By Dawn Burleigh

dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com

LITTLE CYPRESS — Alaina Williamson, 1, is quick with a smile capable of melting any heart.

Williamson, of Little Cypress, may not be aware of the significance of her title, Miss Texas State Baby Queen, but she proudly wears her banner and is aware of her crown.

“She acts bashful until she is on stage,” Danielle Williamson, mother, said. “She loves the music and lights when she is on stage.”

Competing in beauty pageants was not planned for the bright blue-eyed beauty.

“My sister-in-law suggested it when we were looking for activities for the children,” Danielle said.

Daniel and Danielle Williamson have two children, Lane, 2, and Alaina who recently turned one.

Alaina entered a preliminary pageant, which qualified her for State.

“We did not know what to expect,” Danielle said. “She did so well and got the crown.”

Pageants are more than just dressing up; it is also a way for participants to earn scholarships.

“She ended up sweeping each event and taking home Sunburst Texas State Baby Beauty Queen title,” Daniel Williamson, father, said.

Every winner of the Sunset Beauty Pageant receives $1,000 with top score winners receiving $10,000.

Alaina will participate in the Sunburst International Finals the last weekend in July in Atlanta, Georgia.

“This will be a new experience for us,” Danielle said.

As part of pageantry, the Baby Queen is in search of sponsors for her next pageant. For those interested in sponsoring contact Daniel Williamson at dwilliamson05@hotmail.com