The girls line up one by one awaiting the news, each one in a gown like stars that shimmer under the light. Some girls are fixated on the crown and sash, but for senior Morgan Millican, it’s all about creating memories.

“I was always that really shy girl and I wasn’t very good at public speaking, so I thought pageants would be a good way for me to break out of my shell,” said Morgan.

Morgan has entered in four pageants so far. She started participtaing in pageants her freshman year, took a break sophomore year, and became active again during her junior year

“I just try to tell myself that they’re just here to get to know me and to pick the best girl to represent Texas,” Morgan said.

In two weeks, she will be competing in the Miss Teen USA pageant, held in Dallas.

“It takes about a year to get fully ready for a pageant so I would sign up in January and I slowly start building my paperwork and making sure it’s perfect,” Morgan said. “That’s what the judges will see the most, and then I have to get my headshots and all of my outfits.”

For pageants, contestants need a gown, a swimsuit, and a casual outfit. Whenever she picks out her outfits, she emulates the same styles as her icons.

“I love Kate Middleton and Audrey Hepburn’s style,” she said. “It’s classic and elegant and that’s what I want people to think of me whenever I’m on stage.”

Because of the shimmer and shine of the pageant world, the true meaning of pageants can often become misinterpreted.

“One thing that people misinterpret about pageants is that pageant girls aren’t very smart or intelligent, which is the complete opposite,” said Morgan. “I’ve competed with girls who have 4.0 GPAs. Behind stage you’d think we’d be talking about hair and makeup, but we’re talking about political issues and our education.”

With the intelligence that comes with competing in pageantry, it can also help girls earn scholarships to prepare them for college.

“I will mostly likely take a break next year because it will be my first year of college, but I do hope to continue in the Miss Division and earn scholarships to further my education,” said Morgan