Olivia McGuire named Miss V-A 2020

By Chloe Brooks For The Duncan Banner 

In the 58th annual Miss Velma-Alma pageant, sophomore Olivia McGuire earned the title of Miss Velma-Alma 2020 and received her crown on Thursday, May 7.

Due to the limitations from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miss V-A pageant was hosted virtually for the first time in its history.

Throughout the pageant process, each of the 12 contestants submitted videos modeling their sportswear and evening wear, and the interviews were conducted via Zoom from the Velma High School library.

Though this year’s pageant was not as expected, Shannon Williams was highly impressed by the contestants’ professionalism and dedication.

“While it was certainly a different experience than what the live pageant offers, I was so proud of how the girls handled the challenge,” Williams said. “This group of young ladies will always hold a special place in my heart for the resilience and grace that they demonstrated throughout this process. They were each stunning, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

As the process and the pageant drew to a close, the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally come. The placings of the Miss V-A pageant are as listed: 3rd runner-up and Miss Photogenic is senior Morgan Williams, 2nd runner-up is Morgan Egger, 1st runner-up is Sydni Kelley, Mr. V-A is Taylor Case and Miss V-A 2020 is Olivia McGuire.

“Miss Velma-Alma 2020 is Olivia McGuire. Olivia is an exceptional young lady whom we are proud to have represent our school and community,” Williams said. “I have no doubt that she will be a positive role model for the younger girls to look up to and aspire to be like one day.”

From a young age until now, McGuire has dreamed of holding the title of Miss Velma-Alma, and she is thrilled to use this platform to give back to the community that has molded her into who she is today.

“Being named Miss Velma-Alma is something that I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl,” McGuire said. “Hearing Mrs. Williams read my name on the live broadcast was everything I had ever imagined it to be. To my community, I feel so blessed to be able to represent you as your new queen. I love my town with every ounce of my being and I couldn’t think of a better way to repay the people who have shaped me into the woman I am.”

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