Locals earn titles in pageant

Winners in the recent Today's Girl Pageant, Whitehouse preliminary, incude (left to right) Jennifer George, Ciara Andrews, Leena Asad, Chelsea Crawford and Erin Strickland.

The Whitehouse preliminary of the Today's Girl Pageant was held March 30, with several young ladies earning recognition. Contestants competed for awards and the titles of Today's Miss (age 7-9) and Today's Teen (age 13-15).

Contestants also competed in interview, casual wear, party dress/evening gown and talent (ages 7-15). Optional categories for each age group included photogenic, portfolio, best casual wear and best party dress/ evening gown.

In the miss division, Lydia Jepsen earned the title of Today's Miss Queen. She is the daughter of Randy and Dena Jepsen. Destiny McPherson was named Today's Miss Beauty Queen. She also won best casual wear, best party dress, portfolio and photogenic. Destiny is the daughter of David and Peggy McPherson.

In the teen division, Chelsea Crawford earned the title of Today's Teen Queen. She is the daughter of Dale and Joyce Crawford. Jennifer George is the Today's Teen Princess and winner of best casual wear. Jennifer is the daughter of Zola and Nancy George.

Erin Strickland, daughter of William and Shelly Strickland, won the Teen Talent competition, while Leena Asad earned the Today's Teen Beauty title. She is the daughter of Nafie and Elaine Asad.

Ciara Andrews was named Today's Teen first alternate; she also won best party dress. Ciara is the daughter of Boyd and Carol Andrews.

The Whitehouse preliminary, held in Brown Auditorium on the TJC campus, is one of numerous Today's Girl preliminaries held throughout the state. Preliminary winners are now eligible to attend the Today's Girl Texas State Pageant to be held in June in Dallas.

"I am very proud of all the young ladies who competed in the pageant and look forward to the Today's Girl system growing in this area," said Lisa Hayne, Whitehouse and East Texas director.

For more information about Today's Girl or to find out how to enter a preliminary, contact Haynie at 903-894-3253 or visit www.todaysgirlonline.com.