Congratulations, Ryanne White! 2026 57th Annual Texas Rice Festival Senior Queen

By Gloria Way

  It was standing room only in the East Chambers High School auditorium last Saturday evening as 27 exceptional young women vied for the title of Texas Rice Festival Senior Queen. You could feel the excitement and anxiety as family and friends of the contestants waited patiently as Mistress of Ceremonies Tracy Kennick announced the winner, “Contestant #14, Ryanne White!”

  The auditorium exploded in applause as Ryanne made her way to the center of the stage to be crowned by outgoing TRF Senior Queen McKenzie Tinkle. “It was so surreal,” reflected Ryanne. “And very emotional. The rice festival has always meant a lot to me.”

  Ryanne is the daughter of very proud parents, Leslie and Krichon White. Her little brother is Harley and is 13 years old. When asked how her “baby” brother reacted to his big sister winning the queen title, Ryanne laughed. “He was my biggest supporter! Harley was so happy, so excited! He was jumping and down!”

 Ryanne is a senior at East Chambers High School and a member of the Buccadears Drill Team.

She plans to attend Tyler Junior College after graduation, then transfer to University of Texas to study business management and marketing.

  “My grandpa Joshua Moore and grandma Deltra met at the rice festival years ago,” recalled Ryanne. My dad, Leslie and uncle Wesley White, had a band named “Who Cares?” and played at the rice festival. So, the Texas Rice Festival has played a huge part of my family’s and my lives. But I will admit, riding the rides was always my favorite part!”

  The 2026 Texas Rice Festival Senior Queen pageant is the very first pageant in which Ryanne has competed. “I felt confident throughout the entire interview process,” said Ryanne. “I was able to express myself and was very comfortable meeting with the judge’s.” Ryanne stated that during the last interview, she was asked which quality would make her a good choice for queen. “I told them that I love communicating with people, I want people to be able to interact with me and for me to be a shoulder to lean on if they need help. I want to help people.”

  “I know that lots of younger girls will look up to me and this is what I will tell them…always be yourself, “said Ryanne. “Be true to you. Don’t worry about being judged by others. Be confident in who you are.”

  Congratulations, Ryanne!