University Star

Kendall Peters, mass communications junior, has been invited to compete in the Miss Texas United States Pageant as the representative for San Marcos in August.

Kendall Peters, mass communications junior, has been invited to compete in her first pageant appearance at the Miss Texas United States Pageant.

After applying for the opportunity last year, Peters was invited to participate alongside the rest of Texas in her first pageant appearance.

“She’s a quick learner, friendly and works well under stress,” said Jenn Roland, South by Southwest assistant registrar.

The Miss Texas United States Pageant is a preliminary to decide who goes on to compete for more than $100,000 in scholarships. The winner also has a chance to compete for the title of Miss United States.

Contestants are judged in three categories: an interview, swimsuit attire and an evening gown performance.

The judges will rate those who embody the characteristics of physically fit, well spoken, poised and charismatic. They will then decide the winner.

“I believe it takes a well-rounded woman to be successful in a competition like Miss Texas,” Peters said. “Hopefully they see that and my confidence as something they’d like to see in their next Miss Texas.”

Texas boasts the most winners out of any other state across the nation in the pageant.
The difficulty and competition involved with the pageant process is what initially caught Peters’ interest.

“I find it interesting how so much is involved and how so many things can take time to prepare,” she said.

Peters, 22, commutes from her home in Austin to Texas State.

She is working on furthering a degree. In her spare time, Peters works an internship, and indulges in her hobby of music.

Peters said she plays guitar and enjoys all types of music, excluding heavy metal.

“My favorite is Texas county but I also enjoy indie and alternative styles,” Peters said. “I’ve performed in front of a few crowds. I get kind of nervous though.”

Peters said she hopes to eventually turn her long-time hobby of music into a career.
Peters is also involved in charity work benefitting cancer research.

Brittany Thomas, charity event worker and friend, has observed the work Peters has applied to her charity.

“Kendall has been extremely involved in the Austin community with my charity, Heels For Hope,” Thomas said.

Peters said her inspiration came from losing her mother to a battle with bone cancer.

“She could have given up, stopped doing what she loved most and focused on that pain, but she didn’t,” Peters said. “She still went to my soccer games, grocery shopped and gave everything she could for her last days on this earth.”

Peters said the pageant will help her reach personal goals and develop solid skills for a future career.

She said the example her mother set is the foundation for her ambition.

Peters said it has taken an extended amount of time to prepare for the event.

“I’m very excited about the entire event. I’m going into this without any nerves,” she said. “You can’t go into it not feeling confident because that’s what it is all about. It’s a performance. It’s how you carry yourself, and how you feel.”

The presentation show is Sept. 1, 2012, and the final show will be held Sunday, Sept. 2, at the Hilton in Houston, Texas.