2026 East Texas Yamboree Queen's Race
During the Spring each year, seven local civic clubs (Beta Sigma Phi, Bluebonnet Literacy, Gilmer Kiwanis, Gilmer Lions, Gilmer Rotary, Iris Garden, and the Twentieth Century) ask a young lady who resides in Upshur County and is completing her Junior year of High School, to represent them as their upcoming East Texas Yamboree Queen Candidate.
The Queen’s Race is a rigorous 12-day event where each candidate, her club, family, and friends canvas the community on foot, make phone calls, send letters, and post on social media and personal websites in an effort to raise money for the East Texas Yamboree and to fund many events: the carnival, queen’s coronation, various adult and youth contests, livestock and ag mechanic shows, fiddler’s contest, gospel singing, and barn dance, as well as many youth scholarships. At the conclusion of the race, the young lady who raised the most money is honorably crowned with the title of East Texas Yamboree Queen. As Queen, her duties begin immediately and will not end when the carnival rolls out of town in October. She will continue to be an ambassador for our community on many occasions until her reign ends and another race begins the next year.
89th Yamboree Queen Candidates
Carolynn Breann Reynolds
Beta Sigma Phi Club
Carolynn, daughter of Jake & Katie Nugent and Brent Reynolds, is proudly representing Beta Sigma Phi.
A Senior at Union Grove High School and an active FFA member she believes in a life committed to faith in Christ and service to others.
With deep Yamboree ties, including Past Presidents John Brogotti (1946) and Bill Stevenson (1956), and Princess Tammy Stevenson Orms (1974), Carolynn is honored to continue their legacy.
Her future goals include Collegiate livestock judging, and a major in Animal Nutrition that she hopes will allow her to educate and advocate for the industry she is most passionate about.
Danica Jo Vestal
Rotary Club
Proudly representing the Rotary Club is Danica Jo Vestal. She is the daughter of B.J. and Sabrina Vestal. Danica attends Union Grove High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and FFA. She is a dedicated student-athlete, competing at the varsity level in volleyball, basketball, track, and cross country.
The East Texas Yamboree holds a special place in Danica’s heart, as it brings our community together while celebrating the rich history and traditions of our hometown. She has participated in numerous Yamboree-related activities over the years, which include dancing in the pageant, competing in the Tater Trot run, volunteering at the No Limits Livestock Show, participating in the parade and supporting past queen candidates through ticket sales.
She plans to attend Texas Woman's University and pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist.
Laila Pilcher
Twentieth Century Club
Laila Pilcher is a junior at Gilmer High School, where she excels academically, athletically, and creatively. She competes on the school’s volleyball, basketball, and softball teams and is active in Student Council, FFA, and FBLA, while also serving as a member of the National Honor Society. Known for her hardworking nature and balanced approach to life, Laila strives for excellence in everything she does. Passionate about painting, reading, and playing piano, she values creative expression and challenges that strengthen her mind. She enjoys leading, connecting with others, and making the most of every opportunity.
Laynee Hall
Lions Club
Laynee Kaye Hall is the daughter of Chris & Harmony Hall. Granddaughter of Pat & Carol Kennedy and David & Deborah Mayhan. She’s a Varsity Cheerleader, in the National Honor Society, FFA, and serves on Deuces at Gilmer High School. Laynee has danced in the Yamboree Coronation since 7th grade and has shown Rabbits the last 3 years. She loves photography and spending time with family & friends. Laynee plans to get a degree in education to teach Kindergarten or First grade. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41.10, and her Ambition is to be a light for others!
Lexi Hancock
Kiwanis Club
Lexi Erin Hancock proudly represents the Kiwanis Club. She is the daughter of Heath and Jessica Hancock and the granddaughter of Paul and Tena Johnson of Gilmer and
Christine Foeh of St. Hedwig, Texas. Lexi attends Gilmer High School where she is a member of NHS and participates in varsity volleyball, powerlifting, varsity cheer for three years, softball for two years, and FFA. She has been involved in the East Texas Yamboree by dancing in the pageant since eighth grade, showing chickens, and
participating in numerous parades. Lexi values spending time with her family and friends. Lexi plans to attend college to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.
Makayla Tate
Iris Garden Club
Markayla Michelle Tate is representing the Iris Garden Club. Markayla is the daughter of Markeithlon and Veronica Tate. She is the granddaughter of the late Artis and Virginia Tate, Nolan Carter and Doretha Fagan.
Markayla attends Gilmer High School and is active in FFA, where she serves as the chapter President and Area VI FFA President. Markayla has participated in numerous FFA teams, public speaking, and has received her Floral Design certificate. Markayla is a part of the Gilmer Varsity Theater. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Counsel, Deuces and in the top 5% of her class. Markayla is a 3-year varsity basketball player, team captain, runs track and plays AAU basketball. She is an active member of Solid Rock House of Praise. Markayla is the owner of MT’s cookie co. where she enjoys baking and selling treats.
After graduating from Gilmer High School, she plans to attend college and major in Agribusiness and communications and use her love of speaking to help others.
Sophia Dean
Bluebonnet Literary Club
Sophia Ann Dean proudly represents the Bluebonnet Literary Club. Sophia is the daughter of Mack and Christie Dean and the granddaughter of Elliott and Sandy Dean, Belinda Eads, Charles and Beverly Petzolt and Lorenzo D. Eads, Jr. Sophia is a member of First Baptist Church of Gilmer and attends Gilmer High School where is an active member of NHS, Deuces, volleyball and cheer. Sophia was also selected as an All State cheerleader for the 25/26 season. She is the GHS co-captain for the 26/27 school year. Sophia shows rabbits through Upshur County 4H at the East Texas Yamboree Livestock Show. Sophia has been involved in the Yamboree since she was two years of age, from being in the Queen’s court, Scepter Bearer for Carly Dean, and dancing in the pageant since 6th grade. Sophia plans to attend UT Tyler and aspires to become a registered dietary nurse.