HARLINGEN – “There she iiiiiss, Miss Harlingen High School.”
Some lucky young lady will receive that notable title Jan. 14 at the very first Miss Harlingen High Scholarship Pageant. The event is the fundraiser of the HHS Speech, Drama and Debate Team. The event will be held at the Harlingen Performing Arts Center.
“I’m so grateful and blessed to bring this opportunity to the students of HHS,” said Vanessa Alaniz, sponsor and coach of the Speech Drama and Debate Team.
“This is not a beauty pageant,” Alaniz said. “All contestants will have to perform a talent and have a platform, based off of their passion, to execute that will uplift the community.”
Alaniz said the Speech, Drama and Debate Team hopes to raise $5,000 in scholarships for the pageant contestants and another $5,000 for the Team. Money from sponsorships will go toward the scholarships.
“There will be a talent, interview, and formal wear portion,” Alaniz said. “Interview counts for 50% of score.”
Grant Burbach, a member of the Team, said he was excited about the pageant.
“The Team at Harlingen High School is about giving a voice to people who sometimes don’t know how to express themselves,” said Grant, a junior. “The pageant is based on energy. It gives the contestants the chance to express themselves.”
The 14 contestants have taken numerous workshops to prepare themselves, including how to sit and answer questions, how to pose and walk, and maintaining a smile.
“We wanted to be able to create an opportunity for our campus,” Alaniz said. “We wanted to set up an opportunity for them to advertise themselves. I’m really excited. It’s going to be awesome. It’s definitely a great opportunity for the scholarship candidates.”
Tickets are currently on sale at HHS. A few will be on sale at the HPAC. Alaniz said she’s still looking for sponsorships.
