Queens take centerstage at CCYPS

ANAHUAC— It was a day filled with pageantry and plenty of smiling faces as the Chambers County Youth Project Show Queens Contest took the stage over the weekend.

The 2025 Queens Contest was held Saturday, March 29, where 41 young girls came out to showcase both their external and internal beauty.

“Each year, this competition continues to grow, and we are continually impressed not only by the increasing number of participants but also by the outstanding caliber of young women who take part,” CCYPS Co-Director Samantha Humphrey said.

Inspired by the English rose, the stage’s backdrop was a greenery wall with roses sprinkled throughout, beautifully complimenting the participants and their wardrobes.

“We put a lot of effort into making it a legitimate contest, really encouraging all girls of every creed to participate,” Humphrey said. “We want it to be a really welcoming environment.”

The western wear pageant was broken into four age categories: sweetheart, 6-8; princess, 9-12; junior queen, 13-15; and queen, 16-18.

For each category, first place received a crown, buckle and a hand-tooled leather sash, and runners-up received buckles. For the queen category, first prize also receives a $500 scholarship to go towards college, sponsored by Tri County Construction Company.

Winners of the sweetheart category were Layla Shiver, first prize, and Callyn Carrington, second prize. Winners of the princess category were Adelyn Witherspoon, first prize, and Rylee Wells, second prize.

Winners of the junior queen category were Madison Hardy, first prize, and Ava Sisk, second prize. Winners of the queen category were Taylin Woodall, first prize, and Kenzli VanVickle, second prize.

Points were scored based on a variety of criteria, including the interview, attire/overall appearance and stage presence/personality.

Each category participated in an interview with various questions tailored to each age group. Stage presence/personality was worth 20 of the 40 points attainable, emphasizing internal beauty and confidence.

“We really prioritize their confidence and their personality and interview skills,” Humphrey said. “We want to make sure that we’re developing these young ladies.”

Contestants are required to participate in at least one other aspect of CCYPS. About 60% are signed up to participate in the livestock show and about 40% will showcase their talents in the exhibit hall or other.

“We are incredibly proud of all of the young ladies who participated in this contest. It takes a lot of courage to walk across that stage and, based on the caliber of participants in this event, it is obvious that the future of Chambers County is bright,” Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said.

Winners and runners-up will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentorship from Megan Doucet, pageant chair, throughout CCYPS.

“We are excited to get to know the young ladies who received titles on Saturday. Our favorite thing about this contest is that it is so much more than a pageant – it is an opportunity for the young ladies who compete to get to know one another and receive mentorship not only from our office but also the successful women who serve as volunteers for the committee,” Humphrey said.

“She’s a successful business owner and a really great role model for these young ladies,” Humphrey said.

Through this mentorship, the young ladies will have the opportunity to develop their speaking skills, meet many new people and establish relationships to aid in their future successes.

“We try to find lots of opportunities for them to advance themselves,” Humphrey said. “We want them to have a really good experience with us.”

Humphrey wished to recognize and thank the volunteer committee who helped in making the event a success. Committee members include Doucet, Madey Pipkin, London Doucet, Kesha Houston, Journey Hamilton and Sarah Phelps.

“Their hard work and commitment to this program are invaluable,” Humphrey said.

If you missed the pageant, you’ll still have an opportunity to see these young ladies as the winners and runners-up will serve as runners, aides and award presenters throughout the CCYPS.