A Missouri City Homecoming Celebration for Miss USA 2008

by Barbara Brescian
Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen presents Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart a plaque with the key to the City and a proclamation during a homecoming celebration held at Elkins High School on May 24. Almost 300 community members greeted Crystle on her first trip back to the Lone Star State since winning her latest crown in April.

(cutline)
A crowd of about 300 people gave a big “Texas welcome” to Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart as she returned to her hometown of Missouri City. The event was held at Elkins High School on May 24 and marked the first time Crystle returned to Texas after winning the pageant in April.

A Missouri City Homecoming Celebration for Miss USA 2008

And the most poignant part of the event: Crystle hugging her mother, Cynthia Stewart, assistant principal at Hunters Glen Elementary School in Missouri City.

Missouri City’s Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008, was all smiles as she accepted the key to Missouri City from Mayor Allen Owen at her homecoming celebration on May 24. Almost 300 community members greeted Crystle on her first trip back to the Lone Star State since winning her latest crown in April. As Crystle arrived at the Elkins High School Commons area, young and old immediately surrounded her and patiently waited their turn to congratulate her and have a photo taken.
As he made the presentation and read the proclamation, Mayor Owen reminded the audience about Miss Texas 1990, who coincidentally lived close to where Crystle grew up in Missouri City. “It must be in the water,” joked Mayor Owen. “We are so proud of Crystle. You are the best, everyone here all knows that,” Owen said. “You are going to be busy the next year, but you know you have all of your friends waiting for you at home.”
Also making presentations to Crystle were John Boerstler, representing Congressman Nick Lampson’s office, Jacqueline Baly Chaumette, Sugar Land City Council member and John Goddin and Gary Foreman from the Sugar Land chapter of the Masons. The room got an eyeful as five former Miss Texas each shared her thoughts on wearing the crown, their friendship with Crystle and her latest pageant win. Crystle had been representing our state as Miss Texas until being crowned Miss USA in Las Vegas on April 11.

In thanking all present, Crystle said that perseverance and believing in herself played a major role in her achieving the state and national titles. She urged all present to believe in themselves, think positive and believe the best will happen.
After appearances in the Houston area, Crystle is preparing for the Miss Universe pageant on July 13 in Vietnam. Mayor Owen summed up the feelings of those present by saying that, “We wish her well! Her poise, personality, her willingness to help others and winning smile all represent Texas and the United States well.”

Mayor Owen Presents $25,000 Gift to Juneteeth Fest

On behalf of Wells Fargo, Mayor Allen Owen presented a donation for $25,000 in support of the Annual Missouri City Juneteeth Festival, founded by fmr. Missouri City Councilmember Don Smith.

he Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation was founded to honor this significant occasion by creating and supporting events that will positively teach, recognize, and demonstrate the importance of this hallowed day in American History.

For more information on the festival, visit www.mocityjuneteenth.com.