05/11/2026
Our 2026 Miss Van Zandt County is Harper Jillian Ellis. She also won the interview, Western Wear, Party Dress and Photogenic.
Harper is the 17-year-old daughter of Stacy and Mike Ellis. She has three sisters, Hanna, Sydney and Meredith and two brothers, Drew and Dylan. Harper attends Canton High School and is in the 11th grade. Harper’s hobbies include raising and exhibiting market and breeding goats, mentoring young showmen, singing, participating in FFA leadership events, floral design, running, babysitting, spending time in the Word, reading leadership literature, traveling, styling creative outfits through thrifting while supporting small businesses, and investing in meaningful time with family and friends.
At school she is extremely active in Canton FFA, Currently serving as Canton FFA Chapter President; Floral Design Competitor; Leadership Development Events (LDE) participant; Career Development Events (CDE) participant; Speaking Development Events (SDE) participant; National Honor Society member; Interact Club member; Dual Credit student enrolled through Trinity Valley Community College; Track & Field athlete.
Outside of school she is the Van Zandt Co. 4-H Club President; Vacation Bible School Music Volunteer at Crossroads Church (2 years); Camp Counselor at GOAT Camp (3 years); Volunteer Staff Member for the Rotary Club Livestock Show and the Metch Memorial Livestock Show; Blood Drive Participant
Some of the awards and honors that she has earned are A Honor Roll (Grades 1–5); Top 25% of Class; National Honor Society Inductee; Varsity Track Letter Recipient (3 years); Track Rookie of the Year (Freshman Year); Regional Qualifier (1 year) and Area Qualifier (2 years) in Track; Canton FFA Chapter President (2025–2026); FFA Student Advisor (2024–2025); Greenhand Vice President (2023–2024); Mineola District FFA Creed Speaking Champion (2025); 3rd Place Mineola District FFA Creed Speaking (2024); 3rd Place Mineola District Extemporaneous Speaking (2024, 2025); Van Zandt County Fair Market Goat Champion (2021); Van Zandt County Fair Reserve Champion Market Goat (2022, 2024); Van Zandt County 4-H President (2025–2026); 4-H Vice President (2024–2025); County Record Book Winner – Senior Goat (3 years); Silver Star Award – Van Zandt County 4-H (2023–2024); Danforth “I Dare You” Award Recipient; Rockstar Award Recipient; First Runner-Up, Miss Van Zandt Co Fair Pageant (2025)
The person who has most positively influenced her life up to this point is her dad. He has consistently challenged her to rise above what she thinks she is capable of. When she has doubted herself or wanted to take the easier path, he has pushed her to work harder, think bigger, and follow through with discipline. He has taught her that confidence is built through preparation, resilience, and doing the work even when it’s uncomfortable. Because of him, she has learned to compete with purpose, lead with strength, and hold herself to a higher standard in every area of her life. His belief in her potential has shaped the way she approaches leadership, faith, and competition.
After she graduates from Canton High School in 2027, she plans to go to Tarleton State University to major in Agricultural Business and Management and minor in Floriculture Sciences to hopefully manage a ranch when she graduates in 2031.