Miss Texas Magazine | August 2020

Bellinda Myrick Barnett MISS TEXAS 1970

AUG 2020

miss texas FEATURED

Miss Texas Miss Colleyville Miss Joshua Miss North Richland Hills Miss Plano Miss Sugar Land Miss Twin Rivers

Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Burleson's Outstanding Teen Miss Dallas' Outstanding Teen Miss Frisco's Outstanding Teen Miss Harris County's Outstanding Teen Miss North Texas' Outstanding Teen Miss Plano's Outstanding Teen Miss Sugar Land's Outstanding Teen

AUGUST

Chandler Foreman Mallory Fuller Amber McKenzie Hannah Hoover Landry Champlin Ashley Stafford Madi Franquiz

Allie Graves Haidyn Hill Alannah Bruce Sheridan Garbe Jessica Larry Mallory Lorant Emily Walker Zona Johnson

magazine THIS MONTH

Donor Spotlight North Texas Giving Day Miss Mount Pleasant and Miss East Texas Lone Star Princess to Outstanding Teen Honoring Miss Texas 1970 Legacy Society

Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor

Molly Hazlett Simmons Texas Cares For Children Linda Seabourne The Graves Family Bellinda Myrick Barnett Holly Graves Hill

bludoor studios Color Street Nails D'Allure MedSpa Dillard's Frost Bank The Lash Lounge - Frisco Mental Management MamaSong Reflections in Art Renaissance Hotel Rustic Cuff Taylor Elliott Designs Terry Costa Yeah 1 Nails Bar

2020

LONE STAR PRINCESS A MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Pictured: Chandler Foreman, Miss Texas, with Lone Star Princesses

The Lone Star Mentoring Program is a year-round 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. 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 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).

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

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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

EXCLUSIVE

The nation's largest online giving event, North Texas Giving Day, will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020. www.northtexasgivingday. org/texascaresforchildren

Communities Foundation of Texas’

2) Spread the word! Tell your

North Texas Giving Day is an 18-

family, friends and loved ones

hour online giving event designed

about Texas Cares For Children

to empower every person to give

and North Texas Giving Day. Don't

back to their community by

forget to tag us on social media and

supporting local nonprofits and

#NTxGivingDay.

causes they care about in one easyto-use platform. How can you help?

3) Follow the Miss Texas Organization and Texas Cares For

1) Give (every amount matters!) on

Children social media pages to stay

September 17 or make an early gift

up to date on North Texas Giving

between September 1 - 16.

Day!

SCHOLARSHIPS IN ACTION FORMER TEEN TITLEHOLDERS Catey Hicks (top left) used her scholarship awards to obtain a degree in business management from Dallas Baptist University.

Catey won $1000 in scholarship money when she competed as Texarkana’s Outstanding Teen.

Caitlin Noel (middle) is headed to University of Southern California this fall with plans to major in neuroscience and minor in songwriting. She received a merit presidential scholarship and was accepted to Thematic Option, an honors program within Dornsife School of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Caitlin earned $6000 in scholarship money while representing Bexar County, Plano and Dallas as their Outstanding Teen.

Brielle Yauney (bottom left) applied her scholarships to Brigham Young University in pursuit of a marketing degree.

Brielle earned $1000 in scholarship money over the two Visit www.reallygreatsite.com years she competed, representing for more information about the event.

Pearland and SugarLand as their For inquiries call (123) 456 7890 Outstanding Teen. or email hello@reallygreatsite.com.

SCHOLARSHIPS $125,000

in tuition scholarships

$90,000

in-kind scholarships

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE MISS TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AND WOMEN ACROSS TEXAS. OUR SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE BEEN USED AT THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS SINCE 2013.

TO DONATE, VISITÂ WWW.MISSTEXAS.ORG Abilene Christian University Angelina College Ashford University Baylor University Blinn Community College Brigham Young University Collin College Concordia University Dallas Baptist University Duncan School of Law El Paso Community College Florida State University Frank Phillips College Houston Baptist College Kilgore Junior College Louisiana State University Lubbock Christian University McGovern Medical School Midwestern State University Northwest Vista College Odessa College Pecos Center Oklahoma City University Oklahoma State University Oral Roberts University Ouachita Baptist University Prairie View A&M University Ranger Junior College Rice University Richland College Sam Houston State University San Antonio College San Jacinto College Central SMU Dedman School of Law South Plains College Southern Arkansas University

Southern Methodist University St Phillips College Stephen F. Austin State University Tarrant County College Texas A&M University Texas A&M Commerce Texas A&M Corpus Christi Texas A&M San Antonio Texas A&M School of Law Texas Christian University Texas Southern University Texas State University Texas Tech University Texas Women's University The Art Institute of Houston University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of Central Oklahoma University of Houston University of Houston College of Optometry University of Houston Law Center University of Mississippi University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Oklahoma College of Law University of Pennsylvania University of San Diego University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at El Paso University of Texas at Pan American University of Texas at San Antonio University of the Incarnate Word Wade College West Texas A & M University

MISS TEXAS GOES

BACK TO SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

MISS TEXAS CHANDLER FOREMAN "I plan to use my gift of speaking to and influencing others to send a message of determination and strength."

Pictured: Chandler Foreman, Miss Texas, on the set of ntTV in Denton, Texas

Chandler Foreman begins her final year of undergraduate classes this month at the University of North Texas. She is pursuing a degree in Converged Broadcast Media, which provides a number of potential avenues for the Houston native.

Chandler credits her experience with ntTV as one of the most impactful, hands-on learning opportunities prior to becoming Miss Texas.

The student-run cable TV station has received numerous awards from major industry organizations and provides programming 24/7.Â

The Converged Broadcast Media course work examines a wide range of subjects including electronic news management, interviewing, performance and news media analysis. The program ensures students graduate with a foundation in shooting, editing, writing and reporting for radio, television and the Internet.

The station strives to provide a powerful and enriching educational experience for University of North Texas students who are interested in media as a long-term career option. We look forward to cheering on Chandler as she returns to the classroom (virtually) to begin a successful senior year!

FROM LSP TO OUTSTANDING TEEN

BY APRIL AND MARK GRAVES We first heard of the Lone Star Princess program from a close family friend and mentor who won the title of Miss Texarkana’s Outstanding Teen 2009, Lydia Knight. We loved Lydia and our daughter, Allie, did too.

We were so excited when Lydia asked Allie to be her princess, even though we really didn't know very much about the Miss Texas Organization or the LSP mentoring program. Allie has three older brothers and we recognized how much she could benefit from spending more time with Lydia. Plus, who doesn’t want to see their little girl all dressed up and performing on the Miss Texas Stage?

We were so impressed with the program that Allie continued being a Lone Star Princess from 2009 - 2013.

She loved spending time and learning from many titleholders including Lydia Knight, Adriana Nelson, Jordan Johannsen, Morgan Harrison, Jessica Haas, Alex Miller and Jessica Barrera. They were all incredible role models.

Our family has so many great memories from Allie's LSP years. We'll never forget seeing her on the Miss Texas stage for the first time. She was totally in her element dancing her little heart out on the front row. One year, Allie was selected to be a "Lone Star Princess singer."

This meant she got to dance and sing onstage. It was especially fun pre-recording her song in a “real” recording studio. Allie literally had the time of her life each summer during Miss Texas week.

In 2010, Lydia Knight reworked her platform to raise awareness for foster care and adoption. Lydia wrote a children's book based on Allie's story and this is actually when Allie's future platform was "born." Allie still uses Lydia's book, "Buddy's Life," when she visits schools to this day as Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen.

L E A R N

M O R E

A B O U T

B E C O M I N G

A

L O N E

S T A R

P R I N C E S S

I've watched young women invest in Allie for years and as a mom, nothing is more special to me now than seeing Allie do the same for others who now look up to her. There are so many local titleholders around the state who are passionate about a variety of causes and I would recommend looking for a titleholder in your local area if possible.

However, also consider your daughter's interests and how she can join a titleholder's service projects too.

During the pandemic, Allie spent at least an hour each week (virtually) with her princesses pouring the same wisdom into them that was once poured into her. Even if there is not a local titleholder in your area, there is probably a girl out there that would love to mentor your daughter.

I have seen our girl come full circle since first being introduced to this amazing organization. Allie was once a little, wide eyed eight-year-old and now she is one of the faces of the organization.

If you are considering this program for your child, I just have to say - do it! You won't be disappointed. The investment in your daughter to have some of the smartest, goal oriented, driven, service minded, talented and beautiful girls in Texas mentoring your little girl is 100% WORTH IT!

"Allie was once a little, wide eyed eight-year-old and now she is one of the faces of the organization."

- April Graves

M I S S T E X A S . O R G / L O N E - S T A R - P R I N C E S S - P R O G R A M

Y R T N E G A P

What is Mental Management and Why is it Important?

Article by Heather Bassham Sumlin

What’s the best way to explain the aspect of Mental Training? Let me start with helping you understand where the Mental Management® System came from.

R O F

Mental Management Systems, LLC was founded

by Lanny Bassham, an Olympic Gold Medalist and my father.

Y R E T S A M

Lanny made his first Olympic Team in 1972 in international rifle shooting and his teammate was John Writer, the best shooter in the world at that time. Together they would practice and as the games approached, Lanny’s practice scores got better and better.

L A T N E M : S E I R E S

He was capable of beating Writer in practice and no one in the world could match those scores. Because of this capability, Lanny naturally believed he had the ability to win the Olympic Gold. This was the medal he had dreamed about since he was a kid. He had the best equipment, the best coaching and he had an undeniable work ethic. If he could perform up to his potential on competition day, he would win.

R A N I B E W

Lanny’s first 10 shots at the Olympic Games revealed what he didn’t have: Mental Control.

He choked under pressure. As a result, Lanny went back home with a severe drive to find the secrets to controlling the mind under pressure.

R U O R O F P U

It would be a 4 year wait for Lanny’s next chance at his dream. During that time, Lanny interviewed Olympic Champions to find out what they were doing about the mental game and eventually he developed the Mental Management® System. Putting the system into practice, Lanny went on to dominate his sport for 6 years winning 22 world titles, and the Olympic Gold Medal!

N G I S

We teach the system Lanny used in competition, a system that has helped athletes, business professionals and performers since 1977.

So, what is mental training? Simply put, it is learning how to control your mind under pressure. Here’s a little taste of what the system looks like.

3 Mental Processes Control Performance: The Conscious Mind The Subconscious Mind The Self-Image

The Conscious Mind are your thoughts. The Subconscious Mind are your skills (or how well you prepare). The Self-Image are your habits and attitudes (your belief in your ability). When these mental processes are balanced and working together, good performance seems easy. When these processes are out of balance it is very difficult to reach your potential under pressure.

Our job is to help you grow these mental processes by learning how to run a mental program and control your conscious thought as well as how to train in such a way that you also build Self-Image. The beauty of what we teach is that it can be applied to all areas of life. It is not specific to only pageant competition preparation.

You can apply what you learn to school, athletics, parenting, management, and so much more.

Contact Us TO

LEARN

MORE

ABOUT

Mental Management Systems and Details About the Webinar Series heather@mentalmanagement.com - 469-371-3111 (cell) - www.mentalmanagement.com

09 17 20 Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour online giving event designed to empower every person to give back to their community by supporting local nonprofits and causes they care about in one easy-to-use platform.

The event helps build awareness and support for nonprofits like nothing else. In 2019, $50 million was raised through 102,000 donors benefiting 3,000 local nonprofits, bringing the eleven-year total to over $290 million for our community. North Texas Giving Day is the largest community-wide giving event in the nation.

Since its inception in 2009, this online event has transformed from an idea to help local people give wisely, to a movement that has ignited a broad culture of community-wide giving. During North Texas Giving Day, everyone has the opportunity to be a philanthropist to build a stronger and more vibrant community. This year, the 12th annual North Texas Giving Day will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2020.

WWW.NORTHTEXASGIVINGDAY.ORG/TEXASCARESFORCHILDREN

BE A GIVING HERO!

L O N E S T A R C L U B WRITTEN BY EMILY WALKER Miss Plano's Outstanding Teen

Last month I had the pleasure of leading the Lone Star Club’s Virtual Event and, having been a Lone Star Princess myself as a little girl, you can imagine my excitement for the opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape the Emily I am today.

The young girls in this program our so proud of who they are and where they come from and I know that turns into confidence as they grow and evolve, so I created a “virtual stage” for them to show off a part of their world through Show & Tell time!

Each princess was tasked with bringing an object that is meaningful to them and they took turns sharing with the group.

I learned through the experience too- don’t assume you know what something is based on a quick glance, my very own princess was quick to correct me when I called her dog a puppy, haha!I loved seeing their sweet faces light up when they got their special moment!

Thank you, Miss Texas Organization for using this challenging time in the world to utilize our platform and our voices for service and positive impact for those looking to us for inspiration and a smile!

Interested in learning more about the Lone Star Club program and becoming a Lone Star Princess? Visit misstexas.org to learn more!

TEXAS CARES FOR CHILDREN PRESENTS THE IMPACT SERIES

HOW TO NAVIGATE OUR LIFE WHEN EVERYTHING APPEARS TO BE FALLING APART Personal Development with Dr. Jada Jackson LMHC, LPC Licensed Mental Health Counselor - State of Florida Licensed Professional Counselor - State of Texas Author, Talk Show Host, Life Coach, Communicator info@jadajackson.com | jada@totallifecounseling.com

The first of many Personal and Professional Development Sessions offered to Miss Texas candidates. Thank you to Texas Cares For Children for sponsoring this series!

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: gayleneb@misstexas.org

photo credit: Haynesworth Photography

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Pictured: Douglas, Molly, Abigail & Kate Simmons

MOLLY SIMMONS

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”

- Ben Carson

Molly Hazelett Simmons served as Miss Texas 2007 and is empowered by an “Attitude of Gratitude”. With a passion for helping others, especially children, some of her fondest Miss Texas memories are those that had her working and talking with children. Vowing early in life to speak out and raise awareness on the dangers of drinking and driving, As Miss Texas Molly became an ambassador for MADD and continues to speak on the topic to this day.

On an appearance as Miss Texas, Molly met Douglas Simmons and after her year of service, they eventually married. Together moving to Boston, she graduated from Simmons University, Molly's professional career includes a tenure as Development Director for Florida Baptist Children's Home and helping families in need. As well, Molly worked in education in the Miami and Denver school systems.

Molly is a loyal and annual donor to the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization and her generosity has made a impact and difference in our program over the years. Her genuine kindness and authentic spirit of giving continue to touch the lives of young women seeking to earn college scholarships. She has also given back by donating her time to serve as a Judge, for competitions in the States of Oklahoma, Florida, Colorado and South Carolina.

Residing in Boston, with Douglas and their two daughters Abigail and Kate, Molly serves on the Park Street School Board and is helping coordinate their upcoming Capital Campaign. She is a first grade Sunday School teacher at her church and volunteers her time to help others in need. Douglas is a Portfolio Manager for Fidelity Investments Equity division.

They have relocated to Dallas for the next six months and are thrilled to be back home for a short time.

texas cares for children ENCOURAGING LEADERSHIP PROMOTING EDUCATION DEVELOPING CHARACTER

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

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.

d o o h r e t s i s

www.misstexas.org Photography: April Graves

allie grace graves

Allie Graves is one of the many recent graduates who experienced drastic change and challenges while completing their last year of high school in the midst of a pandemic.

While it’s hard to imagine what the future will look like, these graduates have not given up on their dreams and they have displayed incredible resiliency, flexibility and maturity at a young age.

Allie was invited to join a campaign designed to honor and encourage high school seniors by writing a letter to her future self. Her message feels particularly meaningful as students, educators and families begin the journey towards a new and different school year.

MISS MOUNT PLEASANT and MISS EAST TEXAS

By Linda Seabourne “Dreams come true with hard work and dedication” — a mantra embedded so deeply within me that not a day goes by without me hearing it.

Titus County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Council is excited to host Miss Mount Pleasant and Miss East Texas Pageants. This dream began three years ago between a few volunteers attempting to host a Cinco de Mayo beauty pageant. How things have changed!

The Mount Pleasant Cinco de Mayo Festival is currently the most successful and well-attended festival in Titus County. It is a well-known celebration in Northeast Texas and across the United States. Historically, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday commemorating the stooge victory of Mexican armies over France in the battle of Puebla in 1862. But recently this celebration has evolved into major community outreach, an economic driver for local businesses, and a bridge between the many cultures represented in our community.

Titus County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Council and staff, City of Mt Pleasant and staff, Cinco de Mayo Chamber committee members and volunteers, Chamber of Commerce Business Members, are behind this successful festival. People from Fort Wort, Dallas, McKinney, Texarkana, Tyler, Paris, Gilmer, Sulphur Springs,

Pittsburg, Mount Vernon, and other cities around Mt Pleasant come to have fun with their families. Last year an estimated 15,000 people traveled to Mount Pleasant to enjoy our Cinco de Mayo Festival.

According to other community leaders in Northeast Texas, Mt Pleasant is a destination location for this celebration.

Last year I recall adjourning our Cinco de Mayo Pageant meeting with the phrase, “Let’s dream and believe that one day our pageant will become a local Miss Texas Pageant.” Little did we realize our dream was closer than my words.

Paul Macias, a Miss Texas Field Director, was invited by one of our team members to be one of the judges of our ”Cinco de Mayo Pageant.” He became a significant liaison between our Chamber of Commerce and the elite Miss Texas Organization.

The Mount Pleasant Pageant Committee is determined to continue to organize the most prestigious pageants among young women in the Northeast area. We believe a competition should not be about beauty alone. Good looking women come and go with age

Our goal is to empower girls to improve themselves in a holistic way physical beauty, academic intelligence, emotional intelligence, physical fitness, and spiritual wellness.

A thirty-year Mount Pleasant resident remarked, “The Chamber transformed an old-fashioned, lackluster beauty contest into a multidimensional talent, figure, and beauty extravaganza that young girls are proud to be involved in.”

Our Pageant Committee has worked hard to make this happen and we are so excited to see our dream come to fruition. We are currently preparing and organizing all the logistics to safely launch Miss Mount Pleasant and Miss East Texas pageant on Saturday February 20, 2021. Participants may contact María Hernandez at 903-5728567 for more information.

We are very thankful to Paul Macias (Field Director), Regina Casaday (Director of Field Operations), and Jan Mitchell (Executive Director), for the opportunity to elevate our young women. Mount Pleasant is so excited to be part of the Miss Texas Organization.

save the date

02.20.21

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bellinda myrick barnett

miss texas 1970 Bellinda Myrick-Barnett became Miss Texas 1970, assuming the crown after Phyllis George won the title of Miss America 1971.

As Miss Texas, Bellinda traveled with the Miss America USO Show in 1971 to entertain our U.S. Military in South Vietnam during the war. She performed with Bob Hope, Roger Miller and many other celebrities in concert during and after her time as Miss Texas and even before that as Miss West Texas.

Over the years to follow, Bellinda sang professionally and acted on stage in various productions at Casa Mañana Theater in Fort Worth, Texas and many other places. While living in Los Angeles in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Bellinda worked at MGM Studios in the International Television Publicity Department.

Bellinda and her husband, Barney, later moved back to their home state of Texas to be closer to family when she became pregnant with their first of two sons. Their sons, Tom aka “Logan” and Beau grew up in the Preston Hollow area of Dallas and on their ranch in the Heath/Rockwall area.

Health issues sidelined Bellinda from traveling to perform for a while, but she plans to be back on the road soon again to promote her first published novel featuring a modern female lead character in Western genre “Bandera Babe” as well as her recordings of songs accompanying the novel.

Currently, Bellinda and Barney live on a small ranch near College Station, Texas - the home of Texas A&M University, which is "alright despite our being Longhorns from the University of Texas in Austin!"

How and/or why did you get involved in Miss Texas Scholarship Organization?Â

How has your experience with the organization impacted your life?

I actually heard Betty Buckley, Miss Fort Worth 1967, I believe, and 4th runner up at Miss Texas talking about having been one of the seven women in the Miss America USO Show that next year and I knew I had to enter as I wanted to be a part of that Miss America USO Show traveling to the war in South Vietnam.

Having the opportunity to travel with the Miss America USO Show to South Vietnam and performing for our troops was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

"I wanted to be a part of that Miss America USO Show..."

My now husband Barney & I were already engaged at the time our troop was in Vietnam. He served as an Army Captain at the Port of Qui Nhon. They immediately sent him to travel with us for four days before reporting for duty.

PAGE 7

What are your best memories from Miss Texas?

My favorite memory from many favorites involves someone else. My sister girl Phyllis George was first Miss Texas 1970 for a little over a month before winning Miss America 1971. As the 1st runner up, I took over as Miss Texas 1970 and we were standing backstage at our Miss Texas 75th Reunion in 2010.

Phyl told me for the very first time ever about her having only 45 minutes sleep after having won Miss America 1971 and going into the Miss America breakfast where she immediately went over to Miss America Director, George Cavalier, to tell him he "HAD to ask Bellinda Myrick (who is taking over as Miss Texas) to be part of the 7 woman Miss America USO Show 1971 to the war in Vietnam".

Phyl told him that not only was I THE GREATEST COUNTRY SINGER she had ever heard but THE BEST SINGER she had ever heard! George asked my Miss Texas Manager for my tapes and the next thing I knew I was part of the troop heading to Vietnam. Phyl & I truly became sisters and later found out we were also cousins. I am still grieving Phyl’s recent passing. � you, P!

celebrating her golden anniversary

bellinda myrick barnett miss texas 1970

MISS

TEXAS

SCHOLARSHIP

FOUNDATION

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE FEBRUARY 2020

THE LEGACY SOCIETY Former Local Titleholders | Past State Titleholders | Volunteers

The Miss Texas Legacy Society was created to honor and connect the numerous young women who have held local or state titles (both Miss and Teen) with the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization and the volunteers who have mentored them along the way.

The Legacy Society has three branches, but one purpose: celebrating those have shaped the Miss Texas Scholarship Organization and preserving its history dating back to 1937.

Miss Texas Class of 1997

We hope to see former titleholders, local directors, family, friends and fans share updates about past competitors, provide photos/videos and recount their favorite memories and funny stories.

We look forward to launching this new website in the near future to celebrate the history of Miss Texas and develop a space for expanded networking opportunities. Visit misstexas.org to join the Legacy Society today.

Introducing the first of many future Legacy Spotlights: Holly Graves Hill!

Miss Texas girls at the Miss America Breakfast in Atlantic City

legacy society HOLLY GRAVES HILL EXPERIENCE Jr Miss Lake Texoma 1990 Miss Teen North Texas 1991 Miss Burleson 1992 and 1998 Miss Crowley 1993 and 1995 Miss Piney Woods Area 1996 Miss Collin County 1997

CONTINUED IMPACT Former Local Director (North Texas and Tarrant County) Former Board of Directors member (Burleson and Fort Worth)

ACADEMICS Hill College

Miss Collin County 1997

University of Texas at Arlington (majored in Criminal Justice)

BIO Holly competed in the first two Miss Teen Texas Pageants and went on to compete in the Miss Texas Pageant. She won nonfinalist talent awards and was a Top 10 finalist. After her time competing, she immediately became the Executive Director of the Miss North Texas and Miss Tarrant County Scholarship Organizations. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Miss Burleson and Miss Fort Worth Organizations. Her time as a director produced two Miss Teen Texas winners and many other Top 10 and Top 5 contestants in both Teen and Miss. Holly retired as a director in 2011. At that time she continued her involvement and became a Lone Star Princess mom as well as a sponsor. Her daughter, Haidyn was a Lone Star Princess for several years and is now Miss Burleson's Outstanding Teen! Outside of pageants, Holly has worked in Law Enforcement for 23 years. She lives in Burleson with her husband, Diron, who is a retired Chief of Police. They love to travel and spend time with family.

legacy society HOLLY GRAVES HILL BEST MEMORIES I'm probably most notorious for breaking my foot during the swimsuit production number! My foot rolled on the stairs and people in the front row heard it snap! I refused to fall and managed to make it off stage before collapsing. After Tara Watson's father set and wrapped my foot, I sang on a stool during my talent presentation. I was taken to the hospital the next morning because I refused to leave before talent!

HOW I GOT INVOLVED / WHY I COMPETED As a young girl, watching Miss America on TV every year was a tradition. I could not wait to be like those ladies! Even after competing, I believed in this organization so much that I contributed what I could to "my girls" for the next 12 years.

HOW MISS TEXAS IMPACTED MY LIFE The Miss Texas Organization is one of the main reasons that I am who I am. The scholarships were a huge part of it, but more than that the skills that I developed were crucial. I have never interviewed for a job or promotion that I did not receive. I completely give credit to MTO for that.

Miss Burleson 1998

Supporting my daughter, Haidyn Hill, as she experiences this wonderful organization.

Holly Graves Hill