Miss Hospitality wins big at state pageant

Published 12:22 pm Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Jefferson Davis County Miss Hospitality Mariah Evans competed in the state pageant last week and did not walk away empty handed.

Evans was presented with the coveted Felicia Manley Horton Community Service Award during the Friday night portion of the competition. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship.

The Mississippi Miss Hospitality program recognizes outstanding community service through various awards, including the Felicia Manley Horton Community Service Scholarship.

This scholarship, named for a local representative known for her dedication to service, is awarded to a contestant who demonstrates significant commitment to her hometown through community involvement as a local titleholder.

Evans led donation drives for the Ronald McDonald House and foster children in Jefferson Davis and Lawrence County.

She is passionate about advocacy and community awareness and believes law empowers her to speak for others while journalism informs.

“As only the second young woman we’ve supported in recent years through the JDC Economic Development District, Mariah continues a growing legacy of excellence, service and hometown pride,” said Jefferson Davis County Economic Development Director Gary Russell Bass. “She didn’t just represent us, she inspired us,” he said.

Not only did Evans receive the community service award, but she also placed in the Top 11 during the final night of competition on Saturday.

“Evans has made all of Jeff Davis County proud, earning a Top 11 placement out of 47 and winning the prestigious community service award at the state Miss Hospitality pageant,” said Bass.  “Her achievement is a shining example of what happens when passion meets purpose,” he said.

Evans said she arrived at the pageant feeling a little like Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality.

“I was wide-eyed, a bit unsure and full of hope, but I left with 46 new sisters, unforgettable memories and a heart overflowing with gratitude,” said Evans.

“Both honors I received reflect not just my efforts, but the love and support I’ve been surrounded by,” she said.

Evans thanked her parents, Michael and Dionna Evans, her local directors Angie Ladner and Gary Bass and her grandfather, Rev. Otha Evans.

“To the people of Jefferson Davis County, thank you for trusting me to represent you,” said Evans. “I carried your stories, your love and your legacy with me every step of the way. This community made me who I am,” she said.

Bassfield Mayor Angie Ladner served as the local pageant director for Evans and said she could not have represented this county any better.

“Mariah is one of the most driven, loyal and committed young ladies that I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Ladner. “She will definitely have a very bright and successful future and I am honored that I had the opportunity to represent her as the local director,” she said.

Evans is an incoming freshman at the University of Mississippi and will major in Pre-Law and Journalism.