Vicksburg’s Sarah Randolph was crowned Miss Mississippi State University this month and, along with Vicksburg’s Morgan Nelson, made history. Never before, according to MSU officials, have two contestants from the same town won the title in consecutive years. Randolph’s victory also marks the first time two women of color have won the crown in back-to-back competitions.

But Randolph and Nelson have another major connection: a friendship that has stood the test of time — or perhaps more accurately — the test of competition. 

The Vicksburg women first began competing for top honors when they danced with the Debra Franco Dance competition team. For the last two years, Randolph and Nelson have competed on the Miss Mississippi stage, with both taking home honors this past summer. Nelson was named second alternate to Becky Williams, who was crowned Miss Mississippi 2024, and Randolph third alternate.

And it seems the quest for the title of Miss Mississippi is not over. Last week, Randolph won the title of Miss Mississippi State University and crowning her was Nelson, who had held the title the previous year.

Randolph called the moment “surreal.”

“It was so exciting and really rewarding at the same time because I did compete last year and placed first runner-up, and just being able to be crowned by my best friend this year was surreal,” she said.

Not many friendships could have weathered the challenges faced when competing, but for Randolph and Nelson, it has made them stronger.

“I honestly think us competing in pageants together has strengthened our friendship because it definitely was a test to our friendship,” Randolph said. “We have been friends for as long as I can remember and being in a setting where only one person can win the crown really shows how we really do support each other genuinely and wholeheartedly.”

Even after the competition, Randolph said she and Nelson talked about how much they appreciate their friendship and want to continue to be supportive of each other no matter the outcome.

“Our competition experience together has really strengthened our friendship,” Nelson said. She added that they don’t just support each other when competing, but in “all endeavors.”

As Nelson hands over the title of Miss MSU to Randolph, she said she, too, hopes to compete again for the state title.

“There are many local competitions coming up and I am so excited for the girls that have already won a title and for the girls that will win in the future. I hope to see myself on one of those stages coming soon,” she said.