By: Keyra Aguilera Coronado
The Turkey Trot Pageant is an event that has become a yearly tradition in our town of Collinsville. Pageants are used as a means of expression and a way to celebrate one’s identity. A girl may choose to compete in a pageant to boost her confidence, for the fun experience, or maybe even for the spirit of competition. Regardless of the reason, a pageant is something many girls love doing. The Turkey Trot Pageant teaches young girls about class, poise, and grace. The Turkey Trot Pageant embodies all of these aspects and is an event that everyone in the community looks forward to yearly.
Panther Press spoke to the pageant coordinator, who also serves as a teacher at Collinsville, Jacqueline Clanton. Mrs. Clanton reported that the pageant was actually an idea a group of elementary teachers came up with as a means to raise money for new technology in classrooms. In 2014, elementary teachers did not have the needed technology for students to utilize. In a technologically advanced society there was a great need for upgrades. Every year, several teachers and staff members come together to help set up the auditorium and coordinate the pageant. The first pageant was successful and many classrooms received tablets for students to use.
Since the pageant was so beneficial in raising funds for the school, it was decided that it would be a yearly event. The money made has also assisted in renovations for the auditorium which students and staff members utilize frequently. This yearly event was well received by the community as the small town of Collinsville takes great pride in traditions. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Turkey Trot Pageant.
The pageant is not exclusive to students from only Collinsville High School. There are also various age groups with the youngest age category being 0-23 months and the oldest being 15-18 years old. There's many different awards that are awarded in The Turkey Trot Pageant. There are eight different titles a contest can compete for such as, Best Smile, Prettiest Hair, Most Poised, Best Dressed, Most Photogenic, 2nd Alternate, 1st Alternate, and Queen. There is a detailed list at the bottom of the article of all the winners in each age division.
This year's Turkey Trot Queen in the 15-18 year old division was Mallory Smith. Mallory stated“ I have loved doing pageants all my life. Miss Turkey Trot has always had a special place in my heart. Winning the Miss Turkey Trot is such an honor to me because I get to represent the community I love most. I have done Miss Turkey Trot five times. The first time I won was when I was in kindergarten. This was my second pageant I had ever competed in. After years of hard work I was able to win Miss Turkey Trot 2024. I am so thankful to hold this title for a second time and represent my community.” We are so proud of Mallory Smith and all of the Turkey Trot winners and know they will represent the community well! Thank you Mrs. Clanton and all the wonderful staff members that helped out to make this event possible!
0-23 Months
Best Smile- Aubrey Garner
Prettiest Hair- Aubrey Garner
Most Poised- Aubrey Garner
Best Dressed-Ella Simpson
Most Photogenic- Della Sparks
2nd Alternate- Della Sparks
1st Alternate- Ella Simpson
Queen- Aubrey Garner
2-4 Year Olds
Best Smile- Keziah Wyatt
Prettiest Hair- Keziah Wyatt
Most Poised- Keziah Wyatt
Best Dressed- Willow Carroll
Most Photogenic- Aveah Morgan
2nd Alternate- Kylynn Wyatt
1st Alternate- Willow Carroll
Queen- Keziah Wyatt
5-6 Year Olds
Best Smile- Skye Orr
Prettiest Hair- Alyssa Guerrero
Most Poised- Skye Orr
Best Dressed- Sidney Davis
Most Photogenic- Sidney Davis
2nd Alternate- Ella Suc
1st Alternate- Skye Orr
Queen- Sidney Davis
7-9 Year Olds
Best Smile- Khylin Orr
Prettiest Hair- Brylee Catefricks
Most Poised- Avery Smith
Best Dressed- Mattie Lynn Brown
Most Photogenic- Avery Smith
2nd Alternate- Brylee Catefricks
1st Alternate- Avery Smith
Queen-Khylin Orr
10-13 Year Olds
Best Smile- Jocelyn Hairel
Prettiest Hair- McKinlee Smith
Most Poised- August Dell Higgins
Best Dressed- Rayleigh Barksdale
Most Photogenic- McKinlee Smith
2nd Alternate-Jocelyn Hairel
1st Alternate- August Dell Higgins
Queen- McKinlee Smith
14 Year Olds
Best Smile-Jillian Toodle
Prettiest Hair-Naomi Jones
Most Poised-Brayleigh Smith
Best Dressed- Gabriella Whitmore
Most Photogenic- Faith Bobo
2nd Alternate-Jillian Toodle
1st Alternate-Brayleigh Smith
Queen- Naomi Jones
15-18 Year Olds
Best Smile- Susana Flamenco
Prettiest Hair- Mallory Smith
Most Poised- Jaylie Coker
Best Dressed- Mylee Kate West
Most Photogenic- Ava Simpson
2nd Alternate- Jaylie Coker
1st Alternate- Mylee Kate West
Queen- Mallory Smith