As the evening sun sets, anxious contestants exit makeup rooms and prepare to make their appearance onto the purple lit stage. The curtains part, and one by one, girls line the stage in evening dresses, each identity hidden beneath masquerade masks.
The annual Miss THS Pageant took place at 7:00 p.m. in the Sullivan Performing Arts Center on Sept. 6, 2025.
The traditions held beneath the crown serve as a major moment of excitement and gratitude towards competitors new and old. Many students returned for their second or third year to race for the crown.
“I’ve done Miss THS 2024 and 2025, so I don’t have a ton of experience, but I’ve really enjoyed the experiences I [have] had,” second runner-up senior Charlotte Shelton said. “I [think] every girl [should] do something to get out of their comfort zone, like the Miss THS pageant.”
As excitement buzzed in the air of those who watched, a wave of nerves filled the hearts of those competing, but many developed a method to establish peace.
“I had a few moments of nervousness, but I prayed, [for myself and] even for others, and all anxiousness went away,” first runner-up senior Iyanna Foreman said. “I wouldn’t be here without Jesus.”
In past years, the title of Miss THS inadvertently goes to an upperclassman. This year, sophomore Olivia Dowd broke that cycle.
“Since the comeback of the pageant, the winner has always been a senior. I am the first sophomore ever to win the title,” Dowd said. “I am honored to [be able to] make that change and show others you can do anything you set your mind to— no matter your age or grade level.”
From families and friends to staff and students, each contestant found motivation in their supporters that fueled their flame throughout the entire process.
“For me, it was Ms. High. She pumped the energy and tried to keep me encouraged because I was going to quit, but she changed my mind and believed in me,” talent winner junior Takari Hopkins said. “I was supported in so many ways. I didn’t even have multiple dresses to compete in, but Mrs. Suelzer let me borrow her dress from college for my opera singing.”
Each title held weight and displayed the value of their recipients, both inside and out.
“Being [voted] Miss Congeniality is truly an honor. I’m so blessed that others think I treat [people] kindly,” senior Bailey Walker said. “I am so insanely proud of Olivia and Takari for being crowned their [respective] titles.”
Success is defined to each individual in vastly different ways. From facing fears to forming friendships, the motives behind contestants’ entries and participation outline their accomplishments.
“I [competed] to make more friends and be involved in [something new]. I was nervous that I would mess up the dances [because] I have no previous pageant experience, but I couldn’t really see anyone from the stage because of the lighting, so it made it feel like no one was there,” freshman Ava Pearcy said. “I’m new to the school, so I didn’t think people would vote me [for People’s Choice Award], but I was surprised [when my name was announced] and I overcame [the nerves].”
Fear often outweighs the optimism used to push through challenges, but the Miss THS competitors faced their fears head-on and went home victorious and glowing with pride.
“I reminded myself that no matter the outcome, it was the experience that truly mattered. I made so many friends, grew closer with some of the other competitors and gained a new level of respect,” Walker said. “While it was an exciting experience, pageants can be very vulnerable as well. You have to convince judges why you are the best for a very important role, and it can be uncomfortable at times. However, the positives outweigh these conflicts, and it makes for a great time.”
