Hostesses with the most: Miss Mississippi volunteers make competition tick

Vicksburg has been home to the Miss Mississippi Competition since 1958. During those nearly seven decades of hosting the event, an untold amount of volunteer hours have been amassed.

And whether serving as the executive director or just in a small way, each volunteer is essential to the success of the competition. There is one group of volunteers, however, that provides a unique service — the Miss Mississippi hostesses.

These women are chauffeurs for the contestants; they will scavenger for forgotten essentials or run an errand if needed; and, on occasion, will even provide a shoulder to cry on. Some have referred to Miss Mississippi hostesses as surrogate mothers and that sentiment rings true. From the moment the contestants arrive in the River City until the winner is crowned, Miss Mississippi hostesses are right there to take care of and watch over their respective contestants.

Mary Beth Grogan-White, who serves as the hostess director said, “It takes a special bond of ladies who work tirelessly to care for these young ladies during pageant week.”

This year, 28 women will be serving in some capacity as Miss Mississippi hostesses.

Jeanine Hanks is serving as the assistant director, and hostesses who will be assigned contestants are: Kim Barnes; Marla Bonelli; Carole Campbell; Cissy Carter; Janell Thames; Lori Fagan; Lana Fuller; Lynn Swett Gerhardt; Torri Ghrigsby; Amy Jackson; Dinnie Johnston; Karla McHan; Marlene McLaurin; Rhonda Minor; Cyndee Nash; Stephanie Stirgus; Johnna Riddick; Laura Winkler; and Ginney White.

Those who are floaters — serving where necessary — are Nancy Ballard; Nancy Bell; Carol Duncan; Madge Finney; Ann Morris; Cissy Carter; and Lynn Baker.