Pope ES Student Crowned USA National Miss Texas Junior Princess
Pope Elementary School kindergarten student Mila McKeown recently won the title of USA National Miss (UNM) Texas Junior Princess at the USA National Miss Texas competition held in Katy.
Mila’s mom, Mi McKeown, originally wanted Mila to participate in the UNM program to help build her confidence and communication skills.
“Mila used to be very shy and didn’t want to talk to people,” Mi said. “Now she’s super confident, outgoing and is so kind to everyone.”
As part of the pageant, Mila was tasked with creating a platform to share with others. Her platform, BeYOUtiful - Choose to Be You, is focused on telling students and adults to be their unique selves.
“Everyone is beautiful in their own way,” Mila said. “There is something special about everyone. I love who I am, and I want everyone to love who they are because they are awesome! Everyone should feel happy about themselves.”
In addition to being evaluated on her platform, Mila was judged on fun fashion, her interview, gown and casual wear. During the interview, which counted for 40% of her overall score, Mila was asked difficult questions about not only her platform, but her volunteer work and why she wanted the title.
“The interview is challenging, especially for a 6-year-old,” Mi said. “Mila must be confident and carry on the conversation with the judges. This part of the competition has helped her so much in being able to talk to anyone.”
As UNM Texas Junior Princess, Mila spends time volunteering with multiple charities, including Feed the Hunger, Boys and Girls Country of Houston and Caring Queens, an organization that helps foster children participate in pageants.
Through the USA National Miss organization, Mila spends time volunteering with various charities, including the Boys and Girls Country of Houston. While volunteering, Mila shares her platform, BeYOUtiful - Choose to Be You, to help inspire students and adults to be their unique selves. “Mila does a lot of volunteering with foster kids,” Mi said. “I grew up as a foster child, so this is near and dear to my heart. Mila serves as a mentor to girls participating in Caring Queens and helps host those pageants.”
Mila will compete for the title of USA National Miss Junior Princess at the UNM national competition July 4-8 in Hollywood, Fla., and a prize package, including scholarships, worth more than $150,000.
Source: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
