Submitted photoAnna McDaniel of Toomsuba (center) was recently crowned Miss William Carey University. Pictured with McDaniel are Emma Rogers, first alternate (left) and Hattie Zukas, second alternate.

Toomsuba resident Anna McDaniel has been crowned Miss William Carey University 2017.

“I feel extremely honored to have received the privilege of being crowned Miss WCU 2017 and am looking forward to what this year holds,” she said.

McDaniel’s pageant platform was Lovebags for Foster Kids, which helps foster children transition into their new home or location. Each child receives a duffel bag filled with needed items such as a toothbrush and hairbrush and comfort items such as a stuffed animal, a Bible, and a journal. 

“It is definitely a growing need that I see, and I am very passionate about addressing this need and helping these children,” she said. 

McDaniel was crowned the night before an EF3 tornado tore through the William Carey campus in the early morning hours of Jan. 21. She had returned home following the pageant and was not in her dorm when the storm hit.

McDaniel said early that morning, she began getting texts from friends about the damage to the campus.

“I am absolutely heartbroken that our beautiful campus was so wounded by the tornado, but I am also extremely thankful that no one was fatally injured,” she said. “I love seeing how we are all pulling together in the recovery effort and have all become even closer as fellow crusaders. I know that God has a sovereign plan and has already positively impacted the world through this showing of His greatness. We have all been given a massive opportunity to show how we crusaders shine for Christ even through times of trouble. To God be the glory!”

Following the tornado, McDaniel adopted a new platform, Carey Cares, as she assists with tornado recovery efforts. She has spoken in churches and raised more than $1,600.

As the Miss WCU 2017 titleholder, McDaniel will go on to compete in the Miss Mississippi Pageant on June 21 in Vicksburg.

At William Carey, McDaniel is a freshman majoring in mass communication with a minor in public relations. She is a member of Carey Chorale and Carey Company and works at Common Grounds, the coffee shop on campus.

McDaniel said she enjoys singing at events, especially for the Jimmy Rodgers Foundation in Meridian. She is the daughter of Brad McDaniel and Lisa McDaniel.

Also receiving honors at the Miss WCU Pageant were Emma Rogers of Pensacola, Fla., who was selected first alternate, and Hattie Zukas of Phoenix, Ariz., second alternate.

Rita Maria Griffis of Hattiesburg received the Amy E. Allen Award for the highest GPA.

Emma Rogers received the Virginia Scott Spirit Award. Pageant contestants select the recipient of this award, which is named in memory of Virginia Scott, who directed the Miss Carey Pageant from 1972 to 1985.

Other recognitions included: Kennedi Sanders of Columbus, Evening Gown Award; Katelyn Perry of Gulfport, Talent Award; and Mary Margaret Hyer of Hattiesburg, Interview Award.

Other pageant winners crowned that evening were Miss Southern Magnolia, Mary Margaret Hyer of Hattiesburg; Miss Pearl River Valley, Katelyn Perry of Gulfport; and Miss Pine Belt, Lizzy Wicks of Ocean Springs.