A Hug of Hope
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The annual Miss Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival Scholarship Pageant honored the memory of the late Reese Hughes this year, as contestants collected over 1,500 teddy bears to donate to children facing abuse or neglect.
This year’s pageant, which was held on Saturday, August 16, had a total of 119 girls, who each vied for a chance to represent the community at the upcoming Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival. Yet, this year, the girls also worked to support their community more than ever, as they honored the life of 4 year-old Reese Hughes, who tragically died earlier this year.
“Reese was a beautiful angel on earth, full of sass, sparkle, and a love for all of things pink. Though her time here was cut short, her impact continues to shine bright,” Miss Real Squeal Scholarship Pageant Director Leslie Harrell emphasized. “This year, in her honor, we collected 1,506 teddy bears for children facing abuse or neglect through Kada's Promise. Each bear is a hug of Hope and comfort because of you!”
She continued, “Thank you all for helping us celebrate talent, community, and Reece's shining legacy. Together, we're carrying her light forward.”
In addition to honoring Hughes’s memory, several girls also won the opportunity to represent their community at the upcoming Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival. These winners were
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Baby Miss Maggie Almazan, Toddler Miss Halie Cobb, Tiny Miss McKenna Gaddy, Young Miss Syndney Nicole Black, Petite Miss Athena Vallada, Little Miss Ryleigh-Grey Hitchcock, Junior Isabella Ibarra, Teen Miss Katelyn Harris, Miss Quortney Perkins, and Ms. Kaitlynn Reining.
MISS REAL SQUEAL WINNERS – Front Row, L to R: Little Miss Ryleigh-Grey Hitchcock, Petite Miss Athena Vallada, Young Miss Syndney Nicole Black, Tiny Miss McKenna Gaddy. Back Row, L to R: Toddler Miss Halie Cobb, Teen Miss Katelyn Harris, Baby Maggie Almazan, Junior Miss Isabella Ibarra, Ms. Kaitlynn Reining, Miss Quortney Perkins.Photo by Evan Riekhof
