Permian Basin native Regina Stock was crowned the new Mrs. America in Las Vegas on Aug. 26, sending the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) that produced her into jubilation, according to a Facebook post.
“From the halls of Odessa High School to the bright lights of Vegas,” ECISD said in the post. “Congratulations to Regina Stock, OHS Class of 2014 graduate.”
Odessa NBC affiliate KWES Channel 9 reports Stock, a 27-year-old mother of four, bested 40 other competitors in the pageant, earning the right to succeed last year’s winner, Nicole Zwiercan of Illinois. Per KWES, the Andrews-born Stock said on Instagram her dreams came true.
“There are no words to describe the whirlwind of emotions I am feeling right now, but I will try my best,” she said in the post. “I am honored to have been crowned your Mrs. America 2023. I was lucky enough to share the stage with some of the most incredible women I have ever met. I can’t wait to follow each of your reigns.”
Odessa ABC affiliate KMID Channel 2 and FOX affiliate KPEJ Channel 24 report Stock has been competing in pageants for about 10 years, with the exception of a few years when she took a break to get married and start a family. She jumped back into competing when she discovered the Mrs. Texas pageant. KWES reports her titles include Miss Big Bend, Miss Permian Basin and Miss Ector County.
Stock, whose maiden name is Bejarano, was a dual-sport athlete and a choir member in high school, according to ECISD. With the Mrs. America crown to Stock’s name, the next competition is the upcoming Mrs. World pageant.
“I am grateful that the [hard] work I have put in has paid off,” Stock said on Instagram. “I started my journey to Mrs. Texas hoping to find my why and find my purpose. I’m thankful that the road to Mrs. America has helped me heal and find my path in life.”