Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Nearly a dozen students from around the state and region are contestants Oct. 21 for the 2011 Miss Mississippi State University Pageant.
The annual selection of the land-grant institution's representative to the Miss Mississippi Pageant begins at 7 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium of Lee Hall. Competition categories include personal interview, swim wear, talent, evening wear, and on-stage question.
Tickets are $10; $5 for MSU students with valid identification.
"Miss MSU represents our university throughout the year as a spokesperson as she competes for the title of Miss Mississippi and, possibly, Miss America," said pageant adviser Heidie Lindsey.
"At this year's pageant, we also will be announcing the 'People's Choice Award' for the contestant receiving the most 'votes,'" the Colvard Student Union associate director said.
Lindsey explained that audience members will have the opportunity to "vote" by contributing paper money on behalf of their favorite contestant. "The voting will begin when the doors open at 6 p.m. and continue until the start of the talent competition," she added.
The 2011 MSU contestants include (by hometown):
BRANDON--Sophomore Molly R. Nail, an animal and dairy science/equine science and production major. The daughter of Chris and Pam Nail, she is a Brandon High School graduate.
CEDAR BLUFF--Freshman Katelyn R. Ware, a biology/pre-medicine major. The daughter of Paul and Susan Ware, she is a West Point High School graduate.
FLOMATON, Ala.--Senior Lauren C. Holt, a communication/broadcasting major. The daughter of Mike and Lisa Holt, she is a Flomaton High School graduate who also attended Jefferson Davis Community College.
FRENCH CAMP--Freshman Treasure J. Box, a communication/broadcast major. The daughter of Keith and Jennifer Box, she is a graduate of French Camp Academy.
GRENADA--Junior Stephanie C. Stanford, a biochemistry/pre-medicine major. The daughter of Dr. Keith Stanford and Cindy Nobile, she is a Kirk Academy graduate who also attended Mississippi College.
LUMBERTON, Texas--Junior Loren N. Dean, communication/public relations major. The daughter of Scott and Marcie Dean, she is a graduate of Brighton High School in Covington, Tenn.
MADISON--Junior Katie Ruth Robertson, a communication/public relations major. The daughter of Gene and Cyndie Robertson, she is a Ridgeland High School graduate.
MATHISTON--Junior Criston L. Lewis, an educational psychology major. The daughter of Scott and Shelia Lewis, she is an East Webster High School graduate.
MERIDIAN--Sophomore Jourdan L. Schulte, an elementary education major. The daughter of Lynn and Lee Schulte, she is a West Lauderdale High School graduate.
NEW ALBANY--Sophomore Delia M. Turner, a double-major in political science and English. The daughter of Tommy and Elaine Turner, she is an Ingomar High School graduate.
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev.--Senior Talisha D. Lee, a communication/broadcasting major. The daughter of Queenie Johnson and Reginald Simon, she is a graduate of Rancho High School in Nevada who also attended Bevill State Community College in Alabama. [Lee's residential ZIP code is 89081.]
For additional pageant information, contact Lindsey at 662-325-3063 or hlindsey@saffairs.msstate.edu.