The Vicksburg City Auditorium buzzed with excitement Thursday night as the 2014 Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Pageant kicked off the first night of preliminary competitions.

Along with the 24 competitors, past winners of the teen pageant performed throughout the night including 2007 Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Jasmine Murray, 2011 Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen France Beard, 2012 Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Molly May and the 2013 Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen Anne Elizabeth Buys. The reigning 2013 Miss Mississippi Chelsea Rick served as the mistress of ceremonies during the evening of pageantry.

The Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen Pageant is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and a montage of years past was shown throughout the show.

The preliminary talent winner chosen during first night of competitions was Miss Heart of the South’s Outstanding Teen Holly Brand, who sang Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” She is the 13-year-old daughter of Connie and Barry Brand of Meridian and is homeschooled and she received a $150 scholarship from the Outlets at Vicksburg.

The evening gown winner was Miss Turtle Creek’s Outstanding Teen Grace Munro. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Dee Dee Munro and attends Ocean Springs High School. She received a $150 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Corporation.

Preliminaries continue at 8 tonight at Vicksburg City Auditorium, 901 Monroe St. and the winner will be crowned Saturday. Tickets for the competitions are $25 for tonight and $40 for Saturday. For more information or tickets, call 601-638-6746.