After two years on the Miss Spring Ho Court, including one of them as queen, Sagen Plouff’s reign is coming to an end.
In 2024, the Lampasas native placed as second runner-up. A year later, she claimed the crown. Now, as her time wearing it draws to a close, Plouff said she is thankful to have had the chance to represent her community.
“It's a lot of fun,” Plouff said. “It's really cool to be a big part of the community and get to show up for your town in a different way.”
Plouff admitted it was a step outside her comfort zone when she decided to participate in the Miss Spring Ho Pageant. A shy kid growing up, Plouff credits her Lampasas High School club involvement for preparing her to take the stage as contestant.
“I had opened up a lot throughout high school doing different clubs and stuff, like Student Council, HOSA, National Honor Society and running for officer positions,” she said. “So it was definitely a lot more comfortable for me after that.”
After Plouff finished as second runner-up in 2024, the time spent riding in parades across the Lone Star State left her wanting more. Although participating in 10-plus festivals throughout the year is quite a commitment, Plouff is used to a busy schedule.
As a four-year varsity softball letterman who also served as Student Council president, HOSA president, XFX president and Junior Pierian president – among many other roles – she knew how to juggling responsibilities.
“I was a pretty busy kid growing up,” Plouff said. “I played select softball too, so that was two nights a week minimum plus most weekends. I was used to balancing school and activities, so it really wasn’t too bad.”
Before Miss Spring Ho contestants compete, Plouff said they each receive a call and are bombarded with 10 interview questions. On stage, contestants are tasked with responding to only three.
For Plouff, speaking under the bright lights in front of a large crowd was not a problem. Getting on stage? That was a little more difficult.
“One good thing this year was they had guys helping us up and down the stairs,” the 2025 Miss Spring Ho said. “That was the part that really freaked me out last year -- going up the stairs, and then you have to spin on stage and everything. So just trying to get where you are standing still is probably the most nerve wracking.”
Plouff has gained memories during her reign as queen that will last a lifetime. Representing Lampasas at large festivals has been one of her biggest thrills, she said.
“We got to go to Georgetown this year. We got waitlisted for it last year and didn’t get to go,” Plouff said. “It was a lot of fun. There are a lot more people at bigger towns like that, so it is kind of fun to be a part of something that is a little bit bigger.”
While it’s hard to top being named Miss Spring Ho, Plouff said her favorite part in her two years on the court has been building bonds with the members of the Little Miss Spring Ho court.
“Those little girls, especially some of the ones that don’t have a big sister, they think it is the coolest thing to go around with you all week,” Plouff said. “Their favorite thing is the dance contest at Putters & Gutters because they get to dance with us.”
In the fall, Plouff will attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in healthcare administration. She believes her time as Miss Spring Ho has played a role in setting her up for success in Aggieland.
“It has helped me get further out of my comfort zone,” she said. “Learning to talk to new people, I mean, you go to college and hardly know anyone, so it's definitely helped me in that aspect – getting to know new people and knowing how to interact with strangers.”
Plouff will hand over her crown at the 2026 Miss Spring Ho pageant on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Fellowship Church. The emotions are bittersweet.
“I’m excited to hand it over to somebody new and let them get the same experiences and just continue to see that light shine throughout our town during Spring Ho week,” Plouff said. “But it is a little sad to know my time is coming to an end.”
2025 Miss Spring Ho Sagen Plouff, on building bonds with the Little Miss court.
