Published: July 07, 2009 12:23 am      

Coming back with no regrets

ARLINGTON — Although they did not place or receive any special awards, Hunt County’s two titleholders say they came away from their respective state pageants satisfied with the knowledge they did well.

“I was really excited with all my performances on stage,” said Miss Hunt County Christie Ward. “I had a good experience.”

Ward was seeking the title of Miss Texas that went to Miss North Texas Kristen Blair, who was selected from a field of 37 contestants.

“I gained a lot of self-confidence,” said Miss Teen Hunt County Jayce Keil. “Even though I did not win, I still know I did my best.”

Who did win from the field of 34 Teen contestants was Miss Teen Frisco Taylor Lowery.

Ward said her favorite memory from the week-long competition at the University of Texas-Arlington campus and events throughout this city was meeting U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Scott O’Grady at a party honoring the contestants at the Arlington Convention Center.

O’Grady is known for the June 1995 incident when his F-16 was shot down over Serb territory while on patrol. He survived for six days in hostile territory before being rescued by Marines.

By meeting O’Grady, Ward said she was able live out her platform of “TROT — Texas Reaches Our Troops.”

For Keil, her memory is renewing the friendships she made with returning Teen contestants and making new friendships with the first-time Teen contestants.

Keil said she and some of the other Teen contestants were excited about singing the songs representing the branches of the U.S. military in the closing production number. The theme for this year’s state pageant paid tribute to the armed forces.

“We found it to be quite fun and entertaining,” she said.

Ward and Keil are no longer eligible to compete for their respective titles. Both have reached the maximum age allowed under the guidelines of the Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organizations.

Ward, 24, said while she may not be able to compete, she will stay involved with the Miss Texas Pageant. A dancer, Ward has been invited to be in the production for the 2010 state pageant which will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Miss Texas.

“I am so excited about that,” she added.

After that, Ward said she and her mother, Susan, are considering becoming local franchise holders. She added that their franchise would be based in Plainview, which is near their home of Hale Center.

Keil, 17, said she will likely compete for a Miss title in the future, but wants to concentrate on her senior year at Pleasant Grove (Texarkana) High School.

“ I would like to take a break as I have been doing pageants since I started high school,” she added.