The Texarkana Convention Center came alive on Sunday, Feb. 2 as freshman Olivia Dowd earned the title of Miss Lake O’ The Pines Teen at the Miss Texarkana Pageant.
The Miss Texarkana Pageant, held annually for girls across the region, gives young girls a safe space to showcase their talents, physical fitness and poise. The event includes an interview category, where pageant judges have the opportunity to judge the depth of each contestant’s character.
“My favorite part of the interview portion is getting to share a little bit of myself with the judges,” Dowd said. “Without the interview, the judges really wouldn’t get a glimpse into what your daily life looks like and what you’re going to do with the title. But with the interview, they get to understand who you are.”
Among the pageant contestants, Olivia Dowd stood out, excelling particularly in the fitness category, with her strength and graceful presentation during the fitness category truly embodying her commitment to personal well-being. As a result, Dowd earned the top award in this category.
“[Winning my first fitness award] was so exciting,” Dowd said. “It really showed me that hard work pays off, and when you work towards something, it can happen.”
After competing in the fitness portion of the competition, contestants moved on to the talent category. Although Dowd usually performs a musical piano routine for pageants, she truly stood out with her lyrical dance to Michael Buble’s hit song, “Feeling Good”.
“Competing my first solo was definitely a rewarding experience,” Dowd said. “I got to learn the showmanship it takes to put a solo on the stage and not dance in a group with other people and command the stage by yourself.”
To conclude the competition, pageant contestants compete in an evening gown portion. Dowd’s gown, a sophisticated blend of elegance and timeless beauty, captured the attention of both the judges and the audience. Its flowing design complemented Dowd as she walked the stage, and truly reflected her beauty inside and out.
“My gown was from a former Miss Texas Teen, and it actually walked the Miss America stage and Sherri Hill New York Fashion Week,” Dowd said. “I tried it for the first time, and I just fell in love with it. I’ve changed it to my liking ever since, and I just love it so much.”
Although Dowd truly shined in all of the categories, her Community Service Initiative, “‘Any Pill Can Kill’,” truly highlighted her heart for service and determination to help the people around her.
“My CSI is ‘Any Pill Can Kill’, and I selected it because I lost with my uncles to opioid related issues when they were in their teens,” Dowd said. “Ever since then, it’s driven me to teach other teens that prescriptions can be just as dangerous, and I plan to implement that in my community by doing school programs.”
Due to her distinguished presentation in each category, Dowd earned the crown and will take on the responsibilities that come with being Miss Lake O’ The Pines Teen, and she will compete in the Miss Texas Teen pageant this summer in Richardson, Texas.
“I was so excited to win,” Dowd said. “I’m so excited for this year, and with Claire and Alexis, I know it’s going to be a great year under this organization.”
Crown on head and sash in hand, Dowd could not be more thrilled to take on this outstanding role, and she looks forward to embracing every opportunity, challenge and memory that will come with her year as Miss Lake O’ The Pines Teen.
“If you’re thinking about competing, just do it,” Dowd said. “You never know what pageants can do for you. They have changed my life for the better, and you won’t know until you try.”
