Laryssa Bonacquisti of Heath selected 3rd runner-up in Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Pageant

ALLEN – A 16-year-old young lady from Heath was selected as the third runner-up in the Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Pageant held last week at the Allen Event Center.

Laryssa Bonacquisti, the daughter of Dr. Gary and Lynette Bonacquisti of Heath, finished fourth out of 49 contestants. She was also selected as the winner of the July 4 Preliminary Overall Talent competition for her ventriloquism act and the July 6 Preliminary Overall Fitness award.

She attends Dallas Christian School and was the winner of the Rockwall’s Got Talent contest in 2010 as a ventriloquist. She has appeared on stage with Las Vegas megastar, ventriloquist Terry Fator from Mesquite.

Bonacquisti had previously won the Miss Dallas Outstanding Teen pageant, for girls from the ages of 13-17. Miss Houston, Margana Wood, was crowned the new Miss Texas Outstanding Teen Saturday night.

Miss Dallas, DaNae Couch, was crowned the new Miss Texas, in a pageant for women, ages 17-24.

Both women will now go on to compete in their respective Miss America and Miss America Outstanding Teen pageants held later this year.

Contestants competed in categories such as private interview, lifestyle and fitness—which includes swimwear—talent, evening gown, and the make-or-break onstage question.

The Miss Texas competition exists for the purpose of providing personal and professional opportunities for young Texas women and promoting their voice in culture, politics and community. For more information, check out their website at www.MissTexas.org.

By J.J. Smith