New Madrid native competes for Miss Missouri crown

MEXICO, Mo. — A New Madrid, Missouri, woman will compete for the Miss Missouri crown.

Miss Southern Missouri Deja Grissom, who is the daughter of Christine and Earl Grissom Jr. of New Madrid, is among Miss Missouri candidates from across the state who will travel along with their pageant directors and families to Mexico, Missouri, on Sunday, June 9 to kick off a week filled with rehearsals, talent performances, interviews and evening gowns at Missouri Military Academy.

Grissom is currently studying automation and robotics technology with State Technical College in Linn and mechanical engineering from Arizona State University.

As part of the Alpha competition group, Grissom will have her personal interview with the judges on the morning of Wednesday, June 12 followed by her on-stage question and evening gown on Wednesday evening. During the preliminary competition on Thursday, June 13, she will compete in fitness as well as perform her talent, a “HerStory” about robotics for the judges and audience.

Since being crowned earlier this year, Grissom has participated in a wide range of activities throughout her community. She has focused many efforts on “Building a Community: Women in STEM,” which focuses on supporting women who are looking toward careers in science, technology and mathematics.

Pageant week begins June 9 when the Miss Missouri candidates move onto the Missouri Military Academy’s campus. A few hours after moving in, they will not only participate in rehearsals, but they will also test their skillsets on the golf course during the Miss Missouri Golf Classic at The Oaks in Mexico.

Throughout the week, the Miss Missouri delegates will participate in a wide variety of activities, ending on afternoon of Saturday, June 15 with a meet and greet for area residents on the courthouse lawn, located in downtown Mexico.

The preliminary competition begins Wednesday, June 12 and will continue through Friday, June 14. The organization will crown the new Miss Missouri Saturday night, June 15, as it says goodbye to reigning Miss Missouri Hayley Leach. After being crowned, the new Miss Missouri will begin a schedule of preparations for the Miss America stage and competition, to be held later this year.

The Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization is one of the largest providers of scholarships to young women in the state. This year, the organization will award more than $85,000 in scholarships between the Miss Missouri and Outstanding Teen programs.

Tickets for the Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen Pageants are available through the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 West Jackson St., or by calling 573-581-2765.