(Left) Queen Carly Gray and (right) Queen Emilee Elliott
October 3, 2021 (Photo Album) - Two queens were crowned at the 45th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant held Saturday, October 2nd. Both seniors and juniors were allowed to compete in the pageant this year due to Covid cancelling the 2020 pageant.
Miss Emilee Elliott was crowned by 2019 Queen Kristen Orsak as the senior queen. First runner up was announced to be Kate Lawson.
Emcee Chris Watlington announced, “It’s funny, Queen Kristen reigned for two years and now this year we will have two ladies reign. Joining Emilee as the Junior Poultry Festival Queen - Miss Carly Gray.”
Among the junior contestants, Carly Gray was crowned by Queen Orsak. First runner up was Kendall Murry and second runner up was Gracie Leach.
A Committee Recognition Award was presented to the Master of Ceremonies Chris Watlington. Jesse Wiggins spoke on behalf of the committee, “We do want to make a special recognition here tonight. For years, Mr. Watlington has emceed this (pageant) and who could ever be bored around Chris Watlington. If you can, there’s something wrong with you. Chris, thank you for all your dedicated time and effort in everything you poured into not only this pageant but into the community as well.” Wiggins then asked the audience to give Mr. Chris Watlington a big round of applause. Watlington received a standing ovation.
Additional awards presented were:
Doo Dah Parade Awards:
Sweepstakes - Kendall Murry
Presidential - Gracie Leach
Mayor's - Kadence Polley
Hon. Mention - Avery Faulkner
Miss Congeniality - Emilee Elliott
Photogenic:
Winner - Avery Faulkner
1st Runner Up - Carly Gray
2nd Runner Up - Gracie Leach
Essay Competition:
Winner - Emilee Elliott
1st Runner Up - Kadence Polley
2nd Runner Up - Carly Gray
Junior GPA Competition:
Winner - Kendall Murry
1st Runner Up - Alyssa Cummings
2nd Runner Up - Gracie Leach
Senior GPA Competition:
Winner - Emilee Elliott
1st Runner Up - Kate Lawson
Junior UIL Participation and School Honors and Activities:
Winner - Gracie Leach
1st Runner Up - Kendall Murry
2nd Runner Up (tie) - Kadence Polley and Kara Jones
Senior UIL Participation and School Honors and Activities:
Winner - Emilee Elliott
1st Runner Up - Kate Lawson
Social Skills:
Winner - Carly Gray
1st Runner Up - Emilee Elliott
2nd Runner Up - Kendall Murry
Interview:
Winner - Carly Gray
1st Runner Up - Emilee Elliott
2nd Runner Up - Gracie Leach
Stage Presence:
Winner - Carly Gray
1st Runner Up - Avery Faulkner
2nd Runner Up - Kadence Polley
Committee Award - Alyssa Cummings
Grand Dukes (tie) - Eli Taylor, Ty Neal, and Kedrin Hinson
