Outstanding Teen Pageant April 27-28

Published 7:41 pm Friday, April 5, 2019

The Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held April 27 and 28.

This year, 35 contestants will compete for the state title. The preliminary competitions will be held at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27.

The final day of competition and crowning will begin at 3 p.m., April 28. All competitions will be held at the Vicksburg Auditorium, 901 Monroe St.

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Tickets for all three competitions are $75 or $25 each for preliminaries and $40 for the final competition. Tickets are available at the pageant office, 820 S. South St., by calling 601-638-6746 or at missmississippipageant.com/teen-pageant#. For more information, visit missmississippipageant.com/teen-pageant.

The Contestants are:

• Miss All-America City’s Outstanding Teen Hailey Nichole Pushis, 14, is the daughter of Neil and Jeanne Pushis of Columbus. Nichole attends Heritage Academy, where she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Junior Beta Club and MAIS Junior Honor Society. Her platform is Keep Calm & Be Visible: Chronic Migraine Awareness.

• Miss Belle of the Bayou’s Outstanding Teen Hailey Desai, 17, is the daughter of Anita Naik and Hitesh Desai of Madison. Hailey attends the Mississippi School for Math and Science, where she is a member of the National Beta Club, an honor roll student and has perfect attendance. Her platform is This Prom — make good choices.

• Miss Blues Trail’s Outstanding Teen Hallie Bryant, 15, is the daughter of Billy and Debbie Bryant of Greenwood. Hallie attends Pillow Academy, where she is on the honor roll and was named Miss Pillow Academy Junior High. She is the lead vocalist in the junior high praise band. Her platform is Fostering Our Future.

• Miss Bodock’s Outstanding Teen Mabry Carson Chamblee, 17, is the daughter of Jane and Bobby Chamblee of Pontotoc. Mabry attends Pontotoc High School. She received the Bronze Youth Congressional Medal, is the vice-president of the local 4-H Club and the recipient of the Eva Ann Dorris 4-H Scholarship award. Her platform is “Leading for a Lifetime – 4-H.”

• Miss Brandon’s Outstanding Teen Mary Kate Nelson, 14, is the daughter of Cristen and Beau Nelson of Brandon. Mary Kate attends Brandon High School where she is an honor roll student, been selected as class favorite two years in a row and has served on all levels of the Junior Beta Club. Her platform is Hearts for Hope.

• Miss Clinton’s Outstanding Teen Sarah Beth Stambaugh, 16, is the daughter of Laura and Michael Thigpen of Clinton. Sarah Beth is a student at Clinton High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and serves as the sophomore class treasurer on the student council. Her platform is Normalizing Special Education in the School Environment.

• Miss Deep South’s Outstanding Teen Lilly Munro, 16, is the daughter of Dee Dee Munro of Ocean Springs. Lilly attends Ocean Springs High School where she is on the Principle’s List, Honor Roll and has received several awards including being named the Overall Regional Science Fair Winner. Her platform is America’s Real Hunger Game: 41 Million in Crisis.

• Miss Delta Blues Outstanding Teen Haley Jones, 16, is the daughter of Kristy Jones of Shannon. Haley attends Shannon High School where she is a member of the National Beta Club, student council, and the gifted and academic arts program. She has also been a cheerleader for eight years. Her platform is No One Fights Alone – Colon Cancer Awareness.

• Miss Delta’s Outstanding Teen Lily Boyd Avery, 15, is the daughter of Mamie and Eric Avery of Batesville. Lily is a student at South Panola High School where she is a member of the Junior Civitan Club and Beta Clubs, and for the past three years, she has maintained the highest GPA in her class. Her platform is “Give Me 30.”

• Miss Fairpark’s Outstanding Teen Madison G. McCarter, 14, is the daughter of Ilka and Eric McCarter of Crawford. She is a student at Victory Christian Academy where she is on the A Honor Roll, and a member of the Senior Beta Club. She was also awarded the Youth Female Vocalist of the Year, for the Golden Triangle Music Awards. Her platform is Happy Being Me: Building Healthy Self Esteem in Teens.

• Miss Greenville’s Outstanding Teen Mckenzie Jones, 17, is the daughter of Kim and William Jones of Greenville. Mckenzie is a student at Greenville Christian School where she is the vice president of her 11th grade class, co-captain of the cheer team and captain of the high school softball team. Her platform is Animal Welfare Advocate.

• Miss Grenada’s Outstanding Teen Kate Blankenship, 15, is the daughter of Salina and Johnny Blankenship of Grenada. Kate attends Grenada High School where she is on the Superintendent’s List and Robotics team. She earned a perfect score on the math state test, and is vice president of the local Junior Auxiliary Crown Club. Her platform is “Outlive Yourself.”

• Miss Guntown’s Outstanding Teen Ella Frances Parker, 14, is the daughter of Cindy and Kevin Parker of Saltillo. Ella is a student at Saltillo High School where she is on the honor roll, a member of the Junior Beta Club, National Junior Honor Society and varsity coed cheerleading team. Her platform is “You Matter, 100% – An Anti-Bullying Platform for Peace.”

• Miss Hattiesburg’s Outstanding Teen Jane Granberry, 16, is the daughter of Hermine and Bill Granberry of Hattiesburg. Jane attends Oak Grove High School where she serves as a junior class officer, is a member of the Golden Spirits dance team, Beta Club, Key Club, Civitan, Spanish Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Her platform is Learn to Look It Up!

• Miss Jackson’s Outstanding Teen Jenna Roland, 16, is the daughter of Leah Roland and Malcolm Roland of Oxford. Jenna attends Oxford High School where she is on the principal’s list and honor roll. She has also been selected for both the Honor and Allstate choirs of Mississippi. Her platform is Lights, Love, Action

• Miss Jones County’s Outstanding Teen Abney Grace Pittman, 15, is the daughter of Sandy Pittman and Ricky Pittman of Waynesboro. Abney attends Wayne Academy where she is on the A Honor Roll, a member or the National Beta Club and serves as her class secretary. She was also awarded a Rotary International Scholarship. Her platform is KID KOMFORT.

• Miss Lake City’s Outstanding Teen Hannah Briscoe, 16, is the daughter of Pam and Jeff Briscoe of Gore Springs. Hannah attends Grenada High School where she is on the Superintendent’s List. She is a Duke Tip Scholar, received the Daughter’s of the American Revolution Citizenship award and is a member of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club. Her platform is Music Mends.

• Miss Modern South’s Outstanding Teen Tori Johnston, 16, is the daughter of Jennifer and Bard Johnston of Madison. Tori attends Jackson Preparatory School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Mu math honor society, Tri-M music honor society and has served on the student council. Her platform is Shining a Light on Special Needs.

• Miss Natchez Trace’s Outstanding Teen Mary Mac Parnell, 16, is the daughter of Dr. Don Parnell and Mrs. Ellen Parnell of Oxford. Mary Mac is a student at Oxford High School. Her platform is Take a Stand, Lend a Hand.

• Miss Neshoba County’s Outstanding Teen Khloe Cockerham, 17, is the daughter of Kelly and Wayne Williams and Chasity and Brent Cockerham of Union. Khloe attends Union High School where she is an honor roll student and a member of the Beta Club. She is a cheerleader and a member of the tennis team. Her platform is Attacking Addiction: Prevention, Recovery & Restoring Families.

• Miss Nettleton’s Outstanding Teen Gracie Mae Hendrix, 14, is the daughter of Melissa and Les Hendrix of Nettleton. Gracie is a student at Nettleton Jr. High School. Her platform is Speak up for Speech.

• Miss New South’s Outstanding Teen Rebekah Wallace, 14, is the daughter of Shay and Greg Wallace of Olive Branch. Rebekah is a student at Center Hill Middle School. She was maned “Hero of the Week” by Red Sneakers for Oakley, and has raised more than $2,500 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her platform is Epi-Cares: Epinephrine Education and Awareness.

• Miss North Central Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Abby Williams, 16, is the daughter of Angela and Jason Rodgers of Grenada. Abby attends Grenada High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Anchor Club, Superintendent’s List and the cheer squad. Her platform is The Power to Hear – Bringing Awareness of No Insurance for Hearing Aids.

• Miss Northeast Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Rylie Ozbirn, 15, is the daughter of Jala and Mark Ozbirn of New Albany. Rylie is a student at Ingomar Attendance Center where she is a member of the Beta Club and Hospitality Club. She is a class representative and student body treasurer. Her platform is Drowning Awareness.

• Miss Pontotoc Ridge’s Outstanding Teen Grace McAllister, 16, is the daughter of Christie McAllister of Nettleton. Grace is a student at Nettleton High School. Her platform is Breaking the Silence: Giving a Voice to the Victims of Sexual Abuse.

• Miss Pride of the South’s Outstanding Teen Abigail Grace Beissel, 13, is the daughter of Stacey and Canon Beissel of Grenada. Abigail is a student at Kirk Academy where she has a 4.0 GPA. She is a 2016 DAR essay winner and a 2018 runner-up. She was also selected for the Duke Tip ACT program in the 7th grade. Her platform is Kindness, Caring and Kidneys.

• Miss Rankin County’s Outstanding Teen MacKenzie Grace Brownlee, 14, is the daughter of Cynthia Brownlee of Laurel. MacKenzie is a student at Stringer Attendance Center where she is an honor student. She has been a member of the student council for four years and is the Beta Club secretary. Her platform is Buddy Not Bully.

• Miss Red Carpet City’s Outstanding Teen Mia Parker, 17, is the daughter of Tracie Ryals and John Parker, Jr. of Grenada. Mia is a student at Grenada High School where she is in the Honor Society and on the All A honor roll and Superintendent’s list. She is a member of the Grenada Visions Show choir. Her platform is Singing “Vanilla Ice Cream.”

• Miss Red Hills’ Outstanding Teen Camryn Baddley, 16, is the daughter of Angel and Lance Baddley of Eupora. Camryn attends East Webster High School where she is a member of FCA and Beta Club. She is a cheerleader and was selected to serve on the homecoming court. Her platform is Celebrating Animal Rescue.

• Miss Rhythm and Blues’ Outstanding Teen Zoe Allison Bigham, 16, is the daughter of Michele and Jeff Mosley and Cassie and J. T. Bigham of Louisville. Zoe attends Winston Academy where she is a member of the National Honor Society and Anchor Club. She is an All-American Cheerleader and serves on the Mayors Youth Council. Her platform is Coats for Christmas/Zoe’s Closet.

• Miss Ridgeland’s Outstanding Teen Elle Lingle, 15, is the daughter of Naomi and Richard Lingle of Ridgeland. Elle attends Jackson Preparatory School where she is on the honor roll, a member of Tri-M Music Society and Revillon Show choir. She lettered in the U.S. Equestrian Federation Athlete Program and is a member of the Mississippi Hunter Jumpers Association. Her platform is The Safe Horse Project.

• Miss Saltillo’s Outstanding Teen Sydney Dugger, 16, is the daughter of Stephanie Box of Guntown. Sydney is a student at Saltillo High School where she is involved in cheer, a Diamond Girl, and a member of the Anchor Club. She is involved in volunteer work. Her platform is Every Child Matters.

• Miss Southern Oak’s Outstanding Teen Evans Rhett, 15, is the daughter of Victoria and Brad Stuckard and Lucy and Chris Rhett of Columbus. Evans is a student at Heritage Academy where she is a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club. She served as cheer captain in the 9th grade. Her platform is Wake Up for Down Syndrome.

• Miss Tupelo’s Outstanding Teen Emily Warren, 16, is the daughter of Amanda and Doug Warren of Pontotoc. Emily is a student at Pontotoc High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society, the ACT 30+ Club and the Beta Club. She is the captain of the color guard and is a cheerleader. Her platform is You Matter – Mental Health and Suicide Awareness.

• Miss Vicksburg’s Outstanding Teen Mattie Grace Morris, 16, is the daughter of Monica and Mitch Morris of Brandon. Mattie attends  Hartfield Academy where she was chosen to represent the school as a National Youth Leader Scholar. She is a member of the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Company and served as a page for Senator Josh Harkins. Her platform is Fit is Fun.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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