This Miss Texas High Pageant, “Jump Back to the ‘80s,” will be at 7 p.m. Saturday in the John Thomas Theatre.
“There will be some colorful clothes and great music,” pageant coordinator Micah McBay said. “Ticket sales will go to fund this year’s scholarship of $400, as well as starting a fund for next year’s pageant.”
There are 13 contestants in the pageant: Brooke Hubbard [12], Urvi Chikhliya [12], Maggie Pappas [12], Kasandra Langworthy [11], Cari Cunningham [12], Blaire Barlow [12], Kianna Williams [11], Annie Garrett [12], Allye Prather [11], Victoria Perez [12], Abby Knight [12], Tara Clem [12], and Priscella Butler [12].
Though some of the girls have previous pageant experience, this will be the first pageant for many.
“[This is] my first pageant,” Butler said. “I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone, and I’m not used to showing off. I decided ‘why not take a chance?’”
Cunningham is also new to the pageant world.
“[I’m participating in] it because I want to know what pageants are about,” she said. “I used to make fun of people in pageants, so I decided to try it.”
This year the pageant is under the direction of Stacy James Mayo, who was Miss Texas in 2001.
“Mrs. Mayo brings years of pageant experience to the show this year,” McBay said. “She has really gone above and beyond to get the show ready and to help the girls.”
The contestants will face a strenuous array of challenges.
“There is an interview portion Saturday morning with the judges,” McBay said. “In addition to their talent, each contestant will also model casual wear and evening wear for the pageant Saturday night.”
Overall, the contestants look forward to the talent portion the most.
“I’m excited to sing opera in front of everyone,” Clem said. “It’s my first time trying it in front of people.”
On top of the pageant, there will be additional entertainment.
“We have a small cast of dancers this year that will dance in two production numbers,” McBay said. “Some of the guys in the cast will be in a special number to ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady’ by Aerosmith.”
Last year’s Miss THS, Caitlin Clem, will perform a solo dance. There will be a duet by McBay and Mayo, who is also helping produce the pageant and who is a former Miss THS.
Tickets for the pageant will be on sale Saturday night at the door. They are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Those who cannot attend can watch a live broadcast on Channel 22.
