The final preliminary competitions leading up to the 2024 Miss Mississippi Competition were held Saturday afternoon at the Parkside Playhouse Theatre. Brelynn Beck was crowned Miss Vicksburg; Karslyn Ulmer of Laurel was crowned Miss Key to the South; and Jamelia Mason of Tunica was crowned Miss Riverbend.

Beck, who is a Vicksburg resident, said she was “shocked” when she heard her name called.

“I have competed in four preliminaries this year and everyone kept telling me whatever title I get was made for me, therefore being able to represent my hometown is such a full circle moment for me,” Beck said. “I was Little Miss Vicksburg when I was younger and being able to represent a town that has given so much to me is an honor. I am so ready for my year as Miss Vicksburg and being able to make the city I was raised in proud of me. I am so excited to be going back to Miss Mississippi this year and being able to talk about the importance of mental health to the younger generation.”

Each of the seven candidates who competed for the crowns and titles participated in five phases of competition beginning with a private interview that was held earlier in the day at The Mulberry Vicksburg. The remaining phases of the competition – talent/HERStory, health/fitness, on-stage conversation, and evening wear – were held at the theater.

After all phases of competition were completed, scores were tabulated by auditor Jessica Hardaway and the winners were crowned by 2023 Miss Vicksburg Morgan Nelson.

Earlier in the competition, Nelson took her final walk as Miss Vicksburg and gave her farewell speech to all that had helped her on her journey. Nelson will go on to compete again this year in the 2024 Miss Mississippi Competition representing Mississippi State University.

In addition to their title and crown, winners of the preliminary competitions received flowers from competition directors Amanda Harris and Racheal Hollowell, both of Vicksburg.

“This was an outstanding event with some really good talent,” Harris said. “These ladies will represent Vicksburg greatly.”

Remaining competitors for the 2024 preliminary competitions were Mallie Chase Faulkner, Britney Diaz-Roman, Peyton Cocroft and Skylar Harden.

Erin Southard and Cindy Fowler served as emcees for the event.

Also on hand during Saturday’s event were 2024 Miss Vicksburg Teen Addie Grace Clay, who is the 13-year-old daughter of Cori Clay and Robert and Erika Clay; and 2024 Miss Key to the South Teen Maddie Kay Snow, who is the 15-year-old daughter of Steven and Cheri Snow. Both young women will compete in the 2024 Miss Mississippi’s Teen Competition April 19-21 at the Ardis T. Williams Auditorium in Vicksburg.

Titleholders from Saturday’s preliminary competitions will begin their journey to the Miss Mississippi title on Jan. 9 as they participate in the Governor’s Inauguration Parade in Jackson.

The 2024 Miss Mississippi Competition will be held June 5-8 at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Terri Frazier and Amanda Harris contributed to this report.