Donald crowned Miss Black Neshoba County

Hailey Donald, the winner of the recently revived Miss Black Neshoba County Pageant, said she formed a sisterhood with other competitors throughout the competition. 

“We were all so encouraging to each other which is what made the experience more fun,” said Donald, a 17-year-old upcoming Philadelphia High School senior, who is the daughter of Kizzy and Keaton Donald. “It felt good to be in the midst of so much positivity.” 

Eight contestants ages 16 to 21 competed in the Miss Black Neshoba County Pageant held for the first time in nearly 20 years on June 19 at the Westside Community Center in Philadelphia. 

Contestants competed in African attire, evening gown and on-stage question segments with the theme of “Making Our Ancestors Proud.”

All contestants were residents of Neshoba County or have attended or graduated from a school located in Neshoba County.

“I worked so hard for it,” said Donald of winning the pageant. “I didn’t know that I would win, but once I did, I knew it was because of all the hard work I put into it.” 

Donald, who also competed in the Miss Distinguish Young Woman pageant in April, said she was elated to win the Miss Black Neshoba County Pageant. 

“This pageant gives young girls something to be proud about,” Donald said of the Miss Black Neshoba County Pageant. 

Other winners were first runner-up Kyleigh Moore, 15, daughter of Marcus and Shandra Wilson, and second runner-up T’Kenzley Moore, 17, daughter of Lakecia Moore and Twarski Kirkland.

Shandra Wilson, the mother of first runner-up, Kyleigh Moore, said she was impressed by how the girls performed, and she believes the pageant builds confidence. 

“I felt proud as a parent to see the girls rooting for each other throughout the pageant,” Wilson said. 

Donald said the spirit of sisterhood overcame the spirit of competition.

“It didn’t even feel like a competition,” Donald said. “I feel like this pageant was a big mark in history.”