Part 2 with Miss Texas: Autism Advocate and Former Caregiver

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)-The 87th Miss Texas was selected in Richardson, Texas on Saturday, June 29h.

Annette Addo-Yobo was crowned the new Miss Texas and will spend her year serving and traveling as an ambassador of the Lonestar state and Miss America program.

“I have always been an advocate, since I was 6 years old” said Addo-Yobo regarding her platform.

The 26-year-old was a caretaker both for her younger brother with autism and later her mother with Lewy Body’s Dementia who died from the disease in 2021.

“I rode the bus with my brother and had to explain to six- and seven-year-olds what Autism was. That was challenging,” said Annette on supporting her brother.

Annette’s brother

In grade school, Annette didn’t have the typical childhood, juggling schoolwork and being a caretaker. However, she didn’t view it as a disadvantage.

“Yes, it is a role but its also an opportunity to show someone else that you’re not alone,” said Annette on caring for her family.

The Miss America Organization requires contestants to choose a community service initiative and Annette selected an impact that was personal to her: Autism Awareness.
Inspired by her brother and entitled “The Spark Project,” Annette will spend the year promoting her community service initiative educating others about autism, increasing resources for those on the spectrum and hosting leadership trainings.

Annette was awarded over $40,000 in scholarships from competing in the Miss Texas competition. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a B.S. in Psychology and Child Learning and Development, an M.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas. She’s an MBA student at Lamar University with plans to pursue law school after her reign.

“The scholarships I’ve been awarded will greatly contribute to my first year of law school and extremely reduce the debt,” said Addo-Yobo on pursuing her PhD.

Annette will compete for the Miss America crown in January 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

To learn more about the Miss Texas Organization, click here.

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