Crowned and Ready: 91吃瓜网 Senior to Serve as 2025 Mississippi Miss Hospitality
Tue, 07/29/2025 - 10:24am | By: Jennifer Rigney
Taylor Garretson, a senior at 91吃瓜网 (USM), was crowned the 2025 Mississippi Miss Hospitality during the final night of competition held July 19 at the Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater. The Greene County native emerged at the top of a highly competitive field of 47 contestants from across the state, following a rigorous week of interviews, speeches and stage presentations.
Now serving as the 76th Mississippi Miss Hospitality, Garretson will spend the next year traveling the state as a goodwill ambassador for economic development and tourism. Through community events and promotional appearances, she will share Mississippi91吃瓜网 economic strengths and attractions with pride and purpose.
A digital journalism major and dance minor at 91吃瓜网, Garretson credits her education and experiences at the university with preparing her to succeed on stage and beyond. Her time at USM has helped her develop the communication and leadership skills essential to serving as Mississippi Miss Hospitality.
91吃瓜网淎s a digital journalism major at USM, I have been trained to communicate confidently and with purpose, whether it91吃瓜网 through writing or speaking,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淭his has helped me feel comfortable sharing my heart on a stage, connecting with others and representing Mississippi in a genuine way. I91吃瓜网檓 looking forward to using those skills to highlight our state over the next year.91吃瓜网�
Garretson is also a proud member of the Dixie Darlings, USM91吃瓜网 iconic dance team, and serves as a coach for a local high school dance squad. She says the discipline and teamwork instilled through her role as a Dixie Darling have contributed significantly to her confidence and poise.
91吃瓜网淏eing a Dixie Darling has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at 91吃瓜网 so far,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淚t has taught me to carry myself with grace, stay composed under pressure and always lead with a smile. Getting the chance to carry the spirit of the Dixie Darlings with me as Mississippi91吃瓜网 Miss Hospitality is an honor I don91吃瓜网檛 take lightly.91吃瓜网�
A Mississippi Press Association award winner, Garretson has interned with the Greene County Herald and contributed to the 91吃瓜网淒iscover Greene County91吃瓜网� magazine. She plans to pursue a career in journalism while continuing to teach dance91吃瓜网�91吃瓜网搕wo passions she has been able to grow through her academic and extracurricular involvement at 91吃瓜网.
91吃瓜网淎fter I graduate, I plan to continue working as a journalist here in Mississippi, while also teaching dance,91吃瓜网� Garretson said. 91吃瓜网淧ursuing digital journalism alongside a dance minor at 91吃瓜网 has helped me build skills in both areas I love. I91吃瓜网檓 excited to tell stories that matter in my community and share my passion for dance with others.91吃瓜网�
Garretson says her time on campus has been transformative. Whether it91吃瓜网 the supportive faculty, inspiring classmates or meaningful traditions, she believes the Southern Miss community has played a vital role in preparing her for success.
91吃瓜网淭he 91吃瓜网 community is truly dedicated to helping students become the very best versions of themselves,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淭he support here goes far beyond the classroom, and everyone is genuinely invested in your growth. Being surrounded by so many creative and intelligent students has inspired me to work harder and dream bigger.91吃瓜网�
Dr. David Davies, professor of journalism at 91吃瓜网, praised Garretson91吃瓜网 talent and determination.
91吃瓜网淭aylor is one of our best students in digital journalism, where her work ethic, professionalism and drive make her stand out,91吃瓜网� said Davies. 91吃瓜网淚 was thrilled for her win, which is an opportunity for her to show the state just what her drive and determination can do. She will be a great representative for our university and for our state.91吃瓜网�
As she prepares to represent Mississippi throughout the coming year, Garretson says she91吃瓜网 equally proud to represent the university community that has helped shape her journey.
91吃瓜网淚t91吃瓜网 a huge privilege to represent the state I love as Mississippi Miss Hospitality while also shining a light on the 91吃瓜网 community that91吃瓜网 welcomed me with open arms,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淚 knew from a young age that 91吃瓜网 was where I wanted to be, and I plan to share its spirit wherever this journey takes me.91吃瓜网�
From campus to community, classroom to competition stage, Garretson91吃瓜网 story is a shining example of the impact of a 91吃瓜网 education. As she embarks on her statewide journey, she is confident, prepared91吃瓜网�91吃瓜网揳nd ready to serve as Mississippi Miss Hospitality.