After a week filled with interviews, performances, and social events, this year’s title of Miss Mississippi has been awarded to Hattiesburg native Vivian O’Neal.
O’Neal, formerly Miss Pine Belt, received the crown and title following a high-ranking score from the judges during the preliminary rounds of the competition.
On Friday night, O’Neal was named the winner of the Quality of Life portion of the competition for demonstrating leadership while serving her community.
Last year, O’Neal was named second alternative after receiving the title of Miss Hattiesburg.
Now, O’Neal will represent the Magnolia State in next year’s Miss America competition in hopes that she will bring the winning title home for the fifth time in Mississippi history.
As for the other 37 contestants, numerous scholarships were distributed to the four alternates and six semi-finalists.
Here are the contestants ranked as runner-ups and semi-finalists in this year’s Miss Mississippi competition:
- First alternative – Miss Leaf River Valley, Neeley Robertson
- Second alternative – Miss Metro Jackson, Becky Williams
- Third alternative – Miss University, Ally Hopper
- Fourth alternative – Miss Hattiesburg, Angel Gayle Lang
- Miss All America City, Krystle Hughes
- Miss Biloxi, Katelyn Perry
- Miss Jones County, Charity Lockridge
- Miss Vicksburg, Morgan Nelson
- Miss Southern Magnolia, Kat Adcox
- Miss University of Southern Mississippi, Karsyn Ulmer
