East Dallas’ Patterson heads to Miss Texas pageant

By Megan Freeman

Mackenzie Patterson of East Dallas was crowned Miss Piney Woods at Sam Houston State University in February, and is now headed to the Miss Texas pageant in June. Mackenzie is a freshman majoring in criminal justice, with a minor in victim studies at Sam Houston State University. Mackenzie is the daughter of Derek and Kim (Sweat) Young, of Old Lake Highlands.

Mackenzie attended Victor H. Hexter Elementary, Robert T. Hill Middle School and Bryan Adams High School. Some of her greatest achievements during her academic years in Dallas have been a Girl Scouts, Cheerleader Captain in eighth grade; Jr. Lieutenant and Captain for Bryan Adams Belles; four years on Bryan Adams Swim team breaking several records and competing at State; member of Bryan Adam tennis and softball teams, National Honors Society and NAF certified. As an active member of Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church during her high school years, she has participated in feeding the homeless at the Austin Street Shelter, mission trips both locally and out of state, church carnivals, was a leader for VBS and worked in the church nursery. As a Hill Highlander, Mackenzie was introduced to the Nancy Lieberman Charity, where she helped distribute items to “economically disadvantaged youth” from middle school through high school. 

After being personally impacted by her own family members in the foster care system, Mackenzie was inspired to create her own personal social impact initiative, L.E.A.F. (Life, Enrichment, Assistance, Fellowship) with the leadership opportunity that the Miss Sam Houston Scholarship Pageant made available to her. The foster care system is something near and dear to her heart, and she is working with her local community to support local foster kids. By fall of 2021, Mackenzie will be preparing youth, ages 14 to 18 for college or post high school careers, by hosting a “build your resume day.” Mackenzie has recently partnered with Fellowship of Huntsville to put her in contact with students in the foster care system. In April, Mackenzie hosted a toiletry drive at Hill Middle School and put together care packages for students in foster care. Mackenzie wants to show love towards the teen youth in foster care, as they don’t usually get as much attention as the younger children. This outreach program will elevate kids so they can see that they can go far in life.

Mackenzie is excited for this once in a lifetime experience to be a candidate in Miss Texas and wants to do her very best representing East Dallas and Sam Houston State University. Follow her on Instagram @misspineywoods and on Facebook @ Miss Piney Woods.

To support Mackenzie on her journey, donations can made on Venmo @mackenzie-patterson-15, PayPal @mackgrace7, or on CashApp $mackgrace7. Mackenzie would like to thank everyone who has reached out already to help start her path on this great adventure.