Harrell Law Firm contributing $1,000 in scholarships to 2020 Five Hills Scholarship pageant
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Attorney Mary Beth Harrell has been practicing law for more than 20 years and the spouse of a military veteran who traveled the world with her family, and she credits others with empowering her to get where she is today.
Harrell is paying it forward, both literally and figuratively, by providing $1,000 in scholarships for this year’s Five Hills Scholarship pageant, for a second year.
“I don’t know how long the pageant has been around, but I’d seen it in the paper a number of times, and then I became friends with Wendy (Sledd) and began following it.”
She said what she likes about the pageant itself is that it’s about scholarships and about community.
“They do raise awareness, such as for the dog park or for those who are battling alopecia. (Brianna) had ben bullied for hair loss and decided to make it her platform, fighting against bullying and helping people who have alopecia feel good about themselves. It’s phenomenal.
How many little girls get involved in something like that?” Harrell said.
She also believes that the pageant helps empower young women.
“It’s huge – it teaches them that they can make a difference in one person’s life and in the life of a community. It teaches them that they can achieve pretty much whatever they choose to, but they also understand it’s important to have people who support what they’re doing. The girls are empowered by the others in their lives. In this day and age, it’s huge.
“I didn’t get where I’m at by myself. I had a lot of women support me and help me find my value. Even today, it’s important.”
On Tuesday, she visited with several of the royalty and commended them.
“You have really different platforms, and I’m really impressed. It gets you away from your cell phones, it teaches you how to talk to people, and whether you decide to go to college or whatever, all this experience is going to help you succeed so much in life. It’s amazing.”
Altogether, the March 21 pageant will award more than $85,000 in scholarships and prizes to its contestants this year.
Registration for the 7th Annual Miss Five Hills Scholarship Pageant opens on Saturday, Feb. 1, and runs through March 1. All contestants ages 0-8 receive prize packages valued at more than $250. All contestants ages 9 and older receive prize packages valued at more than $400 including free hair styling services and make-up application for the pageant at no charge. Applications are available on the City of Copperas Cove website at http://www.copperascovetx.gov/parks/five_hills_pageant/. The pageant is open to those who live and/or work within 25 miles of Copperas Cove.
The Miss Five Hills Scholarship Pageant has produced 16 Central Texas Incredible Kids and a National Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the Year since it began in 2014. The pageant is set for Saturday, March 21, at the Copperas Cove Civic Center. Judges for the event are reigning titleholders who reside outside of Central Texas.