Miss Lane College Jada Brown crowned Miss TN Volunteer on Saturday in Jackson
In its fifth year, the Miss Tennessee Volunteer pageant drew a crowd of supporters offering women the chance to win $85,000 in scholarships and represent their state as the 2024 winner.
Miss Lane College Jada Brown won the spotlight on Saturday as she was crowned as the next Miss Tennessee Volunteer.
Crowned moment: PHOTOS: Miss Lane College crowned as new Miss Tennessee Volunteer
Brown will hold the Miss Tennessee title through 2024 and receive an $11,000 scholarship. Her performance in the talent portion of the evening entailed an American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of the song “This Is Me.”Saturday night began with host Keli McAlister announcing the 16 finalists that were to compete for the crown. After the first phase of the night, health and fitness, 12 contestants were chosen to move on to the talent competition.
Contestants were then narrowed down to a remaining 10 that advanced to the final phase — evening gown. From there, a final five were chosen and the winner was crowned.In a special performance by former Miss Tennessee Volunteer Paige Clark and her dance partner Jed, the pair received a standing ovation for their clogging routine.
Each year, the pageant brings the city of Jackson to a buzz as women from across the state from west, to middle, to east Tennessee compete for the crown.
Lights, sparkle and rousing performances in song, dance and music defined each night from Wednesday until Saturday as 36 contestants competed in Talent, Lifestyle and Wellness and interview competitions.
"The Miss Tennessee Volunteer system continues to grow in every aspect," Emily Anne Sparks, Co-Executive Director of the pageant said. "Beginning with the Teen, Pre-teen and Little Miss pageants, leading up to the Miss pageant, almost 100 contestants cross the stage and that is a testament to the organization and the future of Miss Tennessee Volunteer."
Most of all she enjoys the character and confidence the pageant instills in the young women competing.
The crown competition promotes five components, or S.E.R.V.E: Scholarship, Education, Responsibility, Volunteerism and Empowerment.
"Seeing the past contestants grow and develop their confidence each year is just amazing," Sparks said.
On Friday, Miss Northwest Tennessee Emily Pennington won the Wellness competition, while Miss Germantown Erin Sharp won the Talent competition.
On Thursday, the following contestants won the Wellness category: Miss Nashville Volunteer Mary Humphrey, Miss Bethel University Kameshia Moxley, Miss Fall Fest Emma Martin and Miss Murfreesboro Jordynne Tucker.
Miss Delta Blues Volunteer Lydia Fisher won the Talent category on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Miss Mid-South Fair Lydia Waldrop won the Talent category, while Miss Tipton County Gracelyn Eaves won the Lifestyle and Wellness competition.
Previously Visit Jackson Executive Director Lori Nunnery explained that at least three major pageants bring tourism dollars to Jackson. Last year's Miss Volunteer America pageant raked in $4 million in revenue for the city of Jackson, while the state pageant brought in approximately $2-2.5 million in revenue.
Nunnery speaks to local businesses, who support the pageant after it's over to gauge if there was a traffic increase in their respective business. She added that Visit Jackson hopes to conduct an economic impact study from someone outside of their agency in the future.
More: Miss Tennessee Volunteer pageant kicks off at Civic Center
On Saturday, Paige Clark, Miss Tennessee Volunteer 2023, passed the crown to Brown as the new winner.
Miss Volunteer America pageant earlier this spring drew 51 contestants and their families and supporters over four days in Jackson.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Miss Lane College Jada Brown crowned Miss TN Volunteer in Jackson
