Published: April 20, 2008 03:57 pm            

Godley teen named runner-up Miss Teen Texas

A Godley teen has been named the first runner-up and Miss Congeniality in the Miss Teen Texas International Pageant on Sunday in San Antonio.

Ashley Willis, 17, also won the pageant award for best fitness.

Willis went to the state competition after winning the Miss Teen Johnson County International title.

“The Miss Teen International Pageant system recognizes young women for their ambition, accomplishments and desire to make a difference in their communities,” Executive State Director Kristin Keother said.

On Sunday, Willis was named first runner up in the Miss Teen Texas International division. The pageant is divided into the three age groups: Teen, Miss and Mrs. categories.

Contestants were judged on four areas — interview, evening gown, fitness wear and fun fashion wear.

Though she was involved in pageants when she was younger, Willis had never participated in pageants on the state level, her mother Barbara Willis said.

“Her Dad and I are just enormously proud of her,” Barbara Willis said. “She’s always really enjoyed doing pageants, and this opportunity came up, and she showed interest. This one really fit her style in that it focuses on community service.”

The participants weren’t required to do a talent. Instead, pageant judges emphasized community involvement, personality and how active participants are in the community. The pageant winner must choose a platform to focus on for the year after the pageant.Ashley Willis’s record of service and community involvement was paramount in the judges’ decision, Barbara Willis said.

The pageant gene runs in the family — Barbara Willis won a state title in a rodeo queen contest when she was Ashley’s age.

“I went to nationals once, and it was an incredible experience, and I know Ashley was hoping to do the same thing, but we’re just so proud of her,” Barbara Willis said. “My favorite part, and I know Ashley’s favorite part, was getting the chance to meet so many new people in San Antonio and having that experience getting to spend time with kids her own age who were also involved in their communities.”

Ashley Willis’s parents, family, friends and youth group attended the show in downtown San Antonio. The pageant started April 11 and concluded April 13.

“Unfortunately, Ashley’s older brother Justin wasn’t able to attend because he had classes Monday morning at Tarleton, but he is very proud of his sister,” Barbara Willis said. “But we were there, and some of her friends, and uncle and other family, and her youth leaders from her church were there.”

Ashley Willis has attended First Baptist Church of Godley for more than 16 years, Barbara Willis said.

“Her church family has been so very supportive of her in everything that she does,” Barbara Willis said.

Ashley Willis, a senior at Godley High School, has been on the varsity cross country, track and volleyball teams for four years. She was captain of her high school cheerleading squad and on the varsity team for three years.

After graduation, she plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos and major in mass communications with plans to become a sports broadcaster.

        

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