Miss Mississippi visits hometown ahead of Miss America Pageant preparations

By Cristina Carreon Daily Journal Jul 15, 2018 

TUPELO – There was a hush over the private dining room in Booneville’s Market 105 restaurant as friends and family gathered to celebrate the homecoming of recently crowned Miss Mississippi, Asya Branch on Friday evening.

“It all started at 8 a.m. Sunday morning on June 24, I’ve been going non-stop since, but it’s been the greatest three weeks of my life,” Branch said.

The former Miss Tupelo has been caught in a whirlwind of vocal lessons, interview prep, autograph parties, talent rehearsals, shopping for pageant wardrobe and press interviews, and has been living in Vicksburg since being crowned in late June.

“We’re in Vicksburg for eight days and they are the longest eight days of my whole entire year, but the most incredible at the same time,” Branch said.

“It’s not something that everybody else gets to experience and until you’re really there, you don’t understand how important it is. It’s the experience of a lifetime. You’re surrounded by so many intelligent and beautiful and talented young women who have the same dream as you,” Branch said.

Only a few weeks later, the pageant winner is finally able to take a breath and spend some time at home with her family.

Branch took part in a homecoming ceremony and meet-and-greet in her hometown of Booneville Saturday morning and another public meet-and-greet in Tupelo Saturday afternoon, followed by a reception in Tupelo with local city officials, dignitaries and legislators.

But on Friday, the 20-year-old was just happy to spend some time at home after traveling to Meridian, Jackson, Starkville, Clinton and Vicksburg since being crowned.

“Right now, it’s almost like I have two jobs; Miss Mississippi, but I am also preparing to be in Miss America,” Branch said.

Branch said she had one year to prepare for the Miss Mississippi pageant competition but in contrast, has about 10 weeks to prepare for the Miss America pageant.

“It’s cram time. I’m running on Red Bull and coffee. It’s so crazy but at the same time, I don’t want to miss a beat,” Branch said.

At a table set for six Friday, Branch reunited with her loved ones brimming with excitement for what will come ahead while noting how her hometown has changed in the short time she has been away.

“I detoured through town and the sidewalks are different. I was driving fast because I wanted to get home, but it’s incredible. I’m so excited to see the finished product it has all changed so fast,” Branch said.

When asked what she would do if she wins the Miss America pageant, Branch was prosaic.

“My dad says don’t just be a pretty face,” Branch said.

Branch’s passion project is called “Love Letters,” in which she provides stationary and stamps to families with an incarcerated loved one.

She spoke to inmates at the Lee County jail to drive home the importance of connecting with their children on the outside.

“I want to end the generational cycle of incarceration, and the way we do that is mending relationships between the child and their parents,” Branch said.

Branch’s mother, Krystal Branch, said Friday was the first time she had seen her daughter since the crowning.

“She was in first grade, and she said ‘I’m going to be Miss Mississippi and I’m going to be Miss America someday’ and no one knows what she has put into this. She has worked two jobs, she has been up and down the highway and dealing with the emotional stress of her father being incarcerated and me struggling, but she did it. She’s overcome, and I’m so proud,” Krystal Branch said.

Saturday afternoon in Tupelo, Branch attended another public meet and greet. Parents brought their young daughters, dressed up and excited to meet Miss Mississippi.

“If I were to win Miss America…” Branch trailed off and shook her head in disbelief.

“My goal as Miss Mississippi or Miss America is to spread acceptance, diversity and love throughout our state and our country. We need it most right now and that’s what I am here for,” Branch said.

The Miss America Pageant will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sept. 9. Preliminary competition will be Sept. 5-7.

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