Kynlee Flippen – Miss Northeast Texas Teen
When 16-year-old Kynlee Flippen heard her name called as Miss Northeast Texas Teen, she was shocked and excited. “I wasn’t expecting it in any way! I was competing against people with more experience and knew what they were doing, but I was so happy that I achieved my goal,” Kynlee says. “I felt so incredibly blessed in that moment.”
Kynlee attended Morriss Elementary and Texas Middle School. She is currently a junior at Texas High School, where she is involved in the National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, THS Leadership, Rosebuds Junior Garden Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. She is also a TigerVision member, specializing in Sports Media and Live Broadcasts. When she graduates from Texas High School with her associate degree, she plans to attend Stephen F. Austin, where she will major in accounting and business. Eventually, she plans to earn her license as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). “I will remain dedicated and focused on my grades and academics throughout the rest of high school and college to achieve my academic goals,” Kynlee says. “Another goal I have in life is to become successful on my own without having to depend on someone else and to be able to provide for my future family in every way imaginable.”
Before signing up for Miss Texarkana / Twin Rivers, Kynlee had only competed in one school-related pageant. However, when multiple adults in the organization approached her about the competition, and her family supported the decision, Kynlee decided to step out of her comfort zone. “I never really thought pageants would be my thing, but I am so grateful that people saw my potential and invested their time and expertise in me,” Kynlee says.
Kynlee is the daughter of Tiffany and Bo Morris, and Aaron Flippen. She has a brother, Beck, on her dad’s side and a sister, Karlynn, on her mom’s side. “My family has supported me through everything,” Kynlee says. “With countless hours spent watching me perform and showing up for minor events, my parents and the rest of my family have shown me great support. I’ve learned so much from this experience in such a short time.”
For her talent competition, Kynlee decided to showcase her passion for clogging. Besides winning the title, Kynlee was most proud of this performance. “I started clogging at nine, so I decided to do my first-ever solo to the song ‘Get Ready.’ I thought it would be the perfect time to show off something that many people don’t know about me,” Kynlee says. “I always have fun performing, and I give it my all, no matter the situation, which makes it much more enjoyable for myself and, hopefully, the audience.”
When it came time to prepare for the interview and on-stage question, Kynlee felt confident. “I have always been a people person, and I love to talk, so this was my strong suit,” Kynlee says. “I just made sure I was very informed on my community service initiative (CSI) and knew what I was talking about before going in.”
From her first pageant experience, Kynlee learned that it can be worthwhile to try new things. “I also learned that anything is achievable if you are determined to get it,” Kynlee says, “I met so many new friends and was able just to be myself and experience a whole new world that I’m not quite used to, yet I’m so ready for it!”
Kynlee’s next steps in the pageant process are getting out in the community, participating in various events, and ultimately preparing for the Miss Texas’ Teen Week in June. “I will be receiving help from many people, whether that be wardrobe assistance, makeup lessons, or choreographing sessions,” Kynlee says. “It will be a stressful process, but also, it will be so worth it in the end!”
After her wonderful first experience, Kynlee says that she would definitely recommend pageant competitions to other young women because they’re empowering and build character. “The competition provides many opportunities such as scholarships, connections, interview skills, and many new friendships,” Kynlee says. “This has already taught me so much about myself in such a short time, and it can teach other young women how to show their true selves.”
Fun Facts:
- The most beautiful girls are the ones who embrace their true selves, have a smile the size of Texas on their faces, and continue to spread positivity no matter the situation.
- Most people don’t know I am just as happy in a deer stand as I am on the stage.
- If I could tell my younger self anything, I would tell her to be confident in her own skin because she was beautiful inside and out.
- I am passionate about my relationship with Jesus and genuinely making connections with family and new friends.
- My guilty pleasure food is sushi.