On March 5, 2016, sophomore Jessica Cannon was crowned Miss Central Texas Outstanding Teen in Richardson Texas.

According to MissTexas.org, the pageant is the official prelim to the Miss Texas pageant and Miss America pageant.

“Miss America is the largest provider of scholarships for young women,” Cannon said. “Pageants are not all about beauty. They are about confidence and how well you will be able to represent your title.”

If anyone had anything bad to say about pageants – how they think they superficial and encourage women to achieve unrealistic looks and talents, they ought to think twice. Most pageants encourage individualism and courage within a person.

Cannon is multi-talented and dedicated to her desires and work.

“My talents when I compete in pageants are singing and dancing,” Cannon said.

She practices optimism and the art of positive thinking, something that many people lack. She also practices confidence and the  expression of self love, a lesson that many people also struggle to learn.

For anyone wanting to compete in the pageant, Cannon gives great advice.

“Don’t hold back on stage, and just go for it,” Cannon said. “Make friends with the other contestants, and prepare prepare prepare. Don’t blow off chances to rehearse your talent, practice your walks and practice public speaking because it will definitely benefit you when you are on stage.”

The advice upholds the core belief of practice makes perfect, self-confidence and believing in yourself.

Cannon is also involved in other activities outside of pageants.

”Currently, I am hosting a teddy bear drive for the San Antonio Children’s Hospital,” Cannon said. “I am the donation specialist for Threads for Teens San Antonio. I am also hosting a formal dress drive for foster girls wishing to go to prom who aren’t able to afford or don’t have access to a prom dress.”

Cannon engulfs herself in the happiness of children. She aims to help and serve those who are less fortunate than her. Part of her work and passion as a winner for the pageant is to help others and to be an advocate for charity.

It takes a big heart, and a lot of time and dedication to help someone other than yourself. It shows Cannon’s true colors of beauty and the desire to attend to those.