Miss Mississippi State University, Emmie Perkins, is the 2022 Miss Mississippi Competition winner and recipient of a $10,000 scholarship provided by Ameristar Casino and Hotel.
Perkins, a native of Hattiesburg, said she was “in shock, in such a good way” after winning. She explained that she now has the opportunity to expand her social impact initiative, Music is Medicine, across the state.
“(Music is Medicine) brings music to hospitals, nursing homes, and school districts throughout the state,” she explained. “I want to visit 82 schools in Mississippi, one in each county, as many assisted living facilities as I can, and create hubs on college campuses so others can do the same.”
Also on her journey as Miss Mississippi will be trying to compete in the Miss America Competition. Perkins stated that she is already looking forward to it.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running,” she said. “After all the emotions had faded, the first thing I thought was, ‘I’ve got to start tomorrow.'” I have a list of goals that I am ready to far exceed in order to go to Miss America and give it my all — to show people what Mississippi is all about and what Mississippi represents.”
Miss Leaf River Valley, Vicksburg native Charity Lockridge is the first alternate to Miss Mississippi and the recipient of a $7,500 scholarship provided by the Miss Mississippi Corporation.
Miss Hattiesburg, Vivian O’Neal, is the second alternate and recipient of a $4,000 scholarship provided by David and Katherine McRae and a $1,000 scholarship provided by the Miss Mississippi Corporation.
Miss Gulf Coast, Katelyn Perry, is the third alternate and recipient of a $2,500 scholarship provided by Rusty’s Riverfront Grill and a $500 scholarship provided by the Miss Mississippi Corporation.
Miss All-American City, Kaylin Costello, is the fourth alternate and recipient of a $1,500 scholarship provided by Mutual Credit Union and a $1,000 scholarship provided by the Miss Mississippi Corporation.
The Miss Mississippi Corporation provided a $2,000 scholarship to each of the five remaining semi-finalists. Miss Pine Belt McKay Lee Bray, Miss Greenville Angel Gail Lang, Miss Deep South Ally Hopper, Miss University Abigail Church, and Miss Jones County Karsyn Ulmer are the names of the contestants.
