Pageant Polish by Lisa Dalzell-Spooner

The Miss Texas Volunteer Pageant and Texas Teen Volunteer Pageant is happening today. Best of luck to everyone competing!

The Reign Begins September 2026.

Every stage has prepared me for yours.

People often ask how pageantry led me to a career in television, professional coaching, and public speaking.

The answer is simple: COMMUNICATION

For more than 30 years, communication has been the foundation of everything I've done.

It began on the pageant stage.

As a young competitor, I learned that communication wasn't about having the right answer. It was about confidence, authenticity, and connecting with people. Those lessons eventually led me to become Miss Texas, finish as a Top 10 finalist at Miss America, and earn the title of Miss America Preliminary Interview Winner.

At the time, I thought pageantry had prepared me for life. I had no idea life was preparing me for something even bigger.

For nearly 25 years, I've built a career in broadcast journalism, where communication isn't something I teach—it's something I live every single day.

I've covered hurricanes, breaking news, and national tragedies. I've interviewed political leaders, business executives, community changemakers, and some of Hollywood's biggest stars. I've hosted live red carpet coverage for the America's Got Talent Finals, anchored live broadcasts, and emceed major community and corporate events. Along the way, I've earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award, been recognized as Best Television News Anchor by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists, and received an Emmy nomination.

But those awards aren't what I'm most proud of.

What I'm most proud of is what all of those experiences have allowed me to do for others.

Today, through Pageant Polish by Lisa Dalzell-Spooner, I coach contestants of every age and experience level—from first-time competitors to state titleholders, national winners, and international champions. I help them discover that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.

Through Professional Polish, I also help students and professionals prepare for career-defining opportunities. I currently consult with the #1 ranked Master of Human Resources program in the country, helping graduate students strengthen their personal brand, executive presence, and professional image. Through individualized interview coaching, every student I've worked with one-on-one has successfully secured a competitive internship, with many going on to earn full-time positions with Fortune 100 companies.

Looking back, I realize every chapter of my life has been preparing me for this one.

The pageant stage taught me confidence.

The newsroom taught me composure.

Live television taught me to think on my feet.

Speaking taught me to connect.

Coaching taught me my purpose.

Today, all of those experiences come together with one mission:

Helping people communicate with confidence when the stakes are highest.

Whether your stage is a pageant, a television studio, a boardroom, or an interview room...

Every stage has prepared me for yours.

— Lisa Dalzell-Spooner

Austin Douglas won preliminary Evening Gown last night!

There are some young ladies you meet over the years who have that “IT” factor. This young lady is one of them. Tonight begins the first night of onstage competition for the Miss Washington competition. Austin, I’m pulling for you all the way in Florida!

Miss America

Sarah embodies everything it means to be a successful and effective titleholder. Getting to work with her as one of the Miss Southlake Scholarship Organization’s sponsors was truly an honor. Congratulations on being named Fourth Runner-Up to Miss Texas! I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

Miss America

It's always so much fun when your clients become good friends. Megan, I am so honored to have been a part of your journey all these years. I couldn't be prouder of your accomplishments and know that we will be friends long after the lights of the pageant stage are gone. Luv you tons!

Miss Northeast Florida Organization Miss Florida Scholarship Program Miss America