Miss Black Neshoba County crowned
Six contestants gathered at the Westside Community Center Saturday night for the highly-anticipated Miss Black Neshoba County Pageant hosted by Mayor James Young.
The contestants participated in the categories of Talent, African Attire and Evening Gown.
Taking the top spot and winning the prestigious title was Marlee Washington. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Mangold and Melonie Washington and she is a junior at Neshoba Central High School. Washington also received the Best Hair Award.
The first runner-up was Imaria Wilson, the 18-year-old daughter of Ashley and Allen Greer and Maurice Wilson. She also won the Miss Congeniality Award.
The second runner-up was Christany Spencer, the 14-year-old daughter of Brittany Payton and Christopher Spencer. She also won the Most Photogenic Award.
Other Special Category Awards were also awarded for:
• Best Smile – Kera Grace Easley, the 18 year-old daughter of Michelle Easley.
• Best Dress – Charity Nicole Moore, the 18-year-old daughter of David and Charlotte Moore.
• Director’s Award – Ta’Chaslan Greer, the 16-year-old daughter of Kareen and Natalie Greer.
• Assistant Directors Award – Leah Wilder, the 15-year-old daughter of Nickolas Wilder and Courtney Hadley.
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 in categories of Group Talent, Formal Attire and Prepared Remarks.
Taking home top honors and the title was Zyniyah Pickens. Zyniyah is the 9-year-old daughter of Anthony and Dudrika Pickens. She is in the 4th grade at Philadelphia Elementary School. Zyniyah also won Best Smile.
The first runner-up was Raelyn Skinner, the 10-year-old daughter of Tiesha Hoskins and Dustin Skinner. Raelyn also won the Directors Award.
The second runner-up was Layla Walker, the 11-year-old daughter of Jasmine Walker. Layla also won the Most Photogenic Award and Assistant Directors Award.
Additional Special Category Awards were awarded for:
• Best Dress – Caleigh Carter, the 7-year-old daughter of James and Tamara Carter.
• Best Hair – Karlie Willis, the 7-year-old daughter of Angela Willis and Terrance Boyd.