Published: December 01, 2008 04:37 pm         

Miss Teen Texas looking for local talent

By NATALIA JONES

Register Staff Writer



The 2009 search for Miss Teen Gainesville is underway.

Teenage ladies living or attending school in Gainesville, are single and between the ages of 13 and 18, are encouraged to apply, said Kristin Koether, executive state director for Miss Teen Texas International Pageant.

Applicants may download an application from www.missteentexasinternational.com. Koether also said contestants can submit a written biography of themselves, although it is not required. All applicants must, however, submit a current photo of themselves along with their applications which according to Koether “doesn’t need to be professional by any means.”

The deadline to apply is Dec. 20 and all applicants will be notified by mail whether or not they won.

“Established in 1985, the Miss Teen Texas International Pageant is a scholarship program designed to celebrate the accomplishments and desires of young women,” said Koether, “especially those who want to make a difference in their community.”

Once selected, Miss Teen Gainesville will go on to represent Gainesville at the Miss Teen Texas Pageant to be held March 20-22 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.

According to an official press release sent by K2 Productions with Miss Teen Texas International Pageant, “The young woman selected as “Miss Teen Gainesville” will become an ambassador from the Cooke County Area and receive an official title and sash.”

“What we’re really looking for is a true representation of today’s young woman,” said Koether. “We’re looking for someone who is real, who has a great relationship with her family and friends and who wants to make a difference in her community and challenge herself.”

Koether who was crowned Miss Teen Texas in 2004, said her future was her primary motivation in deciding to compete in the pageant.

“I competed because I thought it would look great on my resume and college applications,” said Koether. “I ended up competing all throughout high school, college and then again when I got married. I received the state title and it’s just amazing how many doors it opens.”

However, Koether said the judges will not be looking for the “typical beauty queen,” but will instead be searching for someone original and unique.

“Especially since we’re looking for a true representative it almost behooves you not to be the stereotypical beauty queen,” said Koether. “In fact, our regional Miss Teen Texas never competed before and that happens quite frequently. In the last five years, only one of our Miss Teen Texas have competed before.”

The teenage lady crowned Miss Teen Texas will receive a scholarship and prize package valued at over $15,000 plus an opportunity to represent Texas at the 2009 Miss Teen International Pageant which will take place in Chicago this July.

According to the Miss Teen Texas International Pageant press release, “The American Heart Association is the official charity of the Miss Teen Texas International Pageant. In 2008, the international pageants joined the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and each state title holder will champion heart disease as a national platform in addition to promoting their own platform throughout the year.”

“Go Red for Women captures the energy, passion and intelligence of women, to work collectively to wipe out heart disease-the No. 1 killer of women. While one in 30 American women die of breast cancer, almost one in three will die from cardiovascular disease. Our passion is to unite women in this fight...even at an early age.”

For more information about Go Red for Women, please visit www.GoRedForWomen.org. To download a Miss Teen Gainesville application or learn more about the pageant and its former winners, please visit www.missteentexasinternational.com or call (210) 403-0589.