(Courtesy of Deborah Fleck: Dallas Morning News, dfleck@dallasnews.com - Published 03 August 2011 10:19 PM and Dr. Jarvis Jacobs, Official Photographer) - From left: Aishwarya Raju, Kathleen Caprio, Vinna Sok, Hiedi Xayasouk and Ezra Calado were winners in the 2011-13 Miss Asian American Texas Pageant held Saturday in Arlington.

The young women in the 2011-13 Miss Asian American Texas Pageant reflect the diversity of Asian cultures in North Texas. The contestants hail from not only India , Taiwan and the Philippines, countries with large local populations, but also from Laos , Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Pageant organizer Merna Parcon said the event seeks to encourage creativity and confidence in Asian-American women as well as increase cultural awareness. Held Saturday in Arlington, the pageant also showcased traditional dances and songs.

Julie Tam, a reporter for KXAS-TV (Channel 5), was one of several hosts. Judges included Austin Judge Ramey Ko, the first Asian American judge in Travis County. Previous winners were recognized, including Elizabeth Dinh, a television reporter in Seattle, and Tammy Nguyen Lee, a Dallas filmmaker.

Aishwarya Raju of India was crowned Miss Asian American Texas 2011-12. Kathleen Caprio of the Philippines was named Miss Asian American Texas 2012-13. The Miss Teen Asian American Texas Award went to Hiedi Xayasouk of Laos for 2011-12 and to Ezra Calado of the Philippines for 2012-13. The Miss Asian American Texas Princess Award for 2011-12 went to Michelle Chase of Thailand and for 2012-13 to Vinna Sok of Cambodia.

more on Dallas News

Asian American Pageant Part A

Asian American Pageant Part B

Practice on the 29th (1)

Practice on the 29th (2)