Oxford High School recently hosted its annual Parade of Beauties pageant on Jan. 27. The pageant has been going on for many years, but this was the fourth year of it being run and organized by OHS teacher Alison Schmelzer.
“My favorite part about running the pageant is definitely the night that it takes place,” Schmelzer said. “On the night of, I get to see all of the girls showing up in their dresses, makeup, ready to go, and excited to walk. Even backstage right before they walk out, I love that part too, because I am usually back there, calming nerves, fluffing dresses, trains, and all of that which is really fun.”
A lot goes into the Parade of Beauties happening each and every year that is not always recognized. Planning starts months in advance in order to be ready for the big night.
“I have to coordinate with judges, get the bios from the girls, order sashes, trophies, flowers, and have everything scheduled with lights, sound and programs by the night of,” Schmelzer said. “So I would say that there is a lot of work going into it. I think that is why I enjoy the night of so much, because it is all of that hard work coming together and paying off.”
Senior Ava Randle has been participating in the pageant since her freshman year. She has been awarded a beauty every year as well as the title of most photogenic her sophomore year.
“I love whenever all of the girls line up before we walk and you can see everyone’s dresses and we are all just complimenting and supporting each other,” Randle said. “I am so excited to just see everyone participating, and to see all my friends in the audience there to watch because having their support means so much to me.”
At last year’s pageant, current senior Kendall Kipping was named OHS Most Beautiful. This year she had the opportunity to crown the new titleholder at the pageant.
“Winning as a junior was such a crazy feeling and so unexpected,” Kipping said. “When they called my name to win, my mouth just dropped. I know it’s just a high school pageant, but it truly meant so much to me. Hearing all of my friends screaming and yelling for me and seeing my family in the crowd was the most euphoric feeling ever.”
The newly crowned OHS Most Beautiful is junior Makayla Jennings. Winning came as a surprise to her, but she is extremely grateful.
“It did not hit me until Kendall looked at me in excitement,” Jennings said. “Then, I came to the realization I won, and I was overwhelmed by all of the emotions.”
It was a very special moment for Jennings who does pageants outside of school as well. She was especially glad to have won this year.
“I feel that I have really grown from last year, and winning this title really validated my growth,” Jennings said. “It was also an honor to be crowned by one of my close friends.”
Jennings will return to the Parade of Beauties next year to help encourage participants and crown the next winner.
“I am so thankful to be able to represent OHS,” Jennings said. “I can not wait to see who the next OHS Most Beautiful will be.”
