Miss Mississippi 2022 Emmie Perkins will travel to the East Coast this week to take the stage at the Miss America competition.
“Our country will soon have a new Miss America,” Perkins said. “I can’t wait to live out a dream I never knew would be part of my life plan. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.”
The Hattiesburg native leaves on Wednesday, Dec. 7 for the East Coast for a few press responsibilities in New York City, and then it’s off to the Mohegan Sun resort in Uncasville, Conn., site of the Miss America pageant.
“I pray I share my heart and represent my state with strength and authenticity,” she said.
Since winning the state title in June, Perkins has traveled more than 25,000 miles around the Magnolia State and the nation, and even as she’s preparing the leave, she’s been heavily involved with numerous Christmas events and parades during the last few days.
“One of the greatest parts about riding in parades is hearing children and administrators from different counties say, ‘you came to my school,’” she said. “Mississippians remind me daily how lucky I am to represent this great state. I can’t wait for the opportunity to compete for the job of Miss America, which opens doors to make an impact across our nation.”
Perkins is hoping to continue to share her social impact initiatives Music is Medicine and Tar Wars with Mississippi and the nation as the next Miss America. She has already been in dozens of Mississippi schools promoting her messages and reminding students of the dangers of smoking and vaping.
“I’m 1/4 of the way through but 82 counties are a lot of counties to hit and when I get back from Miss America, I’m going to full-fledge go across the state and make that happen,” Perkins said.
Perkins plans to travel to the East Coast with Miss Louisiana 2022 Gracie Reichman of Colfax, La.
“We’re great friends,” Perkins said. “So that’ll be exciting. And then from there, we’ll spend a couple of days in New York, then head to Connecticut for competition.”
Perkins will have two days of preliminary competitions and will participate as candidate number seven. On Monday, Dec. 12, she will have morning interviews and that night will be an evening gown contest with onstage questions and her social impact pitch. The talent portion of the event will follow on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
The finals are set for Thursday, Dec. 15, which will be live-streamed on Peacock.
