Michaela McDonald, Kaity Quinn and Laura Kate Robinson were recently selected to represent the local area as Miss Hospitality delegates and will participate in the 2024 Mississippi Miss Hospitality program this summer.

The local Miss Hospitality program was recently held at Merrehope, where McDonald was selected as Lauderdale County Miss Hospitality, and Quinn was chosen as Meridian’s Miss Hospitality. Robinson was selected as Clarke County Miss Hospitality. Robinson and Quinn are both students at the University of Southern Mississippi, while McDonald attends Meridian Community College.

All three will represent their areas at the 2024 Mississippi Miss Hospitality program to be held in Hattiesburg July 12-13. Established in 1949 under Gov. Fielding Wright and the Mississippi Legislature, the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition turns 75 years old this year and is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.

Throughout this time, the program has championed the state’s tourism and economic development sectors while supporting Mississippi’s best and brightest young women through a scholarship program. Designed for representatives ages 18 to 24, the program continues the tradition of beauty and grace while celebrating intelligent and sincere qualities of the modern woman.

Local contestants serve a full year as their community’s spokesperson, promoting visitation and development in their hometown. Contestants leave the program with lifelong friendships, communication and interview skills, public speaking tools, self-confidence and a better understanding of their home state.

The young woman crowned the state’s Miss Hospitality this summer will serve as a goodwill ambassador, traveling regionally and nationally to promote the Hospitality State. Contestants are also eligible for more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes, including cash and college-granted funds. The next Mississippi Miss Hospitality will receive a $25,000 prize package.

Anyone planning a tourism-related event and would like for a Miss Hospitality delegate to attend or to promote the event, please contact local director Penny Randall at 601-481-5712.