Miss Mississippi Asya Branch prepares for Miss America Pageant

Tuesday, June 26th 2018, 9:48 am BRT

Posted by Maggie Wade, News Anchor

The work is just beginning for the 2018 Miss Mississippi, Asya Branch.

Branch made her first official appearance at Batson Children's Hospital at UMMC Monday morning.

All week at the Miss Mississippi pageant in Vicksburg, the audience was asked to donate pairs of underwear for children being treated at the hospital.

Branch delivered over 150 packages.

The Ole Miss student is already preparing for the Miss America competition. Branch said winning the crown of Miss Mississippi is a dream come true, and the emotions were visible for her.

"I woke up feeling like it was a dream but then realizing that it's reality," said Branch. "I'm still in shock and just so grateful and thankful and excited to take on this new journey."

She says it was like floating on air, but now it is time to come back to earth and go right back into competition mode to prepare for Miss America.

"Talent of course, interview, definitely getting your wardrobe together, you get headshots, everything is just there's a whole agenda we're going by," explained Branch.

Branch said she is most thrilled about reaching more children who have parents in prison and being a voice for them.

Her father is serving time for kidnapping and robbery and has been in prison since she was 10 years old. She says it cost her family everything they had.

"We lost our home to foreclosure and he was our main source of income and so having to overcome all those struggles and tribulations it was truly difficult," said Branch.

Branch said her father remains one of her biggest supporters and she hopes having the title of Miss Mississippi will encourage other children.

"He is still cheering me on every step of the way," said Branch. "He lets me know that he's praying for me and he wishes me the best. He has not let me give up on any of my dreams or aspirations."

Miss Mississippi competes in the Miss America Pageant in September.

The pageant is set for Sunday, September 9, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/38506737/miss-mississippi-asya-branch-prepares-for-miss-america-pageant