Pageant veteran Anna Tadlock was named Miss Mississippi 2009 Saturday night, taking the crown over 46 competitors at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

“It feels pretty amazing,” said the 23-year-old graduate of Mississippi State University. “I’m so honored, so blessed I don’t even know what’s going on around me.

“I went in very confident and knew I would do my absolute best this year,” said Tadlock who like 16 others had competed in Vicksburg before. She was one of three returning for the fourth try at the crown.

“I felt it’s been such a learning experience that I knew what I did this year would be the best I’ve ever done,” said the Brandon resident who sang “A New Life” for her talent.

Tadlock was the only competitor this year to win two preliminary competitions, swimsuit on Thursday night and talent Friday night.

Read more in Sunday’s Vicksburg Post

1st runner-up: Miss Heartland Danielle Smith

2nd runner-up: Miss Deep South Rachael Shannon

3rd runner-up: Miss Southern Magnolia Kristen Benigno

4th runner-up: Miss Hattiesburg Mary Brandon Norman

Top 10

Deep South Rachael Shannon

Dixie Corie Stanford

Hattiesburg Mary Brandon Norman

Heartland Danielle Smith

Historic Crossroads Chelsea Rick

Leaf River Valley Jessica Cofield

Mid-South Fenly Akers

Miss. State Sarah Beth James

New South Anna Tadlock

Southern Magnolia Kristen Benigno