Stephen F Austin State University - Stone Fort Yearbook (Nacogdoches, TX)

Page 33 text:

Jo Thompson performs an interpretive dance to the Battle Hymn of the Republic during the talent competition at the Miss America pageant. Third shot pays for Miss Texas by Frances Hinson They say if at first you don ' t succeed, try, try again. That is exactly what Jo Thompson, a senior at SFA did. She competed in the Miss Texas pageant, and won the title on her third shot. In 1985, Thompson represented Lufkin in the Miss Texas pa- geant. I wasn ' t one of the top 20 finalists, but I realized there was a challenge and I wanted to pursue my dream of being Miss Texas, Thompson said. The next year, Thompson represented the Lake-of-the-Pines in the Miss Texas pageant. She won the preliminary bathing suit con- test, and was chosen as one of the top ten finalists. Then in 1987, Thompson represented Greenville in the Miss Texas pageant again, and won the title of Miss Texas. It usually takes three or four years to win the title of Miss Texas because Texas has one of the largest state pageants in the Miss America program and it ' s very competitive, Thompson said. Thompson remembers clearly her reaction when she won Miss Texas. I was excited and surprised, because my goal was to be a top five finalist, and I had this goal set in my mind. I didn ' t even hear them call my name. I just heard ' Miss Greenville, ' and I screamed. Winning Miss Texas changed Thompson ' s life overnight. This is one of the very few things that can happen in your life that changes your lifestyle so drastically, Thompson said. The day after the pageant, Thompson moved to Ft. Worth and lived with a host family. She has traveled extensively and has made more than 200 appearances (in Texas and abroad) as Miss Texas. Thompson ' s next challenge was the Miss America pageant in September, held in Atlanta City, New Jersey. She began a very disciplined training program, working on her talent, her interview skills, etc. All the contestants show up 10 days before the pageant, pre- pared to do three nights of preliminary competitions: talent, swim- suit and evening gown. During the day, we are interviewed by the judges on political and moral issues, Thompson said. In addition, there are rehearsals and press parties. Thompson was a top 10 finalist in the Miss America pageant. I was disappointed that I didn ' t make the top five, but I ' m satisified with my role as Miss Texas, Thompson said. I did everything I could possibly do to prepare for the Miss America pageant, and it just was not meant to be for me, and I have accepted that. Thompson believes that the Miss Texas and Miss America pag- eants help develop a girl and her talents. There are critics who say that pageants exploit women. I feel the people who say that don ' t understand the main emphasis in the Miss America program, which is scholarship, Thompson said. A lot of times they think a contestant is just a beauty queen and the brain is an optional item. You have to be on-the-ball and up-to-date on current events, political and moral issues in order to have a successful interview with the judges. July marks the end of Thompson ' s reign as Miss Texas. She plans to finish her education at SFA or at another university. There are a lot of things I can do (after my reign) in the Ft. Worth area, so I may have to transfer to a college up there in order to do those duties and continue my education. For the future, Thompson would like to live in the Dal- las Ft. Worth area and work in public relations. SFA has been so supportive and I ' m proud to tell people that I attend school here. I hope I can repay the college for their support, Thomps on said.