2019 was definitely a strong year for Southlake on television. Local talent appeared in a variety of programs — cooking shows, talent shows and even “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” These outstanding locals made us proud this year, and we hope they made you proud as well.
Host Clinton Kelly poses with contestants for a photo, as seen on Spring Baking Championship, Season 5.
While there may be many home bakers in Southlake, Jessica Colvin was the one to land herself a coveted spot in Food Network’s "Spring Baking Championship." A Carroll Dragon alumna, Jessica was the only home baker and self-taught competitor on the show, fighting for $25,000 with nine other bakers, many of whom had more education and industry experience than Jessica had. But that didn’t stop her. She baked her way through two episodes, showing off her skill and style along the way. Congrats, Jessica!
The Spring Baking Championship wasn’t the only food competition show that featured local talent! Megan Routree, a pastry chef and the owner of the Grapevine bakery Legacy Cakes, won the 11th episode of this show, walking away with $10,000. She battled four other bakers to make it to the end, making the best themed display based on current industry trends and designs. And this isn’t Megan’s first rodeo: the Colleyville native also competed on TLC’s “Next Great Baker” andwas first runner-up. Great job, Megan!
In what is probably the most high-profile television appearance, the Southlake Carroll Emerald Belles competed on the latest season of America’s Got Talent, led by their coach Melissa Page. Under the helm of Melissa, the Emerald Belles swept the judges and got three “yeses” from the AGT judges and kept their high-energy performances, filled with high-kicks, jumps and splits, going through the middle of August. Southlake honored the team with a parade on July 14 and though they may not have won it all, they sure made us in Southlake proud!
ART STREIBER ART STREIBER/NICKELODEON
Season 1 Gallery - Pictured: Colin in ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? on NICKELODEON. Photo: Art Streiber/Nickelodeon. (C)2019 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
Don’t worry, the kids were well-represented in 11-year-old Colin Heintz, a Southlake elementary student who represented the town on Nickelodeon’s reboot of the family game show. Hosted by John Cena, Colin was able to show off his knowledge as well as become friends with the 11 other fifth grade students. From an open casting call, Colin went from Southlake elementary student to the only Texan represented on the show. Part of a rotating cast of kids, Colin showed his strength in social studies — his favorite subject — and represented Southlake at the same time. Fantastic job, Colin!