Each year, girls from around the State of Mississippi compete for the ultimate prize -- to be crowned as Miss Mississippi. This past week, 30 young women competed in the pageant, hoping for their dreams of being crowned Miss Mississippi would come true. For one lucky young woman, the dream came true on Saturday night, the last night of the pageant.
On Saturday night, the 30 contestants were narrowed down to the top 11 (usually a top 10, but there was a tie this year). The top 11 contestants competed in a talent, swimsuit, and evening gown competition. From there, the top 11 were narrowed down to the top five, during which the contestants were asked an on-stage question. After judging was complete, the winner was announced.
This year's winner of the title, Miss Mississippi 2015, was Southern Miss' very own, Miss University of Southern Mississippi, Hannah Roberts. Along with title and crown, Roberts also received a $10,000 scholarship.
As the new Miss Mississippi, Roberts will compete in the upcoming Miss America Pageant that will take place in early September in Atlantic City. Mississippi currently has four Miss America winners: Mary Ann Mobley (1959), Lynda Lee Mead (1960), Cheryl Prewitt (1980), and Susan Akin (1986). Roberts would be the fifth Miss America for the state and the first winner from the University of Southern Mississippi.
The Miss Mississippi Pageant is a Mississippi tradition. Beginning in 1934, the pageant has provided young women with thousands of dollars in scholarships. In addition to the scholarships, the pageant brings these young women from across the state, allowing them to gain valuable life experiences, as well as build lasting friendships.
Roberts competed along side three other Southern Miss students -- Arielle Dale, Miss New South; Bethany Cuevas, Miss Magnolia; and Michaela Moore, Miss Leaf River Valley.
Congratulations to all the scholarship winners and contestants! Big congratulations to the 2015 Miss Mississippi, Hannah Roberts! We know you'll make our school proud!
