Move over, Oprah – Julie Pritchard is after your job.
But first, there’s a trip to Corpus Christi in July where she hopes to win the Miss Texas USA Pageant.
“Whether I win or not, something will come out of this pageant, and if I do win, it could change my whole life,” says the 23-year-old Pritchard, who grew up in Lake Highlands.
“I want to get a name for myself, host my own talk show in 10 years, then I plan to become the next Oprah Winfrey.”
Judges for the Miss Texas USA Pageant, which will be aired live on Channel 4/CBS July 27, select the winner based on points scored during interviews on subjects kept secret until the moment the question is asked of the contestant.
“I’m very confident about the interview because I have worked in radio and television for several years,” said Pritchard, who is currently working for a Plano television station as an anchor/reporter. “It’s very easy for me to answer questions because interviewing is what I do all day.”
Pritchard went to elementary and junior high school in Lake Highlands, and graduated from Dallas Arts Magnet School. She graduated last month from SMU with a degree in broadcast journalism.
In addition to her television work, she teaches piano, which she has studied the past 14 years.
“Getting my college education was very important to me,” says Pritchard, “so now that I’m graduated, I’m ready to become Miss Texas USA.”
Pritchard first became interested in competing for the Miss Texas USA title when she answered an ad in the SMU student newspaper.
Supporters have donated to Pritchard’s effort with portfolio photos, business cards and competition attire, though she says she still needs the $1,200 entry fee.
In 1988, Pritchard won the talent award for a classical piano performance in the Miss Dallas Teen competition, where she finished first runner-up. The upcoming contest has no talent portion, though Pritchard says she will model swim and formal wear.
And what will Pritchard wear for the evening gown portion of the program? She says the gown was created and donated by Highland Park designer Elizabeth Anna, formerly of Beverly Hills.
