STARKVILLE, Miss.—Starkville High School hosted the annual Miss Yellow Jacket pageant January 29 at the Greensboro Center. Thirteen contestants competed for the title of Miss Yellow Jacket 2022.

Laura Phillips welcomed everyone and introduced the emcee for the night, Miss Dixie Mikayla Poindexter.

Poindexter introduced the three judges for the night: Camille Green, Adrienne Morris, and Jen Cornett.

Contestants formally introduced themselves and paraded around the stage as Poindexter read off their academic achievements, future aspirations, and hobbies.

After a brief intermission, Poindexter welcomed all contestants back onstage for the interview portion of the pageant. Each contestant was asked a random question, and they answered with short responses and personal anecdotes.

After another brief intermission, the judges determined the award winners and alternates of the program.

The program recognized four special awards: Izabella Sauseda, Most Photogenic; Autumn Shannon, The Spirit of Miss Yellow Jacket and Academic Achievement; Katy Pike, Community Service.

The program also recognized the four alternates: Izabella Sauseda, fourth alternate; Ellis Rupp, third alternate; Phelps Dumas, second alternate; Abigail Burkley, first alternate.

Miss Yellow Jacket 2021 Harper Ford crowned junior Autumn Shannon as Miss Yellow Jacket 2022.

“Miss Yellow Jacket was some of the most fun I’ve had in a while,” Shannon said.

Shannon believes that in order to be successful, taking advantage of opportunities is very important.

“I learned that taking opportunities like these is super important not only because you could be successful but also because you can make some pretty good friends.”

Abigail Burkley is a sophomore contestant and a first-time pageant participant. Burkley believes it was fun to be on stage and the pageant was a big confidence booster for her.

“My experience with Miss Yellow Jacket was amazing and really boosted my confidence,” Burkley said. “I learned how much fun it was to be up on stage and be able to represent my school with all the other girls.”

Phelps Dumas is a sophomore contestant who had previously won Miss AMS and was awarded second alternate. Dumas is grateful for the memories and lessons she learned from this experience.

“I had a very fun and memorable time participating in Miss Yellow Jacket,” Dumas said. “It taught me how to overcome fears and to try new things while maintaining a good positive attitude.”