Journey begins for future 2018 Copperas Cove royalty

Special to the Leader-Press
You could feel the excitement in the room as more than 100 contenders for the Copperas Cove Five Hills crowns filled the Copperas Cove Civic Center on Saturday, walking the stage, getting their photos taken for the program book and learning what pageant night would have in store for them.
The official rehearsal for the Copperas Cove Five Hills Scholarship Pageant was held on Saturday at the civic center. This year’s pageant has drawn 116 contestants ranging in ages one month to 50-plus years. For the reigning royalty, it was an opportunity to share their pageant knowledge that helped them capture the crowns last year. Kaydence Roberts was crowned as the junior queen two years ago and crowned as the pageant’s first junior ambassador last year.
“It was really fun working with the contestants because I got to see them smile and they were having fun while doing the activities,” the 4th grader said. “It was exciting to know that I was helping the next royalty to be crowned.”
The contestants learned the stage pattern for pageant night, how to make eye contact with the judges, how to properly do a model’s “T” and turn, as well as learned where they will line up before taking the stage. They also had their photo taken by Centex Photo for the pageant’s full-color program book and received their contestant numbers. Contestants ages nine and older were reciting their platforms of service, the charities or causes they will advocate on behalf of if they capture the crown on March 24.
Five Hills Ambassador Trisha Stutz said the world of pageantry is about getting out of your comfort zone, making new friendships, and being part of something bigger than yourself. 
“It was incredible to be a part of rehearsals, helping contestants with their walk on stage and on their platforms,” Stutz said. “I’m so fortunate to get to be a part of building women up. I love seeing all the contestants as they practice and cheer each other on.”
Because of the friendships made through the pageant, the Miss Five Hills Scholarship Program is adding a coronation ball immediately following the evening pageant this year. There will be no additional cost to attend the ball for those attending the daytime or evening pageant.  The daytime pageant will begin at 1 p.m. and the evening pageant will begin at 6 p.m. and are only available at the door at the pageant on March 24.
In royalty sightings this week, the titleholders will be treated like royalty at Domino’s Pizza as they get the restaurant entirely to themselves to make their own pizza creations. They will also clean up the creek behind Bibleway Missionary Church as part of the Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful Great Waterways Clean-Up.