Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand & Miss Pontotoc Ridge Katelyn Perry win Thursday night preliminaries

Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand found herself in the winners circle again in the second night of preliminary competitions along with Miss Pontotoc Ridge Katelyn Perry.

Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand (photo by Jeremy Martinez on behalf of Vicksburg Daily News)

“I grew up watching Miss Mississippi and I always wanted to be on the stage.  It was, of course, a dream of mine, but I never thought that it would become a reality,” gushed double preliminary winner Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand.  “I honestly can’t believe this is even happening right now.”

Brand graduated summa cum laude last year, earning a degree in communication at University of Alabama.  If she is crowned Miss Mississippi, her priority is to focus on her social impact initiative “If You See a Need, Take the Lead,” which encourages volunteering and civic engagement.

“I think Service is the most important point on the crown,” Miss Golden Triangle continued. “I just love volunteerism and helping others.”

Miss Pontotoc Ridge Katelyn Perry (photo by Jeremy Martinez on behalf of Vicksburg Daily News)

“I love to sing, its my passion,” beamed Miss Pontotoc Ridge Katelyn Perry, winner of the Thursday night Talent preliminary. “It has always been my biggest goal going into pageant week to win a prelim talent award.”

A native of Gulfport, Mississippi, and student at the University of Southern Mississippi, Perry has been volunteering with the Children’s Miracle Network for a number of years.  Her passion for the organization was evident in her voice as she spoke about her social impact initiative.

“I’m absolutely in love with the organization and what they do for children and families,” Perry said.  “I’m so proud to support it.”