Gulfport resident’s quest for the crown
By next Saturday, the Mississippi Gulf Coast could be home to state royalty. Twenty-three-year-old Gulfport resident Katelyn Perry traveled up to Vicksburg Thursday in the pursuit of becoming the newest Miss Mississippi.
“The anticipation’s high. It’s been a really long two years. I’m so thankful to finally get to go and see all the hard work pay off a little bit.” Ever since January 2020 when she was crowned Miss Pontotoc Ridge, Gulfport native Katelyn Perry has been waiting for the chance to compete for the title of Miss Mississippi.
When the 2020 pageant was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perry used the extra time to keep up to date on current events, perfect her outfit selection, make appearances, and polish her talent routine, something she’s been keeping a secret. “I’m a performer. I’m a theater kid. I love to be on stage and that’s one of my favorite parts of the Miss America Organization is getting to showcase my talent and be rewarded for that. I’ve been practicing my talent for over two years now. I’m so excited for everybody to get to hear what it is.”
In addition to the talent portion of the pageant, Perry will also be judged on a ten-minute panel interview, on her evening gown, and her social impact pitch during which Perry will talk about her support of the Children’s Miracle Network. “From an early age, I’ve been volunteering and raising money for them and I was able to have an even bigger role in that when I went to college through a few different organizations.”
When it eventually comes time to hang up the sash and crown, Perry says her pageant days will aid her in all her future endeavors. “Those qualities that the Miss America Organization have taught me benefit me every single day in some way.”
To cheer on Perry, as well as watch the announcement of the top ten and the crowning of the new Miss Mississippi, tune into the live stream on Missmississippi.com Saturday, June 26th at 8 p.m.
