On November 22, several talented young women competed for the titles of Miss Vicksburg and Miss Key to the South at Warren Central High School. The titleholders will represent the City of Vicksburg at the Miss Mississippi Scholarship Competition in June.
The program opened with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by Karly May Daffron. The event was emceed by Kami May Mitchell alongside the current Miss Mississippi’s Teen, Avery McNair. Contestants began with the Health and Fitness phase of competition, where each showcased her commitment to wellness and confidence on stage. In accordance with Miss America Organization requirements, all contestants wore Rebel X Wear.
During the Talent phase:
• Skylar Harden (MSU) performed a powerful rendition of “River Deep, Mountain High.”
• Savannah Ogden (USM) energized the stage with a baton jazz routine to “I Will Survive/Survivor.”
• AnneMarie Jeffers (USM) showcased her vocal abilities with “Crossing a Bridge” from the Broadway musical Anastasia.
• Haley Fortenberry (Jones College) performed a dynamic color guard routine to music by The Weather Girls.
• Closing out the category, Rylee Hailey (USM) performed “In My Dreams” from Anastasia—earning her the Overall Talent Award.
Each contestant then answered an onstage question provided by the judges, who had conducted private interviews earlier in the day. Miss Mississippi’s Teen Avery McNair also joined them on stage for this segment.
The final phase was Red Carpet/Evening Wear, where each contestant made a striking impression in her formal gown. There was a tie for the Overall Evening Wear Award:
• Skylar Harden, in a fitted pink gown adorned with rhinestones, sequins, and a dramatic train.
• Rylee Hailey, in an elegant one-shoulder blue gown embellished with sequins.
As Auditor Susan McKenna finalized the scoring, the audience enjoyed a special performance of “For Good” from the Broadway musical Wicked, sung by Kami May Mitchell and Karly May Daffron.
Before the crowning of the new titleholders, two additional recognitions were made:
Jaydah Fuller was introduced as the new Miss Vicksburg’s Teen 2026, and Samantha Bailey was introduced as the new Miss Key to the South’s Teen 2026.
Finally, the moment arrived. We are proud to announce:
• Miss Vicksburg 2026: Skylar Harden
• Miss Key to the South 2026: Rylee Hailey
These outstanding young women will advance to compete on the Miss Mississippi stage in Vicksburg, June 6–13, 2026.
