It’s no secret that royalty reigns in the Robins Region, and this year’s Robins Regional Christmas Parade Grand Marshal is one of the newest names in the legacy – Kelsey Hollis. Come out to see her lead the 100+ units down Watson Boulevard to kick-off the Christmas season on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am. This year’s parade will begin with a special musical performance. Stay tuned for more details!
Kelsey Leighannah Hollis is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hollis of Warner Robins. She attends Houston County High School, where she’s been a class officer, a member of the HCHS JV Cheerleading Squad, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Partner’s Club. She is currently in the Honor’s program, a 2-year member of the Houston County High School Chorus, a manager for the HoCo Bears Football team, and is a supporter of the Houston County Schools Special Olympics Program.
Outside of school, Kelsey is a member of The Rain Church, an active supporter of the American Cancer Society, a state level award-winning vocalist, and a public speaker advocating for the rights of the disabled. Inspired by her big brother, who was diagnosed with Level 1 Autism, she founded TAABS, Teaching Autism Awareness By Siblings, in order to promote a greater understanding of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. When Kelsey won the title 2014 Miss Houston County High School as a freshman, she applied her leadership, artistic and academic skills to realize a dream of hers; she founded and directed The Miss Houston County Queen of Summer Pageant, a now annual event, which honors girls with disabilities.
Last June, Kelsey, under the title of Miss Houston County’s Outstanding Teen 2016, was crowned Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen at the 72nd Annual Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Columbus, Georgia. Kelsey was a double Preliminary winner and won the Overall Interview, Talent, and Evening Gown/On Stage Question Awards. She went on to place 2nd runner up at miss America’s outstanding Teen where she won both a preliminary and an overall vocal talent award.
Kelsey’s involvement with the MAOTeen Organization opened the door for her to support national organizations such as the Children’s Miracle Network and Autism Speaks, and enabled her to, among many other experiences, meet privately with state representatives at the Capitol in support of her platform. Kelsey, a 16-year-old senior, plans to use the more than $15,000 in scholarship money she’s amassed through her participation in pageants to obtain a degree in broadcast Journalism and a minor in Vocal Performance.
Parade Info