Crowning Miss White

THS student earns scholarship money through pageant

Story by Leighton Kelems, staff writer

October 15, 2024

2023 Miss THS Cassidy Grant places the new crown on the winner of the 2024 Miss THS Pageant Scholarship Pageant, Hannah White at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center on Oct. 12, 2024. Olivia Dowd won first runner-up and Taliyah Gilmore won the talent competition.

The clock strikes seven. The stage, fully lit with the yellow-hued lights of the Sullivan Performing Arts Center beaming down, is prepared to hold 12 ladies dressed in their best as the Miss THS Scholarship Pageant begins.

Texas High Students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, competed for scholarship money in categories, including evening gowns, interviews, casual wear, etc., allowing each contestant to portray and display her ideation of beauty and individuality. Senior Hannah White earned the title of Miss THS 2024 based on her scores in each category of the competition.

“It’s a God-given opportunity with this great group of girls,” White said. “[I was strongest in] my interview, [I was] straightforward and answered the questions to the best of my ability. Pageants are more than winning a crown and a title; competitors are impacted by a multitude of steps in the process. [The most beneficial and impactful part] was definitely bonding with the other girls and improving my communication skills.”

A former tradition, many expressed excitement about the revival and continuation of the Miss THS Pageant.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years now since I was 15,” pageant director Stacy Mayo said. “I think it’s an honor to have been Miss THS. There’s so much that can come from being in pageants for young women, the interview, the communication skills and just the confidence you can gain.”

The pageant was a positive experience for many, encouraging future overall participation.

“I am so excited. I was not expecting this tonight, but it’s a huge blessing,” freshman first runner-up Olivia Dowd said. “I would love to compete for the next couple of years and hopefully eventually win Miss THS.”

No matter the title won, the girls ultimately connected with one another, finding a deeper version of themselves as they dug further inward.

“It feels amazing,” senior talent winner Taliyah Gilmore said.“[I look forward to showing people what I can do, what I can accomplish, and that we can do anything. [For those competing in the future], take your time, have fun and just live life.”

About the Contributors

Leighton Kelems, staff writer

Leighton Kelems is a sophomore and a first-year staff writer for Tiger Times Online. When she’s not glued to a computer, she spends her time with her boyfriend, rewatching “A Walk to Remember” as many times as possible before it leaves Netflix. She blasts her Spotify playlists every hour of the day, constantly rewinding Coldplay, 5 Seconds of Summer, Clinton Kane and Gracie Abrams. Kelems is an avid mood reader, distancing herself from every responsibility and stressor in her life. She finds herself in her element when around her friends in OA. In her lodge, she serves as Second-Vice Chief alongside her best friend and Lodge Chief, Emma, proving once again that everything needs a woman’s touch. Kelems explores the outdoors with family, often traveling to northern Arkansas and west Texas and spending every break from school covered in sweat and dirt. Apart from newspaper, she is a member of FCCLA, where she serves as the secretary, Key Club and ASL Club. Kelems is fueled by academic validation and providing the best foundation for her career. A career that is… still unknown. Her goal this year is to go insane to achieve 90s in the grade book and figure out life’s true purpose. Until then, she’s stuck back at her computer waiting for a break in the cycle.

Grant Spicher, visual journalist

Grant Spicher is a second-year photographer and videographer for Tiger Times. He hasn't told anyone this, but whenever he is not at school he is protecting the city from danger. He is Spider-Man. Although his heroism is limited, he plans to focus on his career by going to Texas A&M University to study creative media and continue his sports media journey.

Zoey McIntosh, visual journalist

Zoey McIntosh is a second year staff photographer for Tiger Times. She focuses most of her time running for cross country. Despite how dreadful it may sound, she actually really loves it, so much so that she runs themed 5ks or half marathons outside of practice. While running sounds like McIntosh’s only hobby, it actually isn’t, she also enjoys reading any time she possibly can. She is involved in science club (mostly for the doughnuts). McIntosh is so excited for this year in publications.

Lillie Orgeron, visual journalist

Lillie Orgeron is a second-year staff photographer and is this year's photo editor of the yearbook. Orgeron is a member of NHS, Rosebuds, STUCO and her favorite, Science Club (possibly because of the doughnuts). She loves to travel even though she doesn't get to do it enough, and loves watching movies and reading. But most of all she loves publications and is so ready and excited for these next two years!

Nadia Lopez, Visual Journalist

Nadia Lopez is sophomore and a first-year staff member for THS Publications. Apart from this she is a member of Mu Alpha Theta and a new member of Rosebuds. She loves to hang out with friends, watch shows and take pictures. She wants to travel the world and is starting her journey by traveling to France and England in the summer. After High school she wants to peruse her studies in the medical field.