The opening number for the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. The contestants in the pageant preformed an opening dance to "Bright Lights, Big City," the theme for this year's pageant.
Barbie Bassett, a former Miss Mississippi, being introduced as one of the judges for the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Bassett graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in Mass Communications and was WLBT's first chief meteorologist in the station's 50 year history.
Muriel Collins, a sophomore from Union, Mississippi, performing a commercial during the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. The commercial portion of the pageant was a new addition and required participants to deliver a 60 second commercial promoting Mississippi College.
Rachel Lawrence, a freshman from Lena, Mississippi, performing during the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Participants performed a talent routine consisting of either singing, dancing, acting, or even color guard.
Halle Leggett, a freshman from Collins, Mississippi, being asked a question by David Parker during the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. After a walk down the catwalk in their evening gown attire, participants selected a question from the fish bowl for an on stage interview.
Muriel Collins, a sophomore from Union, Mississippi, during the evening gown competition of the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25th. At the end of the catwalk, Collins was encouraged by a hot pink sign.
Jesse Bingham walks the catwalk while her father looks on during the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Families of contestants sat throughout the audience as their loved ones competed.
Kendall Covington, Miss Mississippi College 2015, performs in the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Each year, the previous Miss Mississippi College preforms her talent as a farewell from her year of service. Since there was not a 2016 Miss Mississippi College pageant, Covington served for two years.
Lydia Myers, a junior from Laurel, Mississippi, being crowned Miss Mississippi College at the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Lydia received a crown, sash, flowers, scholarship, & numerous gifts from local Clinton, Mississippi businesses.
Wiping a tear from her eye, Lydia Myers began her walk as the new Miss Mississippi College at the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Myers walked the catwalk to the sound of cheers from the audience.
Lydia Myers waving to the crowd as the new Miss Mississippi College at the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. The audience looked on as she took her victory walk.
A little girl taking a peak during the 2017 Miss Mississippi College scholarship pageant in Clinton, Mississippi on February 25, 2017. Following the show, she snuck onto stage to take a peak at the past & present Miss Mississippi College sharing a hug.