Miss Mississippi celebrates Read Across America

Last updated: March 13, 2023

Miss Mississippi Emmie Perkins and Miss Mississippi’s Teen Cameron Davis, along with contestants from across the state, celebrated the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and Read Across America Week. Service is a pillar of the Miss America Organization and is embraced by the Miss Mississippi Corporation. This is just one example of how they provide service opportunities for contestants to impact their communities. Read Across America Week celebrates the importance, value, and fun of reading. By encouraging contestants to volunteer to read in their communities across Mississippi, the Miss Mississippi Corporation is helping to create not only the next generation of readers but also the next generation of volunteers.

Emmie Perkins, Miss Mississippi 2022, said, “Going into Mississippi classrooms is so important and is my top priority as Miss Mississippi and as a lifelong volunteer. These children are our future!” Emmie volunteered at schools in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Cameron Davis, Miss Mississippi’s Teen 2023, stated, “My community service initiative this entire year has centered around volunteerism. I try to encourage a monthly project for all Mississippians to participate in, and I was so excited to select Read Across America as my March monthly service project.” Cameron volunteered at the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Meridian and was part of their Dr. Seuss Celebration.

In late April, the 16 teen contestants will return to Vicksburg for the Miss Mississippi’s Teen Pageant, which will consist of a weekend of showcasing talent, interview skills, and social impact achievements. One outstanding young woman will be awarded the title of Miss Mississippi’s Teen on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Contestants will compete for more than $50,000 in cash scholarships and in-kind tuition waivers and for the chance to compete at Miss America’s Teen this summer.

This summer, 38 Miss contestants will celebrate 90 years of Miss Mississippi, where they will compete in interview, talent, evening wear, fitness, and on-stage question categories. Contestants will compete for more than $100,000 in cash scholarships and hundreds of thousands of in-kind tuition waivers generously offered by colleges and universities across Mississippi.