2026 Contestants

BOONEVILLE: Eleanor Glidewell

Eleanor Glidewell, an incoming freshman at Mississippi State University majoring in Biomedical Engineering on a premedical track, served as Student Government Association President and held leadership roles across multiple organizations. She is active in her church, passionate about fitness and service, and volunteers with special needs and community outreach.

CLARKE COUNTY: Emory Baxley

Emory Baxley is a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi majoring in nursing. She is a member of the Dean’s List, Lambda Sigma Honors Society, the College Panhellenic Council, and serves as her sorority's Wellness Chairman. Her career goal is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics.

COVINGTON COUNTY: Jacy Mitchell

Jacy Mitchell, an upcoming freshman at Mississippi State University, plans to Major in Interior Design with a minor in marketing. Upon graduation, she plans to travel across the globe, with hopes to visit all 195 countries. She plans to own and run Mitchell Farms to continue her family legacy.

ELLISVILLE: Annie Byrd

Annie Byrd will begin her college journey at Mississippi State University in pursuit of a Biological Science degree. Annie is a six-time state champion drum major, Hugh O'Brien Leadership delegate, and skilled Eagle Scout. Annie will focus on her professional growth to pursue a career as an Emergency Medicine physician.

FORREST COUNTY: Ali Cross

An incoming transfer sophomore, Ali Cross will attend Southern Miss to pursue a degree in speech pathology. Previously at MSU, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, the Pre-SLP Club, and Shackouls Honors College. Ali aspires to become a speech pathologist in the NICU, promoting early communication and feeding.

GEORGE COUNTY: Alivia Stringer

Alivia is a 2026 highest honors graduate of George County High School. She was a Collegiate Academy student who graduated in May with her Associate’s from MGCCC. Alivia will continue her education at William Carey University majoring in Chemistry, with plans to attend William Carey’s School of Pharmacy in 2027.

GREENE COUNTY: Riley Kate Byrd

Riley Kate is a student at Jones College with plans to attend UMMC to specialize in radiation therapy. She graduated top 10 in her class and was selected for the GCHS Hall of Fame. She works with a children's ministry program and performs with her family at local events.

HATTIESBURG: Alexandria Green

Alexandria Green graduated Cum Laude from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a Minor in Social Media Content and Strategy. She plans to pursue a career as an insurance agent in Hattiesburg and later pursue a graduate degree in business.

JACKSON: JALEAH GRAY

BIO COMING SOON

Jackson County: Brittny Anderson

Brittny Anderson Is pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse. She plans to further her education by earning a Bachelor's Degree and studying sonography. She enjoys dance, hunting, fishing, and frogging. Her interests include, healthcare, leadership, and serving her community.

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY: Asjah Hathorn

Asjah Z. Hathorn is an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Bassfield, and a 2026 graduate of Jefferson Davis County High School. Founder of Arrogant Kouture, she also serves on the Mayor's Youth Council and National Beta Club. She plans to pursue Nursing at The University of Southern Mississippi or Alcorn State University .

JONES COUNTY: Belle Kae' Brooks

Belle Kae' Brooks, a freshman at Jones College, will major in Radiography with the goal of becoming an X-ray Technician. She is passionate about her platform, "Covering the County," which highlights history, businesses, and fun facts of each county in the Magnolia State. Above all, she pursues Jesus Christ.

LAMAR COUNTY: Kelby Wingo

Kelby Wingo believes music has the power to bring people together. A music education major at Southern Miss and Purvis native, she is a Luckyday Scholar, Chi Omega member, campus tour guide, and vocalist with Spirit of Southern and Hub City Players, using music and service to connect with others.

LAUREL: Sydnie Reece Hollingshead

Sydnie Reece Hollingshead is a graduate of South Jones High School, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA. She proudly represents Laurel, Mississippi as Miss Hospitality and is honored to serve her community with grace, joy, and enthusiasm.

LAWRENCE COUNTY: Makayla Powell

Makayla Powell, a sophomore at William Carey University, is a Biology Pre Med major and plans to purse medical school specializing in radiology. As a Pi Omega and Pre SOMA member, she serves on several campus committees. Makayla enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with the people she loves.

LEAKESVILLE: Jacie Ethridge

A sophomore at Jones College, Jacie Ethridge's major is Radiologic Sciences. She is a social media marketer for multiple businesses. Jacie is a member of Main Street Leakesville and the local Chamber of Commerce. She volunteers with the Mississippi Day Program, local schools, and helping to plan Leakesville’s Bicentennial events.

LOWNDES COUNTY: Ava Logan

Ava is 20 years old and attends Northeast Mississippi Community College. She is currently a nursing student and also serves as a Tiger dancer. Performing at half time shows gives her an indescribable feeling. Her goal is to become a pediatric ICU nurse and help kids and families.

MAGEE: Avery Vanderford

Avery Vanderford is a graduate of Simpson County Academy and Copiah-Lincoln Community College. She will attend Mississippi State University majoring in Integrated Digital Marketing. In high school, she served on the Mayor’s Youth Council and Simpson County Future Leaders and was a varsity cheerleader, earning MAIS All-Star and All-American honors.

MARION COUNTY: Madelyn McKenzie

Madelyn McKenzie is a proud Marion County native and nursing major who is passionate about service, leadership, and community involvement. She enjoys staying active, creative projects, and giving back to others. Madelyn hopes to use her platform to promote kindness, confidence, and positive impact throughout Marion County.

MENDENHALL: Chloe Teasley

Chloe Teasley is a passionate, dedicated student devoted to medicine and serving others. She aims to graduate William Carey and attend medical school to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Chloe has earned awards for academics and community service. Her hobbies include Bible Study and cherishing time with family and friends.

MERIDIAN: Milan Greer

Milan Greer, a sophomore at Meridian Community College, is majoring in Medical Laboratory Science pursuing her Associate’s Degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician. She is a member of the college’s Baptist Student Union and actively involved on campus. She also enjoys reading, creative writing, and fashion.

NATCHEZ: Ainsley Dupre

Ainsley Dupre will attend the University of Mississippi to study Pre-law and Sociology. As a high school All Star soccer player, All Star dancer, and Student Body President, Ainsley was recently inducted into the ACCS Hall of Fame. She proudly serves her community as the Mayor's Youth Council President.

NESHOBA COUNTY: Maggie Taylor

Maggie Taylor is a junior biology major at the University of Mississippi, planning to attend optometry school. She graduated as Valedictorian and STAR Student from Neshoba Central High School, and was Neshoba's 2024 Distinguished Young Woman. Maggie is in the Honors College, Campus Ambassadors, and is Phi Mu Philanthropy Chairwoman.

NEW ALBANY: Landry Kent

Landry Kent, a freshman at Itawamba Community College, plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a Communications degree with an emphasis in Public Relations. An Honors student and president of ICC Indian Delegates, she is host of the ICC Athletic's "What a Play Wednesday" weekly segment.

NEWTON COUNTY: Mary Lee Gregory

Mary Lee Gregory is a recent Newton County High School graduate. This fall she will be attending East Central Community College. After East Central she will attend The University of Southern Mississippi before continuing to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, in hopes to obtain a degree in Occupational Therapy.

PASCAGOULA: Melany Carrasco

Melany Carrasco plans to pursue a career in Public Relations. An Honors student at Pearl River Community College, she will attend the University of Mississippi as Multimedia Coordinator for The Daily Mississippian. She enjoys singing, photography, and content creation, and is passionate about using her voice to uplift others.

PEARL RIVER COUNTY: Anna Grace Amacker

Anna Grace Amacker is a graduate of Poplarville High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College, where she played soccer and volleyball. She is a student-athlete and community servant who values faith, family, and helping others. She plans to pursue travel nursing to serve while exploring the world.

PETAL: Lauren Shows

Lauren Shows, an upcoming junior at The University of Southern Mississippi, is majoring in Marketing and plans to pursue a career in athletic marketing. Involving herself with campus athletics, she is also a part of Eagle Connection and Student Alumni Association. She also works at Petal Nutrition and Petal FBC.

PIKE COUNTY: Carmen Dominguez

Carmen attends Southwest Mississippi Community College where she is Bear Tracker campus tour chair and a staff member for the Pine Burr newspaper and the Whispering Pines yearbook. She plans to attend Mississippi State University and hopes to become an aquatic veterinarian working on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

PONTOTOC COUNTY: Josie Warren

A graduate of Itawamba Community College and member of the student recruiting team, Josie Warren will attend Mississippi State University to study Graphic Design and Marketing this fall. She hopes to return to ICC’s marketing team and inspire Mississippians to begin their journey toward higher education at Itawamba Community College.

QUITMAN: Ava Parker

Ava Parker is a junior Psychology and Sociology double major at The University of Southern Mississippi. She is a Luckyday and Honors College Scholar, and a member of College Panhellenic Council, Southern Style, and is a university tour guide. After graduation, Ava plans to obtain her PhD in Higher Education.

RANKIN COUNTY: Marley Dew

Marley Dew, an incoming freshman at Mississippi Christian University, plans to pursue a career in medicine. A leader in theater, tennis, and volleyball, she is passionate about sharing God’s love by serving in missions in the Dominican Republic and hosting exchange students from the Czech Republic.

RIDGELAND: Sarah Hart

A sophomore at Mississippi State University, Sarah Hart is studying Biochemistry with a Pre-Medicine concentration. She is a member of Shackouls Honors College, Student Association, and Tri Delta sorority, being named New Member of the Year. She recently served as a Camp Ozark counselor. Sarah aspires to attend medical school.

SCOTT COUNTY: Allee Anderson

Allee Kristen Anderson is an 18-year-old leader and early high school graduate entering college as a junior at Southern Miss in fall 2026. She is passionate about community service, coaching cheer, and advocating for addiction awareness. Through creativity and leadership, she strives to inspire positive change in Mississippi and beyond.

SMITH COUNTY: Anistyn Ivy

Anistyn Ivy, a 2024 highest honors graduate of Raleigh High School, is a junior at Mississippi State University. There, she is a member of the Shackoul's Honors College and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Majoring in Biological Sciences, Anistyn's future plans include a career in nursing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

STARKVILLE: Presley Bassett

Presley Bassett is a senior at Mississippi State University majoring in Special Education. She will graduate in December and then plans to go to Occupational Therapy school. Presley is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and was recently inducted into Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for educators.

STONE COUNTY: KYLA GALLOWAY

Kyla Galloway is an incoming sophomore at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, majoring in Business. She serves as student body president for the Perkinston campus, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and performs with the MGCCC Band of Gold. She is passionate about leadership, service, and student engagement.

SUMRALL: Reese Johnson

As a biomedical engineering student at Mississippi State University, Reese Johnson is no stranger to working hard and meeting goals. Demonstrated by graduating Valedictorian of Sumrall High School’s 2024 class, completing over 440 hours of community service, and remaining an honors student in college while still making time for hobbies.

TATE COUNTY: Mary Lauren Lane

Mary Lauren Lane, an incoming freshman at the University of Mississippi, is majoring in Exercise Science and plans to become a pediatric occupational therapist. She is a recent Magnolia Heights School honors graduate. Mary Lauren enjoys hanging out with friends, watching movies, and going to Ole Miss athletic events.

WALTHALL COUNTY: Kyndal Blackwell

Kyndal Blackwell is a proud, faithful Christian that attends Tylertown Baptist Church. She is a member of the MS High School Rodeo Association, where she competes in barrel racing. In the fall, she will attend Southwest MS Community College working towards being an Equine Veterinarian.

WAYNE COUNTY: Lily Cooley

Lily Cooley is an upcoming sophomore Elementary Education major at William Carey University. She is actively involved as a member of the Carey Worship and Concert Choirs and Pi Omega Sorority. Dedicated to education and community engagement, she founded “Wayne County Little Locals” to introduce 4th graders to their local heritage.

WEST POINT: Hannah McKee

Hannah McKee, a freshman at East Mississippi Community College, is majoring in nursing and plans to pursue her BSN along with her Nurse Practitioner license. At West Point High School, she held multiple achievements, graduating with honors and 6th in her class.

WIGGINS: Makayla Fowler

Betty Makayla Fowler is a sophomore Presidential Scholar and Biological Sciences major at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. She plans to continue at The University of Southern Mississippi, pursuing medicine as a future general practitioner and dermatologist. Passionate about youth mentorship, she thrives on dance, connection, and building community relationships.

WINSTON COUNTY: Marley Lowrey

Marley Johnson Lowrey is an incoming freshman at East Central Community College, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology and plans to obtain a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She was named 2nd Alternate Distinguished Young Woman and the President of Crown Club. Marley is active in her church and community.