By Sarah Mahan

The Vicksburg Post

Amidst the shuffle of registration papers and the click of high heels, the 24 girls competing in the Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen Pageant in June met at Hinds Community College’s Vicksburg-Warren campus on Saturday for the beginning of the pageant’s weekend orientation session.

After learning outfit requirements, seeing the clothes they would be donning on stage and drawing numbers to finalize their competition order, the nerves — and the excitement — set in.

“I’m more excited than nervous. I love talking in front of people, but the preparation, along with school, homework and a social life, is so much to juggle,” said Madeline Lee, the 2015 Miss North Central Outstanding Teen.

Jordan Markham, this year’s Miss Clinton Outstanding Teen and a first year contestant, expressed another  popular concern.

“A wardrobe malfunction would be terrifying,” she said.

“Hopefully I don’t fall on stage,” Grace McAllister, the 2015 Miss Delta Blues Outstanding Teen, added while others nodded in agreement.

During the session, words of encouragement from last year’s winner, Grace Post, followed instructions from the pageant’s executive director, Winky Freeman, to follow their No. 1 rule: Have fun. “We’re not here to make anyone cry,” he said to the group.

The girls agreed that making new friends and lasting memories were two of the top priorities on their lists.

“I’m homeschooled and an only child, so this pageant gives me a sisterhood,” Julieanna Jackson, the 2015 Miss Vicksburg Outstanding Teen, said.

“I’m excited to get to know everyone.”

In addition to having a good time, Freeman explained the process would require the girls to work hard, respond well to constructive criticism and learn how to command an audience.

“If you’re not passionate about the competition, then you won’t make it far,” he said.

Overall the girls said they saw this weekend as an opportunity to get their bearings, crown their princesses, who are younger girls they mentor throughout the competition process, and of course, begin their quest for the crown.

“Last year I was so nervous, but this year I’m excited to meet the new faces and let them see what this pageant is all about,” said Sarah Beth Tidwell, this year’s Miss Red Carpet City’s Outstanding Teen, said.