Miss Texas 2006 will attend UNT College of Music

by John P. Meyer

When Shilah Phillips starts classes this fall semester at UNT's College of Music (working toward a bachelor's degree in jazz studies), she brings along some high-profile history - but it's baggage the positive sort.

Shilah, you see, just finished serving her term as Miss Texas 2006 (she competed as Miss Frisco); she placed as first runner-up in the Miss America pageant earlier this year. She's 25 (at least she was at the time of this posting), and her goal is to become a professional recording artist.

Shilah became interested in the University of North Texas after attending a North Texas Jazz Festival while working to complete her Associate of Science/Music degree at Collin County Community College; the $41,000 in scholarship money resulting from her beauty pageant wins is making it feasible for her to attend.

Says Shilah: "Being involved in the pageant was really a blessing because now I have the money to finish my education, and I get to go to such a prestigious school with a wonderful faculty." Clearly her diplomacy skills have been honed during her reign as Miss Texas, as she's hoping to hone her singing talent while completing her degree - the first vocal jazz studies program to be offered by an American university.

Shilah competed in season 3 of American Idol, but that appearance seems to have netted her little notice.

If you simply insist on seeing a few more photos of Ms. Phillips, here's a link to some tasteful ones taken at Southfork Ranch.

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