The Jones County Junior College Most Beautiful Pageant was held Nov. 10 in the M. P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. Twenty-four young women competed for the title this year, but only one took the crown.
The evening began with an opening statement from the Lair’s own Amie McCormick followed by the parade of contestants and the introduction of the night’s emcee. Jones OnStage entertained the audience during the judges’ deliberation and final intermission. Joe Mauldin provided accompaniment on the piano for the group and individual modeling portions of competition.
JCJC alumna and former Miss Mississippi finalist Leighann Pacific served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening. The Pageant Director this year was Patty Todd.
The judges deliberated on a top ten in the competition and selected Carlie Purvis, Ariel Blalock, Kaylee Lack, Bailey White, Victoria Hosey, Katelyn Stone, Phebe Tisdale, Brittani Powe, Maggie Merrell, and Ashlynn Breland for an onstage interview question. Cheyenne Fraun received the award for Audience Choice, Ashlynn Breland was chosen as Most Photogenic and Alexus Hickson was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Bailey White placed as fourth alternate, Victoria Hosey placed as third alternate, Kaylee Lack was second to the crown, and first alternate was Phebe Tisdale.
JCJC’s Most Beautiful 2016 was sophomore Katelyn Stone of Hattiesburg. Stone also was named the essay contest winner.
“I am just really thankful and glad I did the pageant. I never thought I’d win, but it just shows what trying new things can accomplish,” said Stone.
Stone was crowned by Most Beautiful 2015 winner Kayte Avera. According Avera, the night was very bittersweet, but an unforgettable experience for the new winner.
“The title went to a girl that was very well deserving,” said Avera.
by Alexis Melendez
