Miss Metro Jackson’s Outstanding Teen LaRhonda Mack and Miss Turtle Creek’s Outstanding Teen Brooklyn Mooney were Friday night’s preliminary winners for the talent and on-stage question and evening gown phases of the 2015 Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, which was held at the Vicksburg Auditorium.

Each preliminary winner is awarded a $150 scholarship.

Mack, who is the 16 year-old-daughter of Linda and Lawrence Mack of Bolton, performed Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, 3rd Movement on the piano.

“I spent hours and hours practicing and now knowing that all my hard work paid off is really an accomplishment for me,” Mack said.

Mack said she has been playing the piano since she was five years old.

This is Mack’s second time to compete in the Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Pageant.

Mooney is a double preliminary winner, after also tying for the win in Thursday night’s talent portion of the competition.

For the evening gown competition, Mooney said she chose a mermaid style dress to emphasize her figure and red because it is her favorite color.

“I was really feeling a mermaid style for this year because I have gained a lot of confidence in myself,” she said.

To prepare for on-stage questioning, Mooney said she worked with her directors and practiced answering questions with her dad.

“My dad is a huge political and economic junky, so he would ask me stuff, and I would spout out an answer like I was on stage.

Mooney is the daughter of Vicki and Bobby Wayne Mooney of Collins, and this is her

third time to compete for the title of Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen.

Sharing the talent win with Mooney in Thursday night’s preliminary competition was Miss Deep South’s Holly Brand. Miss Hattiesburg’s Outstanding Teen Ryone Jamil Thompson won the evening gown and on-stage question phase.

The final night of competition and crowning of the 2015 Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen will be held Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Vicksburg Auditorium, 901 Monroe St. General admission tickets are $40 and student tickets, available at the door only are $20. Student identification is required. For more information, call 601-638-6746.