Miss Black Neshoba County crowned
The Miss Black Neshoba County and Little Miss Black Neshoba County pageants were held Saturday at the Westside Community Center.
Philadelphia Mayor James Young attended and opened the evening event with a welcome and a prayer.
Six stunning contestants competed before the packed house.
Kenadi Stallings, the 16-year-old daughter of Ladonna Jenkins and Jerry Stallings, took the top spot and won the prestigious title. She also received the Prettiest Hair Award.
The first runner-up was Hannah Bennett, the 15-year-old daughter of Marissa Donald, Calvin Bennett, and stepfather Ronnie Donald. Hannah also won the Miss Congeniality Award.
The second runner-up was Kera Grace Easley, the 19-year-old daughter of Michelle Easley. Grace also received the Assistant Director’s Award.
Other Special Category Awards were also awarded for:
• Most Photogenic: Abby Peebles, the 17-year-old daughter of Olivia Peebles and Paul Roy.
• Best Dress: Hailei Spencer, the 15-year-old daughter of Kenny Spencer and Jameliah Meridith.
• Director’s Award: Christany Spencer, the 15-year-old daughter of Brittany Payton and Christopher Spencer.
In the Little Miss Division, five contestants competed for the crown on Saturday. With poise and great confidence, they each stood before the large crowd and competed.
Taking home top honors, the crown and title was Chloe Grace Brown. Chloe is the 9-year-old daughter of Akeinnis and Ericia Brown. She also won the Most Photogenic Award.
The first runner-up was Khloe Gill, the 11-year-old daughter of Kendall Gill. Khloe also received the Best Smile Award.
The second runner-up was Raelyn Skinner, the 11-year-old daughter of Tiesha Hoskins and Dustin Skinner. Raelyn also won the Best Dress Award.
Additional Special Category Awards were awarded for:
• Prettiest Hair and Assistant Director’s Award: Eli Myr Anderson, the 7-year-old daughter of Matthew and Jasmine Anderson.
• Director’s Award: Hannah Moore, the 10-year-old daughter of Tim and Andrea Moore.
The event was a beautiful display of community spirit and talent, with all participants shining brightly.
“We are incredibly proud of all the young ladies who participated in this year’s pageant,” said Pageant Director Erica Moore. “Their hard work, dedication, and grace were truly inspiring. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents for their unwavering support and to the community for coming together to celebrate these amazing girls. A special thank you to all the local royalty who attended and supported our event. Your presence made the evening even more special. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the pageant staff and judges for their tireless efforts and commitment to making this event a success.”