Stevee Kate Dixon, Hattiesburg; Britney Diaz-Roman, Lamar County; Kaylie Wallace, Marion County; Laci Pitts, Petal; and Emily Thompson, Sumrall; will represent their hometowns in the 75th Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition at the Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg July 12 - 13 at 8 p.m. each evening.
Representing Hattiesburg, Stevee Kate Dixon is a sophomore speech pathology major at The University of Southern Mississippi. At Southern Miss, she is involved in Lamba Sigma, Eagle Connections, and Kappa Delta, where she serves as both sisterhood chair and spirit week chair. With over 400 hours of community service, her recent honors include the Presidential Paul Leadership Award and Deans List. Dixon aspires to open her own speech pathology practice serving children and individuals with special needs.
Representing Lamar County, Britney Diaz-Roman is a a two-time associate degree graduate of Pearl River Community College. She is an honors alumnus of Oak Grove High School as of 2020 having graduated with full tuition to PRCC from technical education scholarships. Diaz-Roman plans to continue her education to earn her bachelor's degree and PhD at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in occupational therapy. She founded a PRCC foster care scholarship and a community organization for family wellness. Diaz-Roman is an amateur distance cyclist and aspiring writer.
Representing Marion County, Kaylie Wallace is a 2024 graduate of Columbia High School. She was a member of Student Council, Beta Club, Crown Club, Dusty Club, Diamond Girls, PawPrint Staff, and a Wildcat Ambassador. In Wallace’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as traveling. Kaylie’s future plans include attending The University of Southern Mississippi, where she will major in business and minoring in interior design with aspirations of becoming an interior designer and realtor for Mississippi’s beautiful homes.
Representing Petal, Laci Noel Pitts is a business management major at the University of Mississippi and will attend law school specializing in Sports Law. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and the honors college. At Ole Miss, she serves on the Points, Budget, Homecoming and Ignite committees, and the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity team. Pitts enjoys attending concerts, traveling, cheering on Ole Miss athletics, and spending time with family and friends.
In its 27th year as host city, Hattiesburg will welcome this year’s best and brightest young women as they compete for the title of Mississippi Miss Hospitality. Forty-two women, who represent all regions of the state, will participate in this year’s program, with the winner serving for a full year as Mississippi’s official ambassador for economic development and tourism.
“Showcasing the importance of tourism and economic development is key to our state’s future, and we look forward to a week of displaying the achievements and community service to of these emerging leaders,“ Kristen Brock, Mississippi Miss Hospitality program director, said. “Retaining the incredible talent harnessed by our contestants is a priority, so we’re especially proud to offer the largest in-state scholarship opportunities in program history.”
Arriving on Sunday, July 7, the contestants will be welcomed to The University of Southern Mississippi before beginning their week-long journey to the crowning ceremony on July 13. Throughout competition week in Hattiesburg, contestants will attend social events, participate in community service projects, and attend rehearsals and competitions.
The Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition also has a Little Miss Hospitality component, which encourages local representatives to serve as a mentor to a young girl from her hometown between the ages of 6 and 10. If crowned the next Mississippi Miss Hospitality, the contestant’s Little Miss will serve alongside her as she fulfills her duties and responsibilities as Mississippi’s Goodwill Ambassador.
Representing as Little Miss Hospitalities are Allie Morgan, Hattiesburg; Rylee Kathryn Martin, Lamar County; Annie McNeal, Marion County; Mary Cooper Etheridge, Petal; and Kinsley Bernard, Sumrall.
A program of VisitHATTIESBURG, the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition is presented by the Mississippi Development Authority, The University of Southern Mississippi, the City of Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, and Forrest General Hospital. Sponsorships and patrons allow the program to award more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes to contestants each year.
“We are delighted to be hosting these talented women, their Little Misses, and supporters in Hattiesburg for this year’s Diamond Jubilee competition,” Marlo Dorsey, executive director of Mississippi Miss Hospitality, said. “Their love of community and state is tremendously inspiring, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and leadership development for years to come.”
Leading up to competition week, contestants are participating in a social media challenge with informative and entertaining posts that showcase their hometowns and journey to competition. The winner of the challenge will be awarded an additional scholarship. Hometowns are encouraged to interact with their local contestant online to show their support. Posts can be found using the hashtag #MSHosp2024 on Instagram and Facebook.
Attendees of the on-stage competition Friday and Saturday will enjoy entertaining productions, with vocal and dance performances by contestants, Little Misses, and local talent. The finale is set for Saturday evening at 8 p.m., where the top 10 contestants will be announced at the beginning of the show and continue to compete for the title.
Crowned the 74th Mississippi Miss Hospitality in July 2023, Abney Grace Pittman is a Wayne County native and a junior at the University of Mississippi. A member of Kappa Delta sorority, Pittman is majoring in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in gerontology and marketing and plans to attend graduate school for speech/language pathology. She is the daughter of Ricky and Amy Pittman and Sandy Pittman.
Every year, the state Miss Hospitality program generates approximately $450,000 in economic impact for the local Hattiesburg economy. During Miss Hospitality week, visitors stay in area hotels, dine in local restaurants, enjoy tourist attractions, and shop at local retail locations.
The public is invited to meet the contestants and their Little Misses at the Miss Hospitality autograph party at Turtle Creek Mall in Hattiesburg on Friday, July 12, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Admission to the autograph party is free.
Tickets to the live show are sold out; however, both Friday and Saturday night competitions will be live streamed online the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition Facebook and YouTube pages for free thanks to the live stream sponsor Maris, West, and Baker.
