It’s not just a crown and a title nor is it only smiles and beautiful dresses. But the candidates are obligated to attend many mandatory events while holding up all requirements the Miss Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) position holds.
Miss TAMUK is an annual scholarship pageant that awards the winner $ 2,000, while the first runner-up receives $1,200 and the second runner-up receives $750. This year’s event will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Jones Auditorium.
Although the pageant is not until April, deadline for applications is just around the corner – 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6.
But before you jump into things there are a few crucial requirements and mandatory events you should know about before running for Miss TAMUK.
To represent TAMUK in this pageant, candidates must have a GPA of 2.75 or above, must be at least 17 years old, a full-time student and contestants must be females, reigning Miss TAMUK Jacqueline McClendon explains.
Most importantly, McClendon said candidates, “must be enrolled in another full academic year after to receive your scholarship.”
As a major representative of the blue and gold, candidates are expected to attend one informational session candidate orientation followed by all speech practices as follows.
These events are mandatory “and if you miss more than 10 percent of the required speech practices and rehearsals your further participation in this pageant will be up to the discretion of the Miss TAMUK Committee.”
To become Miss TAMUK, it takes more than just walking a stage like a queen, there are loads of preparations and commitments that go into this scholarship journey.
“Our speech practices we had, about once a week together as contestants, was so helpful and it brought us really close together. I was practicing all the time. My roommates probably got tired of me always asking them if they could listen to me perform my speech to them again. The week of the pageant we have three full dress rehearsals. This ensures everyone knows how the night will go on Saturday, where to stand, and which directions to walk,” McClendon said.
Being Miss TAMUK is most definitely not something to take lightly.
“Some people may see it as just a crown and sash, however I see it as so much more,” the reigning queen said. “Whenever I see that crown and sash, I am reminded of all of my hours of hard work and practice that I put in. I remember my responsibility that I have been bestowed to be an ambassador for my university.”
McClendon said contestants should be proud of themselves for having the confidence and courage to run for Miss TAMUK 2023.
“This is going to be a great experience and teach you so many life skills and that in and of itself makes this pageant so worth it,” she said.
Submit your application online at Javelina Central.
Really great article!