Forty young ladies participated in the Jones College pageant this year, with Kayla Hamil of Ellisville winning Most Beautiful.
The event began with Jones sophomore Daniel Baldwin presenting Alexis Carter as the MC of the ceremony.
“Having the privilege to introduce her was a great experience. This was such a classy night and an honor to be able to watch the contestants,” said Baldwin. “They blew me away!”
Alexis Carter is a successful photographer and Jones alumnus who owns a photography studio in Hattiesburg where she offers makeup, headshots and fashion products to young women.
Carter introduced each student with a detailed resume, including their background, major and plans after Jones.
Three judges determine the top ten contestants. Other categories include most photogenic, audience choice award and the essay winner.
The top ten contestants are Tashayla Broomfield of Lawrence, Haley Fortenberry of Collins, Xoe Lockhart of Carriere, Anna Grace Bolivar of Laurel, Cambrey Irby of Enterprise, Abigail Trejo of Moselle, Emma Grace Buckley of Baysprings, Kayla Hamil, Cameron Upchurch of Laurel and Ashlyn Buster of Pachuta.
The top four winners include First Alternate- Abigail Trejo, Second Alternate- Emma Grace Buckley, Third Alternate- Kameron Upchurch and Fourth Alternate- Ashlyn Buster.
Lockhart, who received Most Photogenic and was in the top ten, is also a dancer in The Touch of Gold Dance Team at Jones and was elected “Miss Jones College” by her peers.
“Receiving most photogenic was a surprise for me,” said Lockhart. “I was backstage guessing Kayla Hamil was going to get it instead. Receiving this award and winning Miss Jones College have been huge blessings for me this year.”
Last year’s Most Beautiful Winner, Rylee Howse, returned to Jones to help crown this year’s winner. As each student received their ranking, Howse granted them a bouquet of roses.
“It was an honor to hand my crown down. Everyone was stunning!” said Howse.
After a brief intermission, sophomore Kayla Hamil received The Audience Choice Award, Most Beautiful and was the essay winner. In contrast to most of the top ten, Hamil won over the judges and audience with a silk black dress with silver engrained designs.
“They really liked white dresses. There were about eight girls in the top ten with white dresses; however, I think it just comes down to how you present yourself,” said Hamil.
Hamil, whose first pageant was in high school where she placed top ten, said winning her first college pageant is surreal.
“I think you should definitely practice for a pageant, but most importantly have fun. Anyone can be crowned the most beautiful, and I encourage all students to try,” said Hamil.
by Jacarious Roberts