After a week filled with interviews, performances, and social events, this year’s title of Miss Mississippi has been awarded to Hattiesburg native Emmie Perkins.
Perkins, formerly Miss Mississippi State University, received the crown and title following a high-ranking score from the judges during the preliminary rounds of the competition.
During Thursday night’s preliminary round, Perkins was named the winner of the Red Carpet portion while wearing an evening gown from Mia Bella Prom and Pageant located in Flowood.
On top of the title and crown, Perkins is also the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship funded by Ameristar Casino and Hotel.
Now, Perkins 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 30 contestants, numerous scholarships were distributed to the four alternates and five semi-finalists.
The first alternate, Miss River Valley, Charity Lockridge, was awarded the second-highest scholarship of $7,500 from the Miss Mississippi Corporation. Lockridge was the winner of Friday night’s talent portion and a $500 scholarship for her performance of “Listen” from the film Dream Girls.
Miss Hattiesburg, Vivian O’Neal, was granted a $4,000 scholarship from David and Katherine McRae and a $1,000 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Corporation as the second alternate.
A $2,500 scholarship from Rusty’s Riverfront Grill and a $500 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Corporation were given to the third alternate, Miss Gulf Coast, Katelyn Perry.
The final alternate, Miss All-American City, Kaylin Costello, was the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship from Mutual Credit Union and a $1,000 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Corporation.
Each of the five semi-finalists was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Corporation.
Here are the contestants ranked as semi-finalists in this year’s Miss Mississippi competition:
- Miss Pine Belt, McKay Lee Bray
- Miss Greenville, Angel Gail Lang
- Miss Deep South, Ally Hopper
- Miss University, Abigail Church
- Miss Jones County, Karsyn Ulmer
