A new winner is crowned as Miss Teen Volunteer America

JACKSON, Tenn.—It’s a celebration of beauty, grace, and community service.

Local businesses, organizations and community members joined together to support the mission of empowering young women to make a positive impact in their communities.

The third annual Miss Teen Volunteer America kicked off night two of their pageant. Contestants strutted down the aisle while their family and friends cheered them on.

We spoke to Lori Nunnery, the CEO of Visit Jackson Tennessee, who says that she was so thrilled about this event.

“Our contestants come from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. So you see people traveling a great distance here to Jackson, TN to be a part of this pageant system,” Nunnery said.

She says that the girls have done a great job practicing for the entertainment tonight.

“They’re doing fitness, interviews and then formal dress. So several different categories that are equally weighted for the pageant,” Nunnery said.

There were so many things to do before the pageant began, including purchasing great sweet treats from Woodstock Bakery.

“And then as our guests come in, they have an opportunity to step into the ‘step and sees’ and take pictures,” Nunnery said.

Nunnery stated that the audience members had an opportunity to vote on who they thought should be the new Miss Teen Volunteer.

“They also have the opportunity through the people’s choice awards to vote on different contestants to win,” Nunnery said.

As the night came close to an end, the number of ladies went from sixteen, to ten, and to the top five finalists.

“I had the great opportunity to speak with them during orientation and the excitement for them to compete on a national level was thrilling for us to see,” Nunnery said.

Ms. Kansas Volunteer, Naomi Durango, sang a wonderful rendition from the movie, “The Color Purple”, as the final contestants prepared for the final showdown.

The top five finalists had the opportunity to answer one question and were judged based off of their answer.

They were also judged on their gowns.

Every contestant was beautiful, but in the end, there could only be one winner.

Congratulations are in order to our new Miss Teen Volunteer America 2025, Anna Grace, representing the state of Maryland.

Anna won a $10,000 scholarship, along with serving as an official partner with St. Jude’s Leadership Society as well as, being national ambassador for the Salvation Army.

Congratulations Anna!

This year’s pageant showcased the diversity and excellence of America’s youth.

Shine bright like a diamond ladies. You are all queens!

Nunnery stated to be on the lookout for the national Miss Volunteer America pageant which will take place in June at the Civic Center.

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