STARKVILLE, Miss.–Starkville High School hosted its annual Miss Yellow Jacket pageant at the Greensboro Center on Saturday, March 6. Twenty-one girls competed and showcased their beauty on the stage.  

 Miss Maroon and White, Gracie Anello emceed for the night.  

 Contestants introduced themselves, took their formal walks while Anello read their bios, and judges conversed the contestants’ scores to determine who would be named within the top ten during the intermission.  

After intermission, the top ten contestants answered a question in no particular order. Judges left for a final intermission, to determine the winner, alternates, and special awards of the program.   

The program recognized eight awards, along with the crowing of Miss Yellow Jacket 2021: Makenzie Stone, first alternate; Gracieann Williams, second alternate; Madison Shultice, third alternate; Johannah Larson; fourth alternate, Harper Ford; Most Photogenic; Makenzie Stone; Academic and Community service Award, Jaliyah Akins; “Fergie” Award.  

Miss Yellow Jacket 2020 Jasmine Baker crowned sophomore Harper Ford as the 2021 Miss Yellow Jacket. 

 “I was in complete shock. Since I’m a sophomore, I did not think I would win this year,” Ford said.  

Ford believes this will help build her confidence for Miss Teen Mississippi next week.  

“I don’t think of myself as a pageant girl, so this meant so much to me. I am [honored] to represent SHS as Miss Yellow Jacket 2021.”  

Senior Makenzie Stone is a first-year top ten contestant. 

“I had such an amazing time competing for Miss Yellow Jacket this year, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” Stone said.  

Stone is grateful that the program was able to continue this year even through all the difficulties of the present worldwide pandemic. 

“I’m so thankful for all of the awards I received and to have an opportunity to grow and make lasting memories.”