D'Avia Henry-Peyton will represent Yazoo County in the 69th Miss Hospitality Competition at the Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater in Downtown Hattiesburg on July 20-21 at 8 p.m. each evening.
Henry-Peyton is the daughter of David and Patricia Henry-Peyton. She is a 2015 graduate of Yazoo City High School and is currently a senior majoring in elementary education with an emphasis on reading at Jackson State University. Henry-Peyton aspires to help the children she encounters through education to become literate citizens.
In its 21st year as a host city, Hattiesburg will showcase this year's best and brightest young women as they compete for the title of Mississippi's Miss Hospitality. Thirty-one women, who represent all regions of the state, will vie for the title of Mississippi's Miss Hospitality, with the winner serving a full year as the state's official ambassador for economic development and tourism.
For the first time, the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition has added a Little Miss Hospitality component. Each local representative has selected a young girl between the ages of 6 and 10 from her hometown to mentor throughout her reign. Little Misses will appear on stage during the competition and will be invited to official events. If crowned the next Mississippi Miss Hospitality, the contestant's Little Miss will be able to serve alongside her as she fulfills her duties and responsibilities as Mississippi's Goodwill Ambassador.
Bre'Onna Moore will serve as Little Miss Hospitality for Yazoo County.
"As the contestants, along with their friends, family, and Little Miss participants, travel to Hattiesburg, we are eager to welcome them and showcase our city. From the beautiful campus of the University of Southern Mississippi to the Historic Saenger Theater and Hattiesburg Zoo, these young women and their supporters will get to know Hattiesburg quite well during competition week," Marlo Dorsey. executive director of Visit Hattiesburg, said.
Arriving on July 15, the contestants will be welcomed to the University of Southern Mississippi before starting their week-long journey to the crowning ceremony on July 21. Throughout competition week in Hattiesburg, contestants will attend social events, participate in community service projects, and attend required rehearsals and competitions. The public is invited to meet the contestants at the Miss Hospitality autograph party at the Hattiesburg Zoo on Friday, July 20, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Presented by Visit Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Development Authority, in conjunction with the University of Southern Mississippi, the City of Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg Saenger Theater and Forrest General Hospital, the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition annually awards more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes to the top finalists.
"Hattiesburg is delighted to be in its 21st Year as host city of this statewide program, which promotes ambassadorship in tourism and economic development. Each year, we have a talented group of young female leaders participating in Miss Hospitality, who eagerly await the opportunity to showcase their love for their hometowns and for Mississippi," Jennifer Parsons, Miss Hospitality Program Coordinator, said.
Guests will also enjoy entertaining productions on both Friday and Saturday Evenings during the competition. Vocal and dance performances by contestants and local groups, including the Forrest General Spirit Girls, will provide the festivities for both evenings. The finale is set for Saturday evening at 8 p.m., where the top 10 contestants will compete for the crown.
Tickets to the 2018 Miss Mississippi Hospitality Competition are available online at HattiesburgSaenger.com or by calling the Saenger Theater Box Office at 601-584-4888. Tickets can also be purchased at the Saenger in advance or at the door.
