Paris teen and North Lamar Sophomore Kaidynse Steed has been chosen to represent our hometown in this year’s Miss Teen Texas pageant being held November 27-29 in Houston.
“I’m excited, blessed, and nervous all at the same time,” said Kaidynse. “I want to represent Paris the best I can and am hoping to bring that title of Miss Teen Texas home with the goal to advance to Miss Teen USA in January of 2021.”
Steed’s mother, Tabatha Goodwin, said Kaidynse has never competed in pageants before but they jumped at the opportunity when it presented itself.
“About two weeks ago, I was checking the mail and found they [the pageant] reached out to her,” said Goodwin. “I immediately contacted the Miss Teen USA pageant to verify the opportunity and to ensure everything was above board for Kaidynse to participate.”
Goodwin said even though they reached out to her, Kaidynse still had to send information about herself in to make sure she was a good fit as a candidate to represent Paris, Texas.
The verification process took around two weeks before they found out that she made the list to compete and on June 13, she was officially given the title of Miss Paris Teen USA.
The 2021 Miss Teen Texas competition will be held in Houston on November 27-29, and although it will not be televised it will be live-streamed on the internet for locals to watch and cheer on Steed as she takes the stage.
Steed will interview with five judges before participating in the activewear part of the pageant and the evening gown competition the next day.
Local pageant coach, Jennifer Heuberger is helping Steed prepare for the competition and will also stay in contact with her throughout the event. Heuberger will help coach her in the interview portion and evening gown portion which will also help build confidence, and ‘tact’ for correct delivery as judges will score her on the day.
Local fitness trainer Bryan Hughes will also help Steed train and prepare for the activewear portion of the competition.
“Kaidynse knows this is such an honor even to be chosen to participate in the title to become Miss Teen Texas that she wants her generation to know that hard work, perseverance and dedication to all aspects of life can truly pay off,” said Goodwin.
Another requirement that the high-level pageant encourages is that contestants strive to bring awareness to a cause, event, or ‘worldly matter’, in hopes of bringing to light what some or most may not know about.
“She has chosen to bring awareness to the sometimes struggles of overcoming severe asthma and food allergies for teens who strive to be active,” said Goodwin.
Three-time gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who also has asthma, is one of Steed’s inspirations who has helped drive her to not allowing a small setback stop her from achieving her goals.
“We are very excited for Kaidynse and proud of how seriously she is taking the competition and her drive and passion to bring the title back to Paris.”
