Five contestants were crowned at the Miss Southwest Texas USA 2024 pageant in distinct categories last week. The categories included: Miss Southwest Texas USA, Miss Southwest Texas Teen USA, Miss Pre Teen Southwest Texas, Miss Jr Southwest Texas and Miss Little Southwest Texas. 

The event was held Saturday, May 4 at La Posada’s San Agustin Ballroom, located at 1000 Zaragoza St. The evening hosts were Miss Laredo Teen USA 2020 Dylana Estrella and KGNS news anchor Ruben Villarreal. 

The Miss Southwest Texas USA winner was determined by scores in interview, evening gown and swimwear categories. Miss Southwest Texas Teen USA had almost the same categories, with its only distinction being having an activewear category instead of swimwear. 

The Miss Pre Teen Southwest Texas, Miss Jr Southwest Texas and Miss Little Southwest Texas winners were determined by scores in the fashion wear and evening gown categories. 

Asher Vallone took the Miss Southwest Texas USA crown over first runner-up Kennya Navarro and second runner-up Isis Hernandez. Leading up to the announcement, Vallone won all Special Award trophies, which included Photogenic, Instagram, Swimsuit and Evening Gown awards. 

Vallone said that despite winning those trophies, she kept herself grounded and concentrated on finishing the competition strong. 

“It did boost my mood a little bit, but I told myself I had to hold on because I still had a competition to finish,” Vallone said. “I did of course still have some doubts, but I tried to always stay positive and know that once you hear those doubts in your mind, you have to shut them down immediately.” 

Vallone previously competed in Miss Laredo 2024, where she ended up as second runner-up. She said she owed her improved confidence and result to her coaches. 

“I got outstanding coaches in Laredo,” Vallone said. “They really helped me articulate what I’m feeling and voice my opinion.” 

Aside from her coaches, Vallone said she found support in God and her family. 

“They’re with me every step of the way,” Vallone said. “They believed in me and really just stood by my side and trusted me, which is more than I could ask for.” 

Vallone said she was extremely thankful for the experience and would recommend it to any aspiring contestants. 

“Any girl who feels driven to compete in a pageant, she should definitely go for it and do it.” Vallone said. 

In the Miss Southwest Texas Teen USA category, Amaris Leon took the crown after a highly contested final round. Unlike Vallone who swept the Special Awards, Leon won three out of seven available, which were Photogenic, Activewear and Evening Gown awards. 

“For sure it was nerve-wracking,” Leon said. “But at the end of the day, we’re all winners. I gave it my all, and if I wouldn’t have been the person that they were looking for tonight, I would’ve been OK too.” 

Leon said hearing her name announced as the winner was an amazing feeling and was excited to see what the upcoming year as the reigning Miss Southwest Texas Teen USA would bring. She said she was thankful for the support she received throughout the process, especially from her family. 

“My entire family is like my little entourage,” Leon said. “My sister helps curl my hair, my other sister helps with my makeup and my mom gets all my outfits steamed and ready. They have all been there to support me throughout this pageant.” 

Miss Southwest Texas USA Executive Director Saul Gonzalez said the night was a success despite the obstacles they faced leading up to it, and he was excited for Vallone and Leon as they will compete at Miss Texas USA July 21-23 in Houston, Texas. 

“It takes months to prepare for this,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve been doing this for 14 years, and even though the years pass, we sometimes make mistakes, but it’s an army that helps us out. Without them, none of this would happen.” 

Gonzalez said sponsors and staff help put the pageant together, but most importantly, friends and family of the contestants. 

“Friends and family are our No. 1 supporters,” Gonzalez said. “Everyone (does) their part. It’s like a puzzle. Hair, makeup and just everything they do for the contestants. We’re very blessed.” 

Other winners were Miss Pre Teen Southwest Texas Madalen Laurel, Miss Jr Southwest Texas Alice Martinez and Miss Little Southwest Texas Ariana Quintanilla.