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

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“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,” said the Brandon resident who sang “A New Life.” “I knew what I did this year would be the best I’ve ever done.”

All of the Top 5 competitors had been to the Vicksburg pageant before: Miss Heartland Danielle Smith, first runner-up; Miss Deep South Rachel Shannon, second; Miss Southern Magnolia Kristen Benigno, third; and Miss Hattiesburg Mary Brandon Norman, fourth.

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

Tadlock was crowned by outgoing Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski at the end of the show hosted by Michael Young and 2006 Miss Mississippi Taryn Foshee.

Tadlock, who graduated in 2008 with a degree in communication and public relations, has said she plans to continue her education, working toward a master’s in education and hoping to teach English at the high school or college level.

Tadlock will compete in the Miss America 2010 competition, the 89th Miss America pageant, on Jan. 30 in Las Vegas.

“I can’t believe I’m going to Vegas,” she said.

Others among the Top 10 finalists, announced just after the night’s broadcast began on WLBT-TV3, were:

• Miss Leaf River Valley Jessica Cofield

• Miss Mississippi State University Sarah Beth James

• Miss Dixie Corie Stanford

• Miss Mid South Fenly Akers of Vicksburg, and

• Miss Historic Crossroads Chelsea Kaitlin Rick.

Tadlock’s parents, Tommy and Felicia Tadlock of Brandon, were on stage just after the crowning.

Today, the new Miss Mississippi will meet the media for the first time as she and family members and pageant officials gather.

Tadlock said she is looking forward to working on her chosen platform, music education.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com