• Rubi Reyes •
• Originally published July 13, 2008 at 10:28 p.m., updated July 13, 2008 at 10:28 p.m.

She stood on the stage in total shock.

Dresdynn Warnell, 17, could not believe her ears when she heard “contest number four” as she was crowned Miss Victoria.

Dresdynn is the first black Miss Victoria.

“I just couldn’t believe it. I had never done a pageant in my life,” Warnell said.

Warnell, Delores Warnell-Fillmore, her mother, and twin sister Schuyler were also in a state of shock.

“She entered the pageant to work on her interview and speech skills,” Delores said. “I am so proud of her.”

Dresdynn didn’t find out until after the pageant that she was the first black Miss Victoria.

“I am so honored,” Dresdynn said. “This experience has been surreal.”

But before she could accept her crown, her mother and sister would have to practice with her on her speech and interview.

“They sat with me and we discussed different questions that could be asked,” Dresdynn said. “Schuyler is the better public speaker so I really needed her help.”

Even though her sister is the better public speaker, Schuyler chose not to compete.

“I thought about competing, but then I realized that there simply wouldn’t be any time in my schedule if I were to win,” Schulyer said.

She’s the Major of the Memorial High School Drill Team, the first black major the drill team has ever had.

“It’s cool that we are the first black major and Miss Victoria,” Dresdynn said.

They agree that without the support of their mother they would not have been able to meet their accomplishments.

“She motivates us and is always there to listen and help us figure things out,” Schuyler said.

The twins’ senior year will be a busy one, from competing on the drill team to meeting the requirements of being Miss Victoria said Delores.

“It’s going to be hectic, from parades to practices, but they will do fine,” Delores said.

Dresdynn admits her schedule will be busier, but she says she is ready.

“I think it’s going to be fun,” Dresdynn said. “I’m going to meet a lot of people, and this experience will help me better my communication skills.”

She is anxious about participating and representing Victoria at festivals and local parades.

“I can’t wait,” Dresdynn said. “I’ll be able to participate in many events that give back to the community.”

Like her sister, Dresdynn almost opted out because she thought the other girls were better prepared for the pageant.

“I felt as if I was ten steps behind everyone else,” she said. “It wasn’t like dance; this didn’t come easy to me.”

Had it been a dance competition, Dresdynn said she would not have been as nervous. She and her sister have been competing in dance competitions for 11 years.

“I love to dance,” Dresdynn said. “It’s a great way to express yourself.”

As her senior year approaches she will prepare for graduation, her reign as Miss Victoria, college and for a career in the medical field.

“Nobody can stop them except themselves,” Delores said. “They’re going to go places and will accomplish their goals.”

Rubi Reyes is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6578 or rreyes@vicad.com, or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.

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