Fil-Am Miss Texas is 2nd runner-up in Miss America pageant

Averie Bishop, a law school graduate, will receive a $20,000 scholarship. FACEBOOK

Filipino American Averie Bishop, the first Asian American to win the Miss Texas title, placed second runner-up at Miss America 2023 on Dec. 15 at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Averie, a law school graduate, will receive a $20,000 scholarship. First runner-up is Taryn Smith of New York and the Miss America title winner is Grace Stanke of Wisconsin.

Averie was born in Texas to parents Marevi Sabalilang, originally from the Philippines, and fourth-generation Texan Danny Bishop. Averie put herself through college, earning two degrees from the prestigious Southern Methodist University, a BA with double majors in Political Science and Human Rights, and a JD law degree with a 3.9 GPA.

With mother, Marevi Sabalilang, who is also Averie’s partner in helping schoolchildren and residents of Banga, Mindanao. POSITIVELY FILIPINO

An advocate for social inclusivity, Averie launched Y’all Means All. She was appointed by the Mayor of Dallas to the city’s new Anti-Hate and Discrimination Advisory Council.

Averie and her mother also founded created Tulong Foundation in 2015 to help Marevi’s hometown of Banga, Mindanao. The foundation supports the education of more than 45 youngsters and helps local residents acquire sustainable farming skills and clean drinking water.