The Miss Texas County Scholarship Pageant Board recently announced it is taking applications for contestants for its Oct. 26 event, which is a preliminary to the Miss America Pageant.
The program provides college scholarships to area young women on the basis of scholarship, service, style and success. The six Texas County title divisions are open to any eligible young lady age 3 to 24 years. Contestants and title winners alike can qualify for many awards and scholarship opportunities both within and outside the pageant organization.
“We are a licensed franchise of Miss America and Miss Missouri,” said Director Shari McCallister, “so the benefits to these girls and the connections our contestants can make are endless.”
The all volunteer program boasts three Miss Missouri top 10 finalists, including Miss Texas County 2012, Shelby Ringdahl, who was crowned Miss Missouri 2013 in June and competed live Sunday on ABC for the title of Miss America. The reigning Miss Missouri was selected as a top 12 finalist for Miss America and competed in swimsuit and evening gown live on the ABC television network.
“We are so proud of all of our titleholders and contestants, and we are honored to have been a part of Shelby’s journey through the Miss America program,” said McCallister.
In the last 12 years, many Texas County titleholders have reached achievements of state and national recognition in the form of awards for volunteer service, scholarship achievements, talent and swimsuit competition.
“We are all about the girls,” said McCallister, “helping them see their unique qualities and watching them grow in confidence is our greatest success.”
Applications can be submitted until Oct. 19. Entry fees start at $40 for ages 3-12 and $50 ages 13-17. Contestants age 18-24 are required to solicit sponsorships benefiting Children’s Miracle Network totaling $100.
Anyone interested in signing up can contact Shari McCallister at 417-967-3705 or email dlflorist@yahoo.com or visit www.MissTexasCountyPageant.com.