HOUSTON – They may wear crowns, but these Texas teens are proving pageantry can be about far more than glitz and gowns.
Since winning Miss Texas High School America and Miss Texas Junior High School America earlier this year, Peyton Robertson and Kyliegh Phillips have transformed their platforms into powerful initiatives focused on confidence, kindness, leadership and community impact.
The young titleholders recently joined Houston Life to share how they’re using their voices to empower other young people across Texas — from anti-bullying advocacy and agriculture education to supporting children in foster care.
One of the programs closest to both girls’ hearts is BRAVE, which stands for “Building Respect and Values for Everyone.” The initiative encourages young girls to build confidence, courage and kindness in themselves and others while promoting a culture of empathy and inclusion.
Robertson, who is heavily involved in agriculture, rodeo and FFA, also created “Branding a Better Future,” a platform designed to inspire young people to learn more about farming, ranching and the importance of agriculture in everyday life.
“Branding a Better Future promotes agriculture, leadership, and hard work while inspiring the next generation to share the importance of the farming and ranching industry,” Robertson explained.
And while many may picture pageant queens in heels and crowns, Robertson was just as comfortable in boots and the rodeo arena.
Deeply involved in agriculture and livestock, Robertson spends much of her time raising pigs — she currently has two she’s caring for — riding horses and promoting the importance of farming and ranching to the next generation.
Recently, she shared a powerful moment on social media from the Texas State Fair rodeo arena. In the video, her horse became unsettled and began spooking in front of the crowd, while Robertson calmly held on and rode through the challenging moment.
Underneath the post, she wrote: “Not every ride is smooth, but every ride makes you strong.”
The quote resonated with many of her followers and reflected the message Robertson hopes to share with other young people — that resilience, confidence and growth are often built through life’s most difficult moments.
Phillips’ passion project, “Kyleigh’s Kydz,” began when she was just 9 years old after witnessing the challenges foster children often face firsthand through her aunt, who is a foster mom.
“I saw children coming into her home with only the clothes on their back,” Phillips shared. “Seeing the impact she had on those children made me want to make the same impact.”
Through Kyleigh’s Kydz, Phillips collects donations including hygiene products, toys and other essentials for children entering foster care.
The pair also recently volunteered with Caring Queens, a special pageant experience designed to uplift girls in foster care by providing donated dresses, shoes and jewelry while creating a day centered around confidence and self-love.
“Kyleigh and I helped the girls by doing their hair and makeup while encouraging confidence and self-love,” Robertson said.
Together, the teens say their goal is simple: use their platforms to make other young people feel seen, supported and empowered.
And in a world that can often focus on negative headlines about younger generations, Robertson and Phillips are offering a different story — one rooted in compassion, leadership and hope for the future.
Follow Kyliegh Phillips on Instagram @official_kyleighlou
Follow Branding a Better Future on Instagram @branding_a_better_futureFollow Peyton Robertson on Instagram @peytonraeofficial