November 14, 2025
Six exceptional ladies showcased their talents and ambitions under the spotlight at the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts, where they competed for the coveted titles of Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County on Nov. 11. Faith Wascomb was crowned Miss PRCC 2026 and Laura Smith was crowned Miss Pearl River County 2026.
Stevie Westrope was selected as the first alternate and was recognized for selling the most program ads. Jada Johnson was chosen as the second alternate and won the talent competition. Wascomb was voted Miss Congeniality by her peers and won the evening gown competition.
PRCC’s Director of Marketing and Recruitment, Dr. Kari Eve Valence, served as master of ceremonies. Valence shared a brief history of the Miss America competition, including the shift to a scholarship program in the 1940s. The winner of the Miss PRCC competition receives a full-tuition scholarship. The winner of the new Miss Pearl River County receives a half-tuition scholarship. Both ladies will receive a $1,000 scholarship to William Carey University.
Judges for this year’s competition included Mrs. Terry Fleming, Mrs. Martha Lee, Mrs. Stephanie Jackson, Dr. Paul Miller, and Mr. Carl Thomas.
“Unbreakable” was the evening’s theme, providing a backdrop for the candidates to demonstrate resilience, poise, and talent. Candidates were evaluated in five categories: a private interview held earlier in the afternoon, an on-stage interview, lifestyle and fitness, poise during the evening gown segment, and talent. Rebel Athletic supported the American Heart Association with a variety of red fitness outfits worn for the lifestyle and fitness portion. The song “Titanium” by Sia served as the backdrop for the evening gown segment, which was dedicated to longtime director Mrs. Lauren Baker.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, Sunni’s Elite Dance Academy of Poplarville performed several dance routines, featuring their talented teams and future competitors for Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County.
Miss Mississippi Anna Leah Jolly performed a self-choreographed ballet on pointe before the talent portion of the evening began. She also assisted with crowning ceremonies. Miss USM Alea Hudson attended as an honored guest.
Outgoing titleholders had the opportunity to grace the stage again. Both Miss PRCC 2025, Melany Carrasco, and Miss Pearl River County 2025, Baylee Albritton, were thanked for their representation and wished well for their future endeavors.
The Belles and Magnolia Belles for Carrasco and Albritton were introduced to attendees. Carrasco’s Belles were Rowan Emerson Hill, Raelynn Smith, and Zoey Robison. Her Magnolia Belle was Aubree Kirkley. Albritton’s Belles were Laila Robledo and Everleigh Rose Smith. Her Magnolia Belle was Briston Korczak. The girls, aged 7 to 13, danced during the Miss Mississippi competition, rode in the parade, and had the opportunity to interact with all of the contestants.
Before presenting the winners of Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County, the audience was introduced to three crowns for ladies between the ages of 14 and 18 who are aspiring to grow even more to make a change in their communities. Miss Magnolia Coast Teen Addie Wilson, Miss Ocean Springs Teen Emery Cochran, and Miss Pearl River County Teen Lainey Merritt will attend the Miss Mississippi Orientation in February and compete in the Miss Mississippi Teen Competition in June.
In addition to the scholarships awarded to Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County, the winners will receive wardrobe and accessories to wear at Miss Mississippi next June, sponsored by amazing sponsors: Apple’s Ltd. in Poplarville, Coral Cactus Boutique, Delta Dawn Gifts in Poplarville, and Ivory Rose Boutique in Ocean Springs. Justin Daniels Photography will provide the winners with headshots. Soap de Joli from Picayune sells Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County soaps, with a portion of sales going to the titleholders as a cash scholarship. Each winner also receives their $400 production fee covered as well as $750 cash towards her competition at Miss Mississippi.
The Candidates
Harley Garraway of Hattiesburg aspires to be a criminal investigator. Her social impact is called “ADHD/SLD Awareness.” She sang “Amazing Grace” for the talent competition.
Jada Johnson of Gautier selected “Students for Mental Health” as her social platform. She performed “Reflection,” originally sung by Christina Aguilera in “Mulan.” Her career goal is to become a family law attorney.
Sadie Seal of Wiggins is furthering her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Her social impact is to help others in need and the HERStory she delivered for her talent used the SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer) acronym for applying Scripture to your life.
Laura Smith of Sumrall is pursuing a career in pediatric physical therapy. For her talent, she performed a contemporary dance to “Jump” by NONAH.
Faith Wascomb of Brandon aspires to become a nutritionist. For the talent competition, she did a HERStory talk, emphasizing the importance of seeking help. Her social impact is centered around food pantry assistance for those who are food insecure.
Stevie Westrope of Wesson plans to enter the field of radiology science. She had original choreography for a jazz dance to “Hit the Road Jack.” “Fuel the Fight, Find the Cure” was chosen as her social impact.
The newly crowned Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County will begin their reigns immediately and will represent Pearl River at the Miss Mississippi Competition in Vicksburg in June. Miss PRCC and Miss Pearl River County are preliminary competitions to the Miss Mississippi and Miss America scholarship programs.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Patrick Peerboom.
