Holly Hazlett Interview
Miss Texas 2007 + Preliminary Swimsuit Winner & top 8 @ Miss America 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Longview pageant?
I entered the pageant because I am from East Texas and that was the closest pageant to my hometown and also because I had heard great things about the directors of the pageant. It was the best decision to enter the pageant and I am thankful I did.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Texas?
Well…It was a moment that is hard to explain. I had a rush of astonishment, adrenaline, excitement, and contentment. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. A moment that changed my life and I am forever grateful.
Tell us about the platform you used during your reign as Miss Texas, “Just Say NO – Drug Education”.
My platform was and is very special to me. When I was in the 5th grade, 4 brothers and sisters from my high school and their older 19 year old brother were all killed in by a drunk driver. It was the most horrifying thing I have ever experienced. My town grieved at the loss. I vowed to make a stand for drunk driving and have done everything I can to help raise the awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. I was a spokesperson for MADD while I was MissTexas and still speak on the issue today.
When did you start your talent, jazz en Pointe and how did you get into it?
I have been dancing sine I was 4 years old. I have loved to dance all my life. Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop you name it and I like it :) But believe it or not, I began learning Pointe when I was 17 years old after I decided to start competing in pageants. I fell in love with it. My favorite routine I have performed was “Rich Man’s Frug” inspired by Bob Fosse’s choreography. It was full of my personality and difficult moves. It was so much fun and so me.
What would be your first thought when you were announced as a preliminary swimsuit winner at Miss America?
WHAT? WHO? ME? LOL. I was so content with the idea of being Miss Texas and thrilled that I was competing for Miss America I was OK and prepared if I did not win. I knew that there were 50 other women there who would all be a great Miss America. I have to say the right girl won. Kirsten Haglund was a fabulous Miss America and a dear friend of mine.
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 16, not being eliminated during the talent round and finally finishing as a top 8 finalist?
It’s hard to describe how I felt. I was actually very calm and knew in the back of my mind that I would make the top 8. I know that sounds weird and somewhat arrogant but I had a feeling that I would be up there for a while. I also knew I had worked really hard and had done the best I possibly could to prepare to be Miss America.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My most memorable moment would probably be when I won preliminary swimsuit. That was something that I knew I wanted when I won Miss Texas. It was a goal and when I have a goal, I do everything I can to achieve it. My trainer Larkin Page and I were extremely happy. I was the first contestant from Texas to win swimsuit in 20 years and my trainer first national win. It was a day of history.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Texas?
The thing I loved most about being Miss Texas was the ability to work and talk with children. Children are my love and passion. I loved every minute of playing with children in hospitals, schools, functions, and fundraisers. They are Gods gift to us and have so much to offer. I learned so much from each child that I will always hold close to my heart.
Do you think you’ve made a difference during your reign as Miss Texas?
I think every woman who has been Miss Texas has made a difference. It is an accomplishment that not many women can say that have accomplished. We all have had things to offer to the organization. That’s what makes it special.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Texas ended?
Since my reign, I have gotten married!!! J I got married in August (almost a year ago) to a wonderful man and moved to Boston. I am attending school at Simmons College where I graduate in December 2009 with a degree in PR and Marketing. I am interning at WBZ, which is the CBS affiliate in Boston for the summer. I love my life and am very thankful to God who blessed me tremendously.
I entered the pageant because I am from East Texas and that was the closest pageant to my hometown and also because I had heard great things about the directors of the pageant. It was the best decision to enter the pageant and I am thankful I did.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Texas?
Well…It was a moment that is hard to explain. I had a rush of astonishment, adrenaline, excitement, and contentment. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. A moment that changed my life and I am forever grateful.
Tell us about the platform you used during your reign as Miss Texas, “Just Say NO – Drug Education”.
My platform was and is very special to me. When I was in the 5th grade, 4 brothers and sisters from my high school and their older 19 year old brother were all killed in by a drunk driver. It was the most horrifying thing I have ever experienced. My town grieved at the loss. I vowed to make a stand for drunk driving and have done everything I can to help raise the awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. I was a spokesperson for MADD while I was MissTexas and still speak on the issue today.
When did you start your talent, jazz en Pointe and how did you get into it?
I have been dancing sine I was 4 years old. I have loved to dance all my life. Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop you name it and I like it :) But believe it or not, I began learning Pointe when I was 17 years old after I decided to start competing in pageants. I fell in love with it. My favorite routine I have performed was “Rich Man’s Frug” inspired by Bob Fosse’s choreography. It was full of my personality and difficult moves. It was so much fun and so me.
What would be your first thought when you were announced as a preliminary swimsuit winner at Miss America?
WHAT? WHO? ME? LOL. I was so content with the idea of being Miss Texas and thrilled that I was competing for Miss America I was OK and prepared if I did not win. I knew that there were 50 other women there who would all be a great Miss America. I have to say the right girl won. Kirsten Haglund was a fabulous Miss America and a dear friend of mine.
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 16, not being eliminated during the talent round and finally finishing as a top 8 finalist?
It’s hard to describe how I felt. I was actually very calm and knew in the back of my mind that I would make the top 8. I know that sounds weird and somewhat arrogant but I had a feeling that I would be up there for a while. I also knew I had worked really hard and had done the best I possibly could to prepare to be Miss America.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My most memorable moment would probably be when I won preliminary swimsuit. That was something that I knew I wanted when I won Miss Texas. It was a goal and when I have a goal, I do everything I can to achieve it. My trainer Larkin Page and I were extremely happy. I was the first contestant from Texas to win swimsuit in 20 years and my trainer first national win. It was a day of history.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Texas?
The thing I loved most about being Miss Texas was the ability to work and talk with children. Children are my love and passion. I loved every minute of playing with children in hospitals, schools, functions, and fundraisers. They are Gods gift to us and have so much to offer. I learned so much from each child that I will always hold close to my heart.
Do you think you’ve made a difference during your reign as Miss Texas?
I think every woman who has been Miss Texas has made a difference. It is an accomplishment that not many women can say that have accomplished. We all have had things to offer to the organization. That’s what makes it special.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Texas ended?
Since my reign, I have gotten married!!! J I got married in August (almost a year ago) to a wonderful man and moved to Boston. I am attending school at Simmons College where I graduate in December 2009 with a degree in PR and Marketing. I am interning at WBZ, which is the CBS affiliate in Boston for the summer. I love my life and am very thankful to God who blessed me tremendously.