Laila Toubia – Miss Twin Rivers – Teen
Laila Toubia is the 17-year-old only child of Claudia Jordan, M.D., and Elie Toubia, M.D. “My parents have always encouraged me and supported my dreams,” Laila says. “They stressed, at a young age, that my education comes first; therefore, it is my number one goal. They support me in school, dance, theater, pageants, art, and all my baking disasters.”
Laila attended Martha and Josh Morris Mathematics and Engineering School for K-5th grade and Texas Middle School for 6th-8th grade. She attends Texas High School and is a very active member of the International Thespian Society. In addition, she is an active member of the Texas High Student Council, Rosebuds Junior Garden Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Science Club. “I also tutor my friends in need of math help, and I am a third-year member of the Texas Highsteppers drill team,” Laila says. “When I’m not at school, I’m also an assistant teacher at Judith McCarthy School of Dance, where I have spent the last 15 years dancing traditional ballet and tap with other modern styles.”
After high school, Laila hopes to pursue a bachelor’s of science and attend medical school. “Once I obtain my M.D., I plan to become a cardiothoracic surgeon,” Laila says. “I plan to travel abroad and hopefully work on my Spanish in school.”
Though she already has a full plate, Laila decided to compete in the Miss American Pageant system because she believes volunteering time for her community and participating in community projects is essential. “Many groups and clubs meet and get together with the aim of social service to our local community; however, they end up just being there as a social gathering,” Laila says. “I also love that the Miss America Pageant system encourages us as contestants to go beyond the social club and get passionate about an important issue. They call this our Community Service Initiative or ‘CSI.’ My CSI is ‘Living with Dyslexia: Not a Disability, but Endless Possibilities.'”
Another reason Laila decided to become involved in the Miss American Pageant system was the many scholarship opportunities. “I have big aspirations, and they cost twice as much as they are big. My education is primary in my life, and the cost is student debt. I hope to eventually be able to win enough money to cover my desire for a world-class education,” Laila says. “The Miss America organization and the Miss Texas system have a plethora of opportunities for everyone.”
To prepare for the Miss Texarkana Twin Rivers pageant, Laila prepared a ballet en pointe variation to the song “Arabian Nights” for her talent competition. “I chose ballet because I love its structure and the stage presence it entitles. I have worked for years for my strength and chose to show the world,” Laila says. “My favorite type of turns are en pointe, a skill I wanted to share.”
Laila also started preparing for the interview process even last year when she practiced with Lisa Spooner, a news anchor on NBC2 News Today and Miss Texas 2002 winner. “Since then, I have done a couple of mock interviews and practiced with experienced friends,” Laila says. “I have loved the stage since I was a child, and growing up in plays and musical productions has allowed me not to feel stage fright. Instead, I feel joy in sharing my stories and personality.”
Laila’s outgoing nature contributed to her winning the award for Miss Congeniality, an honor voted on by the other contestants. “Winning this prize was the best part of the pageant, and it let me know that I had reached people with my positivity. I am known for being bubbly, and one of my goals in life is to spread that. I always say, ‘Just have fun!’ before ever stepping out on stage,” Laila says. “I learned that every person has a special talent, not just on stage, but off too, and that impact can influence others. The best thing about the pageants I do are the friends I leave with.”
When the emcee called Laila’s name as the winner of Miss Twin Rivers – Teen, it took Laila a moment to process that it was her name on the loudspeaker. “It wasn’t till Gabi Lancaster, to my left, looked at me and smiled that I realized I had won!” Laila says. “I competed in this pageant two years ago and won first runner-up, so this just felt surreal. Being able to serve my home community and then getting to represent them at Miss Texas is a dream come true.”
As preparations have begun for Miss Texas, Laila is already choosing what dance she will perform for her talent. Then, she will look for a gown and dress for the competition week. Next, she will prepare for her state interview and write essays for scholarships. “The next couple of months will be filled with events and service with ever-growing excitement,” Laila says.
Through her time competing in the Miss America Organization, Laila says she has had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. “I have made friends for life with some of the most talented, compassionate, and sweetest girls. Sisterhood is real. It is such a happy place to be. As my mom says, ‘Your face lights up when you see your pageant people!’ Laila says. “I feel joy because it’s a community of girls who strive to be the best versions of themselves while improving the world we live in.”
Fun Facts:
- The most beautiful girls are the ones who smile when it’s raining.
- Most people don’t know I have a high spice tolerance, and that I can do some weird accents.
- If I could tell my younger self anything, I would tell her to have fun and live in the moment.
- I am passionate about art and science.
- My guilty pleasure food is the Red Lobster biscuits. I like to squeeze a fresh lemon on them before eating. You will have to try it to get that twang!