Miss Hospitality contestants from the region set to compete for state crown – Daily Leader

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SUBMITTED PHOTOS From left to right, Lawrence County Miss Hospitality, Allison Knight and her Little Miss, McKenzie Leigh Dorsey.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS From left to right, Pike County Miss Hospitality Sarah Grace Karas and her Little Miss, Raelyn Ann Knippers.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS From left to right, Walthall County Miss Hospitality, Leah Kate Mallette and her Little Miss, Maci Grace Carney.

The 75th annual Miss Hospitality Mississippi Pageant will take place July 12-13 at the Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre. Forty-two women will represent every region of the state, with the winner serving a one-year term as Mississippi’s official ambassador for economic development and tourism.

“Highlighting the importance of tourism and economic development is critical to the future of our state, and we look forward to a week of showcasing the accomplishments and community service of these emerging leaders,” said program director Kristen Brock. “Retaining the incredible talent of our candidates is a priority, so we are especially proud to offer the largest in-state scholarship opportunities in the program’s history.”

Throughout the week, candidates will attend social events, participate in community service projects, and attend rehearsals and competitions.

The pageant also includes a “Little Miss Hospitality” component, which encourages local representatives to mentor a young girl from their hometown, ages 6 to 10. If crowned the next Miss Hospitality Mississippi, the contestant’s Little Miss will serve alongside her as she fulfills her duties and responsibilities.

Allison Knight represents Lawrence County in the Miss Hospitality pageant. Allison Knight is pursuing a nursing degree as a freshman at East Central Community College while playing basketball for the Warriors. In high school, she was a member of student government and was a member of the basketball, volleyball, track and softball teams. Allison Knight was the 11th grade bridesmaid, a two-time district champion and a two-time district basketball player. She also won the basketball team captain award.

She enjoys basketball, cooking, traveling and fishing. Knight’s little miss is named McKenzie Leigh Dorsey.

Sarah Grace Karas, a recent graduate of Southwest Mississippi Community College, represents Pike County. She has been co-captain of the Redline Dance Team, a featured dancer in the Stage Band, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Baptist Student Union, and the choir. She is a dance instructor and professional choreographer.

Karas will attend the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall, pursuing a degree in elementary education. She plans to teach fourth through sixth grade in Mississippi. Her girlfriend is Raelyn Ann Knippers.

Leah Kate Mallette, a senior at Parklane Academy, represents Walthall County. Mallette will attend Mississippi College in the fall on the Leland Speed ​​Scholarship, majoring in biomedical sciences and planning to become an obstetrician. She plans to continue her education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Mallette is president of Mu Alpha Theta and the Honors Society at Parklane, and is ranked in the top 10 of her class. Her little Miss Hospitality is Maci Grace Carney.