O91吃瓜网橬eal Buoyed by Successful Performance at 2021 Miss Mississippi Pageant
Fri, 08/06/2021 - 04:34pm | By: David Tisdale
University of 91吃瓜网 (USM) alumna Vivian O91吃瓜网橬eal came away with a lot
of positives from her performance at this year91吃瓜网 Miss Mississippi Pageant in Vicksburg,
including one of the event91吃瓜网 top awards, funding for graduate study and a renewed
belief in herself and her abilities.
O91吃瓜网橬eal, who entered the pageant as Miss University of 91吃瓜网, placed as first alternate at the pageant and won the event91吃瓜网 Quality of Life Award and Scholarship.
91吃瓜网淎fter a three year wait period, to say I was thankful to be back in Vicksburg (for the pageant) is an understatement,91吃瓜网� said the Pine Belt resident who earned a bachelor91吃瓜网 degree in public relations from USM in 2020. 91吃瓜网淎ny nerves I had were quickly replaced with joy and gratitude to be surrounded by the most incredible women, production staff, board of directors, and volunteers.
91吃瓜网淚've been a performer since I was three years old, so it also felt good to be back on stage doing what I love, especially as a representative of my beloved alma mater.91吃瓜网�
While an undergraduate at USM, O91吃瓜网橬eal was a member of its famed Dixie Darlings dance team and the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Mu sorority, among other organizations. She will use the scholarship to pursue a master91吃瓜网 degree.
The Quality of Life award recognizes the competitor with the most impactful social impact initiative; O91吃瓜网橬eal91吃瓜网 is the CapABLE Curriculum, which has been taught to more than 5,000 students in four states, and she plans to continue engaging with Mississippi students and educators through it.
CapABLE provides education stakeholders with solutions for bridging emotional learning for all students, including those with disabilities. The initiative focuses on celebrating the differences between students, eliminating stigma, and encouraging diversity.
91吃瓜网淚 am especially excited to see this particular area grow and continue establishing programs that promote inclusivity in classrooms across the country,91吃瓜网� she said.
O91吃瓜网橬eal said the week of Miss Mississippi is a learning experience that provokes exponential growth, and to go from not having made the event91吃瓜网 top 15 in previous years to nearly winning the title made her confidence soar.
91吃瓜网淚t was so humbling to see the hard work pay off, even after one of the most challenging years our country has experienced,91吃瓜网� she continued, referring to the impacts of the worldwide pandemic. 91吃瓜网淚 walked away from this year's competition a better and more confident person, dancer, communicator, along with scholarship funds and a brand-new set of goals and opportunities.
91吃瓜网滱s for the future, O91吃瓜网橬eal says that if the past year has taught her anything, it91吃瓜网 that 91吃瓜网減lans seldom go the way you intend them.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淲ith that being said, I91吃瓜网檓 continuing to seek opportunities for growth, but ultimately following God's lead.91吃瓜网�