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Writer's pictureCollinsville Newspaper

Turkey Trot Pageant


By: Keyra Aguilera Coronado




The Turkey Trot Pageant is an event that has become a yearly tradition in our town of Collinsville. Pageants are used as a means of expression and a way to celebrate one’s identity. A girl may choose to compete in a pageant to boost her confidence, for the fun experience, or maybe even for the spirit of competition. Regardless of the reason, a pageant is something many girls love doing. The Turkey Trot Pageant teaches young girls about class, poise, and grace. The Turkey Trot Pageant embodies all of these aspects and is an event that everyone in the community looks forward to yearly. 

Panther Press spoke to the pageant coordinator, who also serves as a teacher at Collinsville, Jacqueline Clanton. Mrs. Clanton reported that the pageant was actually an idea a group of elementary teachers came up with as a means to raise money for new technology in classrooms. In 2014, elementary teachers did not have the needed technology for students to utilize. In a technologically advanced society there was a great need for upgrades. Every year, several teachers and staff members come together to help set up the auditorium and coordinate the pageant. The first pageant was successful and many classrooms received tablets for students to use.

Since the pageant was so beneficial in raising funds for the school, it was decided that it would be a yearly event. The money made has also assisted in renovations for the auditorium which students and staff members utilize frequently. This yearly event was well received by the community as the small town of Collinsville takes great pride in traditions. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Turkey Trot Pageant. 

The pageant is not exclusive to students from only Collinsville High School. There are also various age groups with the youngest age category being 0-23 months and the oldest being 15-18 years old. There's many different awards that are awarded in The Turkey Trot Pageant. There are eight different titles a contest can compete for such as, Best Smile, Prettiest Hair, Most Poised, Best Dressed, Most Photogenic, 2nd Alternate, 1st Alternate, and Queen. There is a detailed list at the bottom of the article of all the winners in each age division.

This year's Turkey Trot Queen in the 15-18 year old division was Mallory Smith. Mallory stated“ I have loved doing pageants all my life. Miss Turkey Trot has always had a special place in my heart. Winning the Miss Turkey Trot is such an honor to me because I get to represent the community I love most. I have done Miss Turkey Trot five times. The first time I won was when I was in kindergarten. This was my second pageant I had ever competed in. After years of hard work I was able to win Miss Turkey Trot 2024. I am so thankful to hold this title for a second time and represent my community.” We are so proud of Mallory Smith and all of the Turkey Trot winners and know they will represent the community well! Thank you Mrs. Clanton and all the wonderful staff members that helped out to make this event possible!

0-23 Months

Best Smile- Aubrey Garner

Prettiest Hair- Aubrey Garner

Most Poised- Aubrey Garner

Best Dressed-Ella Simpson

Most Photogenic- Della Sparks

2nd Alternate- Della Sparks

1st Alternate- Ella Simpson

Queen- Aubrey Garner


2-4 Year Olds

Best Smile- Keziah Wyatt

Prettiest Hair- Keziah Wyatt

Most Poised- Keziah Wyatt

Best Dressed- Willow Carroll

Most Photogenic- Aveah Morgan

2nd Alternate- Kylynn Wyatt

1st Alternate- Willow Carroll

Queen-  Keziah Wyatt


5-6 Year Olds

Best Smile-  Skye Orr

Prettiest Hair- Alyssa Guerrero

Most Poised- Skye Orr

Best Dressed- Sidney Davis

Most Photogenic- Sidney Davis

2nd Alternate- Ella Suc

1st Alternate- Skye Orr

Queen- Sidney Davis


7-9 Year Olds

Best Smile- Khylin Orr

Prettiest Hair- Brylee Catefricks

Most Poised- Avery Smith

Best Dressed- Mattie Lynn Brown

Most Photogenic- Avery Smith

2nd Alternate- Brylee Catefricks

1st Alternate- Avery Smith

Queen-Khylin Orr


10-13 Year Olds

Best Smile- Jocelyn Hairel

Prettiest Hair- McKinlee Smith

Most Poised- August Dell Higgins

Best Dressed- Rayleigh Barksdale

Most Photogenic- McKinlee Smith

2nd Alternate-Jocelyn Hairel

1st Alternate- August Dell Higgins

Queen- McKinlee Smith


14 Year Olds

Best Smile-Jillian Toodle

Prettiest Hair-Naomi Jones

Most Poised-Brayleigh Smith

Best Dressed- Gabriella Whitmore

Most Photogenic- Faith Bobo

2nd Alternate-Jillian Toodle

1st Alternate-Brayleigh Smith

Queen- Naomi Jones


15-18 Year Olds

Best Smile- Susana Flamenco

Prettiest Hair- Mallory Smith

Most Poised- Jaylie Coker

Best Dressed- Mylee Kate West

Most Photogenic- Ava Simpson

2nd Alternate- Jaylie Coker

1st Alternate- Mylee Kate West

Queen- Mallory Smith



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