magazine THIS MONTH Donor Spotlight Historical Highlights A Tribute To: Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Legacy Society Texas Cares For Children Ambassadors Local Organization Highlight

Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor

Marvin & Laurie Blum Randy Pruett June Graves Mindy Le Ozzie Ingram Melanie Crosby Debbie Sherman Staci Newton Stephanie Sparks Jackie Estes Susan Shuler Becky Simmons Dillard's Scentesational Show Miss Grapevine Organization

Color Street Nails Dillard's JP, Kathy & The Crew Kendra Scott Lash Lounge Terry Costa Texas Christian University

2020

Adoption a new beginning and a celebration of

Acceptance.

Belonging.

Hope.

CHOSEN. LOVED. CHERISHED.

sevarG ecarG eillA

ADOPTED.

RADIO SHOW 1160AM KBDT

"Being in a pageant it's not just about beauty. It's more about service to the community and being a role model and making a difference.”

-- Chantel Giamanco

JP, Kathy & The Crew extolling the virtues of the Miss Texas Pageant has risen each year with each interview. From Caroline Carothers, Miss Texas 2016 up until the most recent Chandler Foreman, Miss Texas 2019-2020, the connection between JP, Kathy & The Crew, and Miss Texas run deeper than just a Q&A.

On one hand, there's a popular talk-radio show with an ever-growing reach, and on the other, Texas-bred American beauties eager to tell their stories. In today’s gridlock of flashy-lights and opinions—it's a match made in Heaven.

But wait, there's more. Here's the thing.

When you look deeper, underneath the boot spurs, Texas flag, and glamour shots, there's an actual heart that beats. And it's a beating praise song of character, leadership, and charity for anyone who'll listen. And, over the past 4 years for JP, Kathy & The Crew and Miss Texas, it’s been nothing less than discussions of pure love.

JP, Kathy & The Crew is a morning talk show hosted by Judge John Payton and Kathy Ward as co-host. This dynamic duo has been going strong for over half a decade with critical cross-examination of things that matter. From healthcare and politics to basketball jerseys and football wins, if it affects Texas JP, Kathy & The Crew has talked about it.

The personalities, Payton and Ward, began as friends over 30 years ago and continue an on-air friendship live for all to see as JP, Kathy & The Crew.

The morning show began interviewing Miss Texas Pageant crown holders at the request of Susan Shuler, hostess coordinator during pageant week. Shuler is a mutual friend of both Payton and

More Than a Pretty Face Ward. The first interview was with Caroline Carothers Miss Texas 2016. In 2017 Morgana Woods won the title followed by Madison Fuller who won the title in 2018.JP The most recent Miss

Texas, Chandler Foreman who won the title in 2019-extended to 2020, frequents JP, Kathy & The Crew regularly.

"It was the fact of being around the pageant—being around the system and what that system felt like as a kid," Judge John Payton says explaining the impact the pageant system had on him as a child growing up in California. Payton continues, "It felt like I was a part of something, and I was never zeroed out and always a part of a bigger picture."

The JP, Kathy & Crew interviews were the first radio interview for each of the winners. “We’re very blessed to be interviewing a new group of girls very soon," co-host Kathy Ward says. Ward continues, “These are the Miss Texas Ambassadors who during the pandemic are reaching out to children and those less fortunate to spread the good word of the charity Texas Cares for Children as well as The Miss Texas Pageant.”

Payton and Ward recently invested in an

expansion that will open their many years' of radio resources to the future of podcasting and vlogging.

The JPK Broadcasting Network is a one stop shop for vlogger enthusiasts and experts alike.

The Network offers turn-key vlogging spots inside the Venture X Frisco location. "It just made sense," said Payton, explaining why he started the network. "Offering up to others what Kathy and I've been doing for so long now.

We're very happy to bring our expertise, know-how, years of radio resources to the future of podcasting and vlogging. and passions together to help others have a voice in a world that's experiencing exponential and rapid technology-growth," Payton said when explaining why he started the network. He continued, "In a world where changing technology has become the norm, we plan on doing what we can to help people speak their truth in a positive and uplifting way.

JP, Kathy & The Crew are live every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.

TUNE INTO THE LIVE MORNING SHOW Every MON, WED & FRI 7:30 - 9:00am ON

1160AM KBDT

Gain Web Access to the Show https://www.jpkcrew.com/experience

2020 Limited Edition

ORD ER N OW TO ARRI VE IN T IME FOR THE HOLI DAY S

Miss Texas Christmas Ornament For Ordering Details visit: www.misstexas.org benefiting: Texas Cares for Children

ornament design by: meredith charboneau

SCENTSATIONAL SHOW

The Ambassadors of Texas Cares for Children sampled the best scents for the season.

REMEMBER TO PICK UP ONE OF THESE AS A GIFT FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE THIS HOLIDAY!

CHANDLER FOREMAN

MISS TEXAS I'M CHOOSING GRATITUDE

The ForemanFive It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! And yet, it’s also some of the scariest times in our lives. Typically, during this season, we’re gazing at our Christmas decorations we put up the day after Halloween, singing “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and spending an abundance amount of time with our loved ones.

Thanksgiving is my personal favorite because it’s the only time I can get my brother’s seafood Mac n’ Cheese AND my Mama’s cabbage. I also get a kick out of seeing Big Mama and the look on her face when she’s in pure awe, observing her offspring. I just know she’s thinking, “Wow! Everyone in this room is here and it started with me!”

All of us are in a position where we’re forced to accept the holidays will look drastically different this year. I’ll go ahead and accept that I won’t see the Rockettes on TV for the annual Holiday parades. I can forget buying tickets to see the Nutcracker. It was nice knowing you “ICE! A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Gaylord Texan.

Ultimately, I’ll miss being around people from all walks of life who collectively choose to be happy because ’Tis the season.

You know what I love about this time of year? It’s the incredible joy I experience from gathering with family and friends, giving a huge embrace to Big Mama and Uncle Greg, and gathering in the living room to reminisce old times with my cousins.

It’s a bit disheartening that this years’ holiday joy was (uncontrollably) taken away from us.

It breaks my heart I won’t get to hug on my 365-day-year-old nephew. Sadly, the most enjoyable aspect of this season just can’t happen this go around. But let me tell you what can happen.

I’ve discussed with my immediate family, the Foreman-Five, on how we will make this holiday as close to normal as possible. Turns out, my brother is still making that seafood Mac n’ cheese. Mama is still putting her foot in the cabbage and check this out . . I’m making peach cobbler!

You see, while I may not have front row seats to the Nutcracker, my family & I can gather around and watch the newly released Jingle Jangle. I may not get to attend the Charlie Brown experience, but you know what I can do? Open the freezer, hold some ice cubes and turn the channel to "A Charlie Brown’s Christmas." We may not get to house hop this holiday due to the protection and overall safety of everyone... But let’s embrace what we do have.

I was told earlier this year that a lot of what we do in this life is geared by mindset. What we tell ourselves will dictate how we maneuver and value everything that we do.

God has given me an incredible family, who happens to have a great sense of humor and an unbreakable bond for each other.

Sure, I have a million reasons to be “Bah! Humbug” this holiday season; however,

Above Dexter and Courtney Foreman Klarke, Dexter & Chandler.

"It’s during times like these we’re reminded that having a village is important and much more valuable because of the people around us."

God has granted me with two of the most precious gifts and that’s time and family. I can’t wait to gather at the dinner table and have our traditional debates about various topics talking about the world and how we’re changing it.

I’m eager to hear my folks say “Chan! This the best peach cobbler I’d ever had!” I’m motivated to choose excitement and spontaneity activity with my family. So, I will sing - “It’s the most wonderful timeeee of the year!”

Happy Holidays to you all! God Bless and remember to stay SAFE.

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The Style of Your Life.

now and always We're Here for You We all have a lot on our minds these days, but there’s one thing we haven’t forgotten — common courtesy. It’s what you deserve and expect from us; but now, it means more than ever.

It’s the little things — a warm welcome, a laugh, help when you need it — that can really brighten your day.

We always have you in mind and strive to make your experience with us safe, comfortable and uplifting.

It’s just what you do for the people you love.

Thanks for being a part of our family.

love,

Dillard's

T

H

D

R

SP

O

ONO

TLIG

Marvin & Laurie Blum

Pictured (l to r): Ira & Elizabeth "Lizzy" Savetsky and children Lauire and Marvin Blum

| Brooke & Adam Blum and children

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

"Giving is not just about making a donation. It's about making a difference."

- Kathy Calvin Marvin Blum’s involvement with the Miss Texas Organization goes back over 50 years, starting with Molly Grubb’s crowning as Miss Texas 1967. Marvin saw the benefit the competition brought to Fort Worth, the long-time host city, and he wanted to be part of fostering this civic jewel for his hometown.

Marvin’s early volunteering was working as a “gopher” on the production staff, running errands to “go for” this and “go for” that.

Marvin’s earliest mentor was the show’s producer, Bob Horan, who modeled a love for the program with a heart as big as Texas.

Bob took Marvin, a young high school kid, under his wing.

An early highlight occurred a couple of years later when Phyllis George was crowned Miss Texas 1970. Like many, Marvin considered her a “shoe-in” to become Texas’ second Miss America. And when that happened, it was a major turning point for the Miss Texas program. As accomplished young women saw what the Miss America crown did for Phyllis’ career, propelling her into the national spotlight, they flocked to compete for the honor of representing the Lone Star State.

Four short years later, it happened again as Shirley Cothran became Texas’ third Miss America. Shirley, then a PhD candidate, highlighted the enormous benefits of the pageant’s education scholarships.

As the benefits of competing for Miss Texas became more and more apparent, Marvin’s enthusiasm and support for the program grew. While in law school, Marvin co-produced the Miss Austin

Marvin Blum and Lizzy (Blum) Savetsky

Over the next 40 years, Marvin’s involvement changed from the production staff into becoming Miss Texas’ longtime auditor, helping to host each year’s panel of judges.

competition with Donna Axum, Miss America 1964, striking up a

Looking back, the one of the grandest moments

lifelong friendship of over 40 years.

came in 2010, when Marvin and Laurie chaired the

When Marvin married Laurie in 1979, he “kidded” with her that the pageant came with him as part of the marriage package (but he wasn’t really kidding). Laurie embraced Miss Texas like Marvin did and the two became a solid support team for Miss Texas.

75th celebration, welcoming back some 50 former winners to the grand celebration. Marvin especially enjoyed working closely with Randy Pruett on that event, who wrote the definitive Miss Texas history compilation, “A Dream As Big As Texas.”

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Marvin Blum with Phyllis George (Miss Texas 1970) Miss America (1971) and Shirley Cothran Barret (Miss Texas 1974) Miss America 1975 at the Miss Texas 75th Celebration

Marvin's first affection for the Miss Texas program came from friendship he created with members of the “Miss Texas Family.” To this day, this remains the biggest highlight of all.

Bryan & Donna (Axum) Whitworth (Miss America 1964), with Laurie & Marvin Blum

But the second highlight grew out of watching how the competition benefitted their own daughter, Elizabeth (“Lizzy”), when she decided to compete in the Teen and Miss competitions. It was then that Marvin and Laurie truly understood the life skills the program provides. Watching Lizzy develop a confident presence, learning how to express herself onstage and off, all of which played a significant role in her career success—now that really fired up in Marvin and Laurie a desire to support the program.

The Blums love being a part of helping Miss Texas do for other young women what it did for Lizzy.

Soon after the 75th celebration, Marvin was tapped to serve on the Miss America Board. His involvement included hosting the judges, serving as Treasurer, and chairing numerous committees. Marvin and Laurie most enjoyed hosting the former Miss Americas, honoring the legacy of these remarkable women.

As much as Marvin was honored to serve at the national level, his heart will always be first and foremost where it all started, with Miss Texas.

Marvin & Laurie Blum, Lizzy & Ira Savetsky

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

Model: Miss Southeast Texas' Outstanding Teen, Lauren Faria

Model: Miss Dallas, Averie Bishop

A Tribute to June Graves: An Icon, A Treasure and a Friend BY: MARY ELLEN RICHARDSON THOMAS Miss Texas, 1975

June was a legend within in the Miss Texas Organization.

June & Mary E ll en o n th ei r way to M is s A m er ic a

Shortly after winning the crown of Miss Texas 1975, I met June Graves. I had, literally, no experience with pageants before entering my first local four months earlier. Just three short months after the Miss Texas competition, in September, I would be going to Atlantic City to compete at Miss America. One of the first things I learned after winning Miss Texas was that I would be moving into June’s home to prepare for Atlantic City. This was a new experience for me, but not for June. She had been helping girls prepare for the Miss Texas competition for years. June had helped so many young women, both those she sponsored as a local director and the many, many others who came to her for help and advice.

She was already a legend within the Miss Texas organization, and I knew of her, but I did not know her. Tall, red-headed, stunningly beautiful, and always impeccably dressed, June was a former model who moved and spoke with confidence and ease. It would have been easy to be intimidated by her. Fortunately for me, June was also warm, gracious, and kind and she enveloped me into her home and into her pageant world. It was June who stayed calm when I did not and who talked, laughed, and cried with me as she guided me kindly through it all. I was also the first Miss Texas that June would chaperone to Atlantic City. This time together formed a lifelong bond between us and was the foundation for one of my most cherished friendships.

June lived a remarkable life. Born on a Kansas farm, she found the courage to do something different and became a sought-after high fashion model. She also taught grooming and etiquette to newly hired American Airlines stewardesses. She became an experienced salesperson for top fashion designers, traveling all over to the country to present trunk shows in high-end department stores and boutiques. In addition to her professional accomplishments, June was also a wife to husband, Larry, mother to son, Kirk, and daughter, Lesa, and later, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family dearly.

On top of all of this, for decades, June was also dedicated to the Miss Texas organization spending countless hours as a local director, traveling companion to many Miss Texas title holders, sought-after judge, contestant consultant and coach.

ng her i r u d June ears. y g n i model

June was an acknowledged guru of all things associated with fashion and style, and she was also a traveling companion to Miss America 1987, Kelly Cash.

I cannot write this without commenting on one of the most significant impacts she had on me as a person of faith. June loved Jesus and this was common ground for us. After becoming Miss Texas, one of my first assignments was to give my "testimony� in a small Baptist church in Stamford, Texas. I politely declined as this was not a part of my faith tradition. June politely reminded me that I would indeed give my "testimony", as Miss Texas always followed through on her commitments. And then she talked me through on what that would look like.

As a lifelong Baptist, this was something June knew about, and she told me it was just a matter of telling my own story. I believed her. I did tell my story and I have told it countless times since. When I do, I always think of June.

une J d n llen a E y Mar

M a r v in & L a u r ie B lu m , M a r y E ll e n T h omas, June Graves , L iz z y S a v e ts k y

Over the years, we had many conversations about the interweaving of life and faith.

June would want to be remembered as a woman of faith. She also made friends everywhere she went and this friendliness and genuine interest in others was a hallmark of her life.

In the last years of her life, in her assisted living facility, this continued to be true.

I will miss this dear friend of mine and will always be grateful for the impact and influence she had on my life.

Gratitude for her, for her life, and for her impact and influence are a common thread as others have learned of her passing and shared their own stories. The words spoken most often about June are:

S

h. tylis

C

lassy.

Kind

.

c.

Iconi

Gracious.

Elegant.

Beautiful.

Loving and Faithful!

She was, indeed, all of these and more.

May your days be filled with

love, peace, and joy

A l l i e

G r a v e s a n d S a n t a

FIND THE GOWN THAT TAKES THE CROWN!

SHERRI HILL COUTURE TRUNK SHOW

COMING SOON

FOLLOW US ON INSTA @TERRYCOSTAPROM FOR UPDATES!

THANK YOU Kendra Scott contributed to our Miss Texas Scholarship Foundation in November 2020

Check out new collections for this holiday season!

Wishing Y ou a Very Merry Christmas a nd a Happy Ne w Year!

The Miss Te xas Organiz ation

Board of D irectors

The Miss Te xas Schola rship

Foundation

and The Board of Texas C ares For C hildren

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 to 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.

MINDY LE

IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT

Titleholder Miss Garland's Outstanding Teen 2012

Continued Impact Miss East Texas and Northeast Texas Org. Volunteer, 2011 Miss Fort Worth/Coppell Org. Board Member, 2016-Present

I first dabbled with the Miss Texas Organization when I competed in the Little Miss competitions, which were fundraisers hosted by the local organizations. I competed in the Miss Dallas Organization’s, and the Miss Southlake Organization’s Little Miss fundraisers. A few years later, when the Miss East Texas and Northeast Texas competition was Above: Miss Garland's Outstanding Teen 2012 headshot

being held at the local theater in my hometown I volunteered as the lighting operator for the competition. I had reached out to Gaylene Baumgartner, director of the Miss East Texas and Northeast Texas

Below: Mindy Le volunteering backstage in 2019

Organization, and offered to volunteer since I was familiar with the Miss Texas Organization and the theatre. The next year, my friends convinced me to compete with them in the North Texas Sweeper competition and there I was crowned Miss Garland’s Outstanding Teen. For the past four years, I have volunteered as a board member for the Miss Fort Worth and Coppell Organization. I get to learn from and work with the best local directors – The Hanson’s!

I believe in giving back to the community and have always felt being involved with the Miss Texas Organization is a great way to do so, as they not only invest in the local community , but also the women who competes in the program. The Miss Texas Organization has always motivated me to dream big. Many titleholders write “Dream Big!” on their autograph cards and I believe it is an appropriate sentiment as the Miss Texas Organization has pushed me to strive to become the best version of myself.

STORIES & MEMORIES Riding in the State Fair of Texas’ Starlight Parade was my favorite appearance as Miss Garland’s Outstanding Teen! To be part of this 30+ year tradition of titleholders participating in the State Fair of Texas parade was a huge honor. I enjoyed the experience so much that I have volunteered with the State Fair of Texas’ Starlight Parade for over five years with Jim and Sherry Hanson, and other board members of the Miss Fort Worth and Coppell Organization. I hope to have made Bruce Wallace, a longtime Miss Texas Organization volunteer, proud as he was the one who had asked me to help with the State Fair of Texas and was the one who had started the tradition.

Miss Texas legacy society

BIO

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER - MINDY LE

Mindy graduated cum laude from the University of North Texas with three degrees in four years, and completed five internships and two work-study programs during her undergraduate career. She majored in hospitality management, merchandising and digital retailing. At UNT, she served on the NTDaily Student Media Interview Committee, and the Student Computer Lab Redesign Committee.

She was involved in several organizations including Green Jackets, mentored in five different mentoring organizations, and completed two co-curricular courses: Eagle E.D.G.E. (Education, Diversity, Growth and Effectiveness) and Certified Leadership Series. Mindy also spent a summer working with international students as an Activity Coordinator for UNT’s American Communication and Culture Program. Continuing her education, Mindy graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution and a graduate certificate in Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Engagement. As an SMU graduate student, she completed her Texas mediation certificate, and studied abroad in Italy. She graduated with a 42-credit hour master’s degree in 14 months while working full-time. Volunteering over 2,000 hours of community service, Mindy has served in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Cherokee Nation. She is a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation of National and Community Service; a Certificate of Honor from former Secretary of State of Texas, Esperanza “Hope” Andrade; and a Texas Flag from former Texas House of Representative member, Stefani Carter. Mindy is also a graduate of the Denton Citizen Police Academy. Mindy worked in corporate retail in merchandising and product development roles for three years. She now works as a legal assistant for a real estate law firm. Involved in the community, she is a member of the Junior League of Richardson and the Garland NAACP, serves on the City of Garland’s Community Multicultural Commission, and is an SMU Hilltop volunteer. She stays involved with the Miss Texas Organization as a board member for the Miss Fort Worth and Coppell Organization, and volunteers for the State Fair of Texas’ Starlight Parade.

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT University of North Texas, cum laude Bachelor of Science in Merchandising Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Bachelor of Science in Digital Retailing Southern Methodist University Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Engagement Texas Mediation Certificate

STAY CONNECTED LinkedIn - linkedin.com/themindyle

Pictured Top Right: Anna Combrink Chianese, Ashley Stafford, Mindy Le and Amber Stafford Pictured Bottom Right: Mindy Le at the State Fair of Texas Starlight parade with Michaela Larry and Carissa Peterson

OZZIE INGRAM

IMPACT AND INVOLVEMENT Donor, 2018-present Sponsor, 2018-2020

My position at Dallas Baptist University allowed me to become interested and involved with the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization.

The relationships built with titleholders and volunteers has been inspirational.

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Ozzie Ingram

Miss Texas legacy society

lone star ladies OF THE MISS TEXAS LEGACY SOCIETY

PERFORMING GREASE, BEAUTY SCHOOL DROP OUT

MISS TEXAS 2019 — MASQUERADE GALA

PAGEANT WEEK OPENING PARADE 2017

2018: AN ODE TO "BOTTOM GLUE" STEPHANIE AND DEBBIE SAYING GOODBYE AFTER RUNNING THE LAST SWIMSUIT COMPETITION

TRYING RATTLESNAKE AT THE SWEETWATER RATTLESNAKE ROUND-UP — DEBBIE'S FACE INDICATES SHE IS QUESTIONING THIS DECISION!

THE LONE STAR LADIES HAVE NEARLY 100 YEARS OF COMBINED SERVICE TO THE ORGANIZATION

AT MISS AMERICA IN ATLANTIC CITY

JACKIE'S TEAM WON THE DANCE COMPETITION AND JACKIE MAY HAVE CELEBRATED A LITTLE TOO MUCH!

MELANIE CROSBY IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Lone Star Lady, 2003-present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship

Susan Shuler asked me to help her dress the contestants at the 2003 Miss Texas competition in Fort Worth. I had no idea I would be hooked for 18 years. I look forward to the competition to start every year!

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Melanie Brunson Crosby

PICTURED This photo features the Lone Star Ladies from November 2020. After not having the Miss Texas Competition or Miss America Competition to attend this year, we had to get together and spend time with each other!

Below: Susan Shuler, Becky Simmons, Jackie Estes, Debbie Sherman, Stephanie Sparks, Melanie Crosby. Not pictured is Staci Newton who was unable to come.

DEBBIE SHERMAN IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss Abilene Board Member, 1999-2002 Miss Abilene Teen Director, 2001-2002 Lone Star Lady, 2005-present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship Traveling Companion, 2010-present

I worked with the Miss Abilene local as the Teen Director for four years. Through a former local director, I became a hostess for the Teens at the State Pageant in 2005. This was the first year teens were housed. After two years with the Teens, I moved to working with the Miss candidates and have been there ever since! I also became a Traveling Companion in 2010.

I have always loved pageants and have met so many wonderful folks. I loved attending the state pageants with my mom and girls before I became directly involved. I competed in pageants when I was younger and then also competed in the Mrs pageant realm. Both of my daughters competed in the Cinderella Scholarship Program. Later, many of the young ladies my daughters competed with in the Cinderella program competed in the Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen/Miss Texas system.

It has truly become a family. The other Miss Hostesses are just so special and we have a wonderful bond! I feel so blessed and privileged working with them and the Miss Texas Organization each year! I also just love meeting all the young ladies and their families, as well as the local directors.

Lasting friendships abound through this organization!

STORIES & MEMORIES So many memories over all these wonderful years, but my favorite is when I was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2018. I literally had no idea! Susan Shuler 'tricked' me into helping one of the contestants backstage just prior to the announcement.

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Debbie Megginson Sherman

I walked out onstage in tears!!

Miss Texas legacy society

BIO Debbie Sherman graduated from Abilene High School and attended West Texas State University in Canyon, and Hardin-Simmons University. She received an Executive Secretarial diploma from the American Commercial College in 1981 and immediately began her career with West Texas Utilities, where she was employed for 15 years. Debbie has been a dancer for 25 years with training in ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical. She was a member of the Abilene Metropolitan Ballet Company for 10 years under the instruction of Marj Baucum. Over the years, she was also instructed by Dotty Botkin, Mary Milstead, and Arthur Duncan (a tap dancer of Lawrence Welk fame). Debbie is a past member of the Abilene Repertory Theatre, serving in every capacity from working backstage to playing the lead role. Debbie's favorite lead roles she has performed include Madge in "Picnic" and Meg in "Crimes of the Heart." She was onstage again at ACT in the September 2019 production of "Apple of His Eye," playing the role of Nettie Bowers.

Debbie has been involved in pageantry for over 25 years and was named Mrs. Taylor County 1995, later competing at the Mrs. Texas competition. Debbie served as the Abilene local director for the Cinderella Scholarship program in 1994 and 1995 and on the Miss Abilene board from 1999-2002. Since 2005, Debbie has worked with the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization and was inducted into the Miss Texas Hall of Honor in 2018. She is locally involved with the Taylor County Adult Literacy Council and is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, having served in the Adult Choir and Canterbury Handbell group. Debbie began her banking career in 1996 and has been employed by First Financial Bank for 24 years as a Retail Loan Specialist and Personal Banker. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Meredith and Monica.

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER - DEBBIE SHERMAN

STACI NEWTON IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Lone Star Lady, 2016-present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship

I was invited to join the Lone Star Ladies one summer as a “substitute” for one of the hostesses who was traveling during Miss Texas week 2016. I have my own non profit which hosts a pageant for individuals with special needs so I had a little experience. After my first year I was so Above: Piling into the elevator during competition week. Can you spot a Miss Texas?

impressed that I wanted to become more involved. This will be year 5 and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon!

The Miss Texas Organization has impacted my life by opening my eyes to the scholarship aspect of the

Below: Candidates during the prayer circle before finals night

organization. Meeting 50+ amazing, smart and talented young ladies has had a tremendous impact as well.

STORIES & MEMORIES Being sequestered with the candidates for the week lends itself to many favorite memories. I think my favorite memory every year is seeing the candidates pray for each other (pictured left) all week long, but specifically on finals night. The support the young ladies show for one another is truly a sight to see. As a Lone Star Lady, one of the funniest events we participate in is singing, dancing and the infamous scavenger hunt throughout the hotel.

Miss Texas legacy society

STEPHANIE SPARKS IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Lone Star Lady, 2005-present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship

I got involved in 2005 after my mom had already been a dresser for 2 years prior to that. It became our little vacation for my mom and I every summer. I have gained some of the best friends I could ever ask for. My Lone Star Ladies are the best and we are always there for each other even outside our pageant world.

STORIES & MEMORIES Too many memories to count... My favorite memory would have to be getting engaged in front of all the girls after the show back in 2011. Definitely a night I'll never forget!

BIO Stephanie Sparks is a surgical coordinator for an ob/gyn office in McKinney, Texas. She is happily married to her husband, Bryan. Together, they have a baby boy who will turn one this December and three dogs. Stephanie has been volunteering with the Miss Texas program since 2005.

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Stephanie Isom Sparks

Miss Texas legacy society

JACKIE ESTES IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Traveling Companion, 2012-present Lone Star Lady, 2013-present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship Official Roommate of Miss Texas, 2015-present

I have always been a Miss America fan, watching the glorious pageant from age 7! My daughter is also a sorority sister of a former Miss Texas candidate, so I Below: Lone Star Ladies at the

found interest in Miss Texas.

Renaissance with the manager after our first Zoom meeting with the candidates. Even Baby Benson was also in attendance!!

I retired after teaching for thirty years in 2012 and became a Traveling Companion at that time. For the past four years, my house has been the "official" residence of Miss Texas. I have had the pleasure of really understanding how difficult the daily job can be, while also providing Miss Texas with a safe place to land.

I wouldn't trade one moment of this wonderful experience! The Miss Texas Organization changes young women's lives, and being a part of the organization has has also changed my life. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and I am proud to be a part of this organization!

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Jackie Wilkins Estes

Miss Texas legacy society

BIO Jackie Estes is the mother of three, grandmother of nine and great-great grandmother of two. She has lived in Plano since 1974 (when Collin Creek Mall was a soccer field!). Jackie taught school for four years before staying at home to raise her children for the next thirteen years. Jackie began teaching in Plano again in 1987. She has been retired since 2012.

STORIES & MEMORIES I was so thrilled when asked to be a "hostess" (recently renamed "Lone Star Lady") for the girls in 2013. I had absolutely no idea what a hostess did, but I was soon to find out! I spent ten of the most grueling days of my life with almost no sleep, constant movement, and hundreds of apologies to sweet girls whose zipper or hook and eye I couldn't master. Those ten days brought me so much joy that I have continued to do it over and over again!

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER - JACKIE ESTES

SUSAN SHULER IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Volunteer, 1992-present Lone Star Lady, present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship Miss Texas Business Manager, 2011-2019

I became involved with the organization in 1992 and helped with the Miss Oak Cliff Pageant. When my brother, Kevin Howard, moved up to the state level I moved up with him. I started out in the gift room, then went to be a dresser for many years. When they combined the roles of dressers and hostesses together, I was asked to be the coordinator for the group. Two years ago we named ourselves the Lone Star Ladies. I have had the privilege to not only be a LSL but I was business manager for 8 years. During the last twenty-nine years I have made friendships to last a lifetime, attended many weddings and sadly, even a few funerals.

STORIES & MEMORIES Being with the contestants on the floor throughout competition week, we have lots of stories but we also have a saying - what happens on the floor stays on the floor! We do have lots of laughs and after the contestants are locked in their rooms, the LSL’s are known to stay up into the wee hours! By the end of the week, we are pretty sleep deprived and have been known to go home and sleep for several days. In the last few years we have discovered we aren’t as young as we used to be!

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Susan Howard Shuler Instagram: @Clinicqueen1407

Miss Texas legacy society

BECKY SIMMONS IMPACT & INVOLVEMENT Miss White Settlement Local Director, 1995-2006 Judges' Coordinator, 2008 Lone Star Lady, 2009-present Donor, Lone Star Lady scholarship Traveling Companion, 2009-present

My daughter won the Miss Teen White Settlement Pageant in 1994. After her year of service, I was offered the Miss White Settlement franchise.

I served as the Miss White Settlement local director from 1995-2006. I have come to know so many incredible people through the organization!

STAY CONNECTED Facebook: Becky Henderson Simmons

Miss Texas legacy society

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

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

LONE STAR PRINCESS A MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

program's leaders and role models. Princesses will watch these intelligent young women as they communicate, perform, and interact with others. 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 production number on the Miss Texas stage.

Our Lone Star Princesses do not personally

Pictured:

compete, but they accompany their titleholder during the Red Carpet competition, as the

2012 Lone Star Princesses | on stage production during Miss Texas week competition

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 j o i n i n g t h e L o n e S t a r M e n t o r i n gN P og OrM A rDaI m C

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24

WHERE

Texas-Sized DREAMS Get Started

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.

SAVE the DATE WINTER WORKSHOP 01 . 09 - 10 . 21 SPRING MEETING WEEKEND: SPRING SEMINAR 04 . 16 - 18 . 21 Candidates, Parents, Directors, Volunteers: Book your room NOW at the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel!

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Randy E. Pruett from Dallas became involved in the Miss Texas Competition with his family in 1965 at age 10. In 2005, he was inducted into the “Miss Texas Hall of Honor.” He has judged 30+ Miss America state pageants throughout the country. Randy is vice president of a public relations agency, is an Accredited Business Communicator and has been honored as “Dallas’ Communicator of the Year.” He can be reached at repruett@aol.com.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

THE 1966 MISS TEXAS PAGEANT

RICH WITH HISTORY, SUCCESS AND CELEBRITY

BY RANDY PRUETT The 1966 Miss Texas competition, especially the top five finalists, was like no other. In addition to the winner, the top five included a future Miss California, a future Miss Texas USA and a future Tony-award winning actress.

Miss Lubbock Susan Logan, 19 and a student at Texas Tech University, captured the state title with a dramatic interpretation of Scarlett O’Hara’s “I’ll Never Go Hungry Again” monologue from Gone with the Wind. She was a Top 10 semi-finalist in the Miss America Pageant.

Before the national competition, there were a few tense weeks trying to get permission to use excerpts from Gone with the Wind on national network television. John Marsh, author Margaret Mitchell’s widower, gave his approval at the last minute. Since then, no one else has ever received such permission. As the story goes, there was a desperate search throughout Atlantic City for the fresh turnips that Susan used in her talent presentation.

Susan has lived in Hawaii for many years. A military wife and a widow, she is now married to retired Navy Captain Jerry Coffee, an inspirational speaker and former seven-year Vietnam POW. He was cellmates with the late U.S. Senator John McCain. Susan and her family returned to the pageant in 2016 for her 50th Anniversary celebration.

Susan Logan and Randy E. Pruett at Susan's 50th Anniversary Celebration

BETTY BUCKLEY Betty Buckley’s brother, film/television director Norman Buckley, recently found her Miss Fort Worth and Miss Texas (second runner-up and Miss Congeniality) and barrel racing trophies stored in their mother’s garage.

Miss Arlington Sharon Kay Terrill, 19, was the first runner-up. She performed a dramatic monologue titled, “Love, I Give You My Candidate.” Sharon later won Miss California 1968 and was a non-finalist talent winner at the Miss America competition. There she performed a dramatic reading titled “Little Word, Little White Bird” by Carl Sandburg.

She studied speech and industrial relations at the University of Texas at Arlington and California State University-Long Beach. Sharon became a college professor after retiring from a 27-year career with Pacific Bell as director of public affairs in the San Diego area. A resident of Tiburon, California, she’s also a professional speech coach, specializing in making public presentations and helping English as a second or foreign language students.

Miss Fort Worth Betty Lynn Buckley was the second runner-up and voted Miss Congeniality.

For talent, she sang “Rose of Washington Square.” This was the song Betty had performed earlier that summer in the Southern Palace Theater at Six Flags Over Texas. She was a guest performer at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, where a talent scout spotted her.

Betty, who has been called “The Voice of Broadway,” won the 1983 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Grizabella in the original Broadway production of Cats. She went on to play Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard in both London and New York, receiving a 1995 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, and was nominated for the 1997 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Triumph of Love. Her other stage credits include 1776, Pippin, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Grey Gardens.

Betty is also a two-time Daytime Emmy Award nominee and a 2012 American Theater Hall of Fame inductee. A two-time Grammy Award nominee, she has recorded more than 15 albums. Betty starred in the television series Eight Is Enough, played gym teacher Ms. Collins in the 1976 film Carrie.

She was featured in the 1983 Academy Award Best Picture nominee Tender Mercies. Most recently, she starred as the title role in the national tour of Hello, Dolly. Betty attended Texas Christian University. She now splits her time between New York City, Los Angeles and a 35-acre ranch outside Fort Worth.

Miss Nacogdoches Jeannie Wilson, 19, was the third runner-up. She sang a medley of “Put on a Happy Face” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” from the musical Bye Bye Birdie. Jeannie was later selected Miss Texas USA 1968. She studied and majored in education at Southern Methodist University.

A prolific television actress, Jeannie appeared on Simon & Simon, Murder She Wrote, Stir Crazy, Street Hawk, The Love Boat, The A-Team, Whiz Kids, Fantasy Island, The Devil and Max Devlin, The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, House Calls, Vega$, The Dukes of Hazzard, B.J. and the Bear, Maude, Tabitha and The Bionic Woman. She now lives in Toluca Lake, California.

Miss Irving Cindy Hodges, 18, was the fourth runner-up. For talent, she presented an original monologue about the trials of clumsiness, and that ballet had made her graceful. Cindy then performed a classical ballet to a portion of the Nutcracker Suite. Today, she and her husband live in Cleveland, Tennessee, where they own and operate Best Estate Sales in Tennessee.

Texas had the distinction of being the first state pageant ever telecast in color. The host was Miss America 1962 Maria Beale Fletcher, and it was broadcast on July 23, 1966, from Will Rogers Memorial Center Auditorium. Miss Texas 1965 Mary Lou Butler crowned the winner from among the 61 contestants. A total of $3,500 in scholarships were awarded. The winner won a $1,100 Pepsi scholarship, a $1,000 wardrobe, $500 in Toni-Ban Lon fashions, a jewel case by Judy-Lee, a John Robert Powers modeling course and a Casa Manana contract. Pangburn’s Candy Company produced a gift box of “Miss Texas” Chocolates.

Miss Texas 1966 Finalists Miss Texas 1966: Miss Lubbock, Susan Logan** 1st RU: Miss Arlington, Sharon Kay Terrill 2nd RU: Miss Fort Worth, Betty Lynn Buckley 3rd RU: Miss Nacogdoches, Jeannie Wilson** 4th RU: Miss Irving, Cindy Hodges* Top 10: Miss Athens, Terry Bolding* Top 10: Miss Dallas, Calleen Anderegg Top 10: Miss Gatesville, Sue Ann Yows* Top 10: Miss Grand Prairie, Paula Henderson Top 10: Miss Mesquite, Cookie Cage Non-Finalist: Miss Waco Mary Ann Long** * Talent Preliminary Winner ** Swimsuit Preliminary Winner

1966

1st Runner Up Miss Arlington, Sharon Kay Terrill

2nd Runner Up Miss Fort Worth, Betty Buckley

Miss Texas 1966 Miss Lubbock, Susan Logan

3rd Runner Up Miss Nacogdoches, Jeannie Wilson

4th Runner Up Miss Irving, Cindy Hodges

Sharon Kay Terrill

Betty Buckley

Miss Texas 1966, Susan Logan

Jeannie Wilson

Cindy Hodges

TODAY

Model: Miss Southlake's Outstanding Teen, Laurel Jones

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orting p p u s r ise fundra l a u t r i av osting h r o f ou thank y

S E R A C S A TEX

N E R D L I H C FOR

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Wishing you a Merry & Bright Holiday Season

and a Happy New Year!

an m e r o r F e l d n Cha

s e v a r G e i l l A

Miss Texas and Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen