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On The Cover: Reigning With Grace & GratitudeBSy Sally Kalosince 1967, young women fromThe outgoing 2023 court includes Miss Helotes Evelyn Nordstrom, Princess Abigail Baley, Duchess Lexi Owens, Miss Spirit Jaelyn Ainslie, Miss Congeniality Sabrina Moore, and Miss Citizenship Ally Garcia. Since being crowned, these six young women have learned to balance their school, work, extracurricular, and pageant activities, becoming more confident andindependent, and learning more about the wonderful City of Helotes.As their reign comes to an end, Evelyn, Abigail, Lexi, Jaelyn, Sabrina, and Ally are excited to welcome the next court. They are confident that they too will represent the City of Helotes with honor and enthusiasm, making lasting friendships and wonderful memories along the way.the Helotes area have participatedin the Miss Helotes Scholarship Pageant, competing for a spot on the court for a chance to represent the City of Helotes. The 2023 court will complete its yearlong reign in May, having acted as role models for other young women and experienced countless memories that will last a lifetime.Photo By Kim BourquinCompleting Their Reign With Grace And GratitudeMiss Helotes 2023 ~ Evelyn Nordstromof Helotes, it is important to be strong in everything you do, have compassion for those around you, and represent our community with grace,” says Abby.Her advice to contestants is to savor every moment, as pageant season goes by quickly. She encourages them to take a second to breathe and be proud of how far they have come.Abby received a $3,500 scholarship from the Pageant. This fall, Abby plans to attend Northwest Vista College to study humanities. After earning her associatesDuchess 2023 ~ Lexi OwensLBy Sally Kalosexi Owens, a senior at Harlan High School, was motivated to compete in the Miss HelotesScholarship Pageant last year because her sister participated in the pageant in 2019. She had been considering it since then, and, most importantly, she wanted to earn her first college scholarship. Lexi was awarded the title of Duchess in 2023.Being on the court has changed Lexi by making her an eloquent speaker and a very confident young lady.Her favorite community event was raising funds for non-profits when she took part in a corn eating contest at Cornyval. Lexi particularly enjoyed this event because she competed against the four-time corn eating champion and had a great time with her Court sisters.The legacy Lexi wants to leave with her title is for young girls to have the courage, regardless of their skin color, to run in the pageant and build their confidence while doing so.Her advice to someone running in the Miss Helotes Scholarship Pageant is to not be scared to try something new.Miss Spirit ~ Jaelyn AinslieJBy Sally Kalosaelyn Ainslie, a senior at Sandra DayO’Connor High School, decidedto compete in the Miss Helotes Scholarship Pageant last year as it was her last chance before college, and she had heard about how the pageant broughtEBy Sally Kalosvelyn Nordstrom, a junior atSotomayor High School, decidedto compete in the Miss Helotes Scholarship Pageant last year to challenge herself and step out of her comfort zone. Wining a scholarship, was the extra icing on the cake however, not necessarily what motivated her to compete. Being able to challenge herself and learning from the experience was life changing. Her efforts paid off when she was crowned Miss Helotes 2023.Reflecting on her experience, Evelyn shared that being on the court has opened her eyes to the needs of Helotes and the various ways to serve the community. When asked about her favorite community event, Evelyn mentioned Breakfast with Santa, where she enjoyed spending time with children and their families during the festive season.Regarding the legacy she hopes to leave as Miss Helotes, Evelyn expressed a desire for inclusivity, where everyone feels welcomed and safe. For those considering running in the Miss Helotes ScholarshipPrincess 2023 ~ Abby BaleyABy Sally Kalosbby Baley, a senior at Sonia Sotomayor High School, was motivated to compete in the MissHelotes Scholarship Pageant last year by her passion for learning, growth, and trying new things. She believes that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is essential for personal development.In 2023, Abby placed as Princess in the Miss Helotes Court. Being part of the court has significantly helped her grow as an individual. She has become much more confident, especially through serving her community and promoting non-profits at charity events.One of Abby’s favorite community events was the Western Heritage Parade, a walking parade held downtown. She particularly enjoyed the longhorn cattle drive at the beginning of the parade, as she loves longhorns and found it a beautifulPageant, Evelyn advised diving right in, enjoying every moment, and giving it theirall.As Miss Helotes, Evelyn was awardeda $4,000 scholarship. She plans to attend Texas A&M San Antonio to pursue a degree in accounting.sight.“Passing on the title of Princess, I wantto leave behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and grace. As a representativeThe Miss Helotes Court shares spotlights of their reignPhotos By Kim Bourquinfrom Northwest Vista College, she plans to transfer to UTSA to continue her degree and earn her bachelor’s.Abby considers this opportunity a blessing in her life and expresses gratitude to God for the experience and for always being with her. She is thankful for the new experiences, memories, and friends gained along the way, as well as for the guidance of their Court Mom, Ms. Jennifer, and the entire pageant committee, whose hard work has shaped them into confident young women.A $3,000 scholarship was awarded to Lexi from the pageant. Lexi plans to attend Texas A&M in College Station to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting. She would like to thank Helotes Highlights Newspaper for always supporting the Helotes Festival Association and the Court.the court closer together like sisters. She wanted to experience what others before her had experienced. Jaelyn was honored with the title of Miss Spirit in 2023.Being on the court has changed Jaelyn by helping her understand the importance6www.heloteshighlights.comApril 2024