UHCL staff member’s daughter picked as state finalist in National American Miss pageant

Signal Staff

Makayla Laura Lotero, 10, was recently named as a finalist for the state of Texas in the National American Miss pageant. Makayla’s father, Kurt Lotero, is a computer coordinator for the School of Human Sciences and Humanities at UHCL.

“As fate would have it, I received a letter from the National American Miss pageant organization inviting my daughter Makayla to an audition on day after watching the movie ‘Miss Congeniality,'” Kurt said. “I told her we would have fun and see what it was about.

“There were around 150 girls at the NASA Hilton and I was skeptical. She immediately had a photo session and was loving it. Every girl was interviewed and Makayla said ‘Daddy, they told me I was just what they were looking for,'” Kurt said.

Makayla, whose hobbies include singing in choir, ice skating, boating and participating in Girl Scouts, will travel to Dallas in late June to compete against 29 other girls ages 10 to 12 for the title of Miss Texas Pre-Teen. Currently, Makayla is sponsored by Kurt Ryan Music, and Kurt hopes to find more sponsors in the coming months.

“I am very proud of her, as you can imagine,” Kurt said. “Last night was her first training session, and even I am excited for her.”

Girls ages 4-18 can compete in the National American Miss pageants in five different divisions. Pageant winners receive $1,000 and transportation costs to compete in the national pageant in California. Contestants in the national pageant receive a complimentary tour of Hollywood and two VIP tickets to Disneyland.

It was another prize, however, that caught Makayla’s attention.

“One of the drawing prizes is a convertible Mustang, [Makayla’s] favorite car,” Kurt said. “Next we found out the current Miss Texas Preteen is named Mikayla. She turned her head to me with that glimmer in her eyes. Right then I knew I was in trouble.”

A press release from National American Miss states that the pageants are “dedicated to celebrating America’s future leaders and equipping them with life-long skills.”

“The National American Miss Pageants are unlike any other,” the press release states. “All activities and competitions are kept age appropriate. Girls under the age of 12 are not allowed to wear make-up, and there is no swimsuit competition. The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an ‘All-American spirit of fun for family and friends.’ Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self confidence, learning good sportsmanship, as well as setting and achieving personal goals.”

For more information about the National American Miss pageants, visit www.namiss.com.