Deep South's Outstanding Teen Pageant | Events

The following is a press release from the event coordinator:

“A Covington County Celebration” will be the theme of the 2013 Deep South’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, an official Miss America preliminary to be held at 3 p.m., Jan. 13 at Seminary School Multi-Purpose Center in Seminary.

Newly crowned Leaf River Valley’s Outstanding Teen Brooke Bullock will emcee. The extravaganza, a musical salute to Covington County’s rich history will feature Leaf Foundation scholarship winners as entertainers:  Miss Leaf River Valley Jordin Johnson, Miss Riverland Chloe Paige, Miss Deep South Brandy Jarvis, Pearl River Valley’s Outstanding Teen Kyra Mickens, Riverland’s Outstanding Teen Anne Elizabeth Buys and Covington County’s own Vivian O’Neal, Turtle Creeks’ Outstanding Teen.

Reigning Deep South’s Outstanding Teen Kate Robison of Laurel will be on hand to crown her successor.  According to the West Jones High School senior, “College scholarships are at the heart of this competition.  In this day in time, graduating with no debt is really a blessing.”  During her year of service, Robison was instrumental in her community through her platform work with teen abstinence.

The Miss Leaf River Valley Scholarship Pageant, The Miss Deep South Scholarship Pageant and The Miss Riverland Scholarship Pageant will all send their representatives to The Miss Mississippi Pageant, to be held in Vicksburg next summer.  In addition, Deep South, Leaf River Valley, Pearl River Valley, Riverland and Turtle Creek Outstanding Teen programs will each send representatives to Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Pageant.

Deep South’s OT is open to any young woman, who lives, works or attends school in Mississippi. According to Leaf Foundation Board Member Marie Shoemake of Collins, the teen division is open to young women who are 13-17 but have not yet reached their senior year of high school.  Contestants in the “Teen” division will compete in interview, talent, active wear, evening wear and platform/community service.

“Central to our mission,” says Deep South Executive Director Terry Fleming, “Is providing career opportunities for young women.  We are excited to award $13,000 in college scholarships to Mississippi students.”

Colleges and universities currently participating in the Leaf Foundation’s Scholarship Program include:  Antonelli College, Jones Junior College, Pearl River Community College, Jackson State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Delta State University, and William Carey University. 

We aim to pay tribute to Covington County’s heroes.  There is something about their quests throughout history that inspires all of us to be the best that we can be.”

Leaf Foundation Liaison Carroll Pierce of Seminary adds, “It is The Leaf Foundation’s hope that the 2013 Deep South’s Outstanding Teen will help Covington County continue to soar.”

Entry forms, schedules, and general information including corporate sponsorship opportunities are available online at <leafrivervalley.com> or by contacting Contestant Chair Rebecca Parsons at Elizabeth Blackwell Drive, Richton, MS 39476 or direct questions after 5 pm to rebeccaparsons2011@yahoo.com or 601-520-5393.\

Tickets are $5 and are available at the door as long as they last.