NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Dozens of women and teenagers from across the Volunteer State are vying for the titles of Miss Tennessee and Miss Tennessee's Teen this week, but this year's event also serves as a historic homecoming for the scholarship competition.

Miss Tennessee officials announced in April that Nashville would host the annual competition for the first time in its history. According to organizers, this momentous return to Music City after years of statewide hosting brings a renewed focus on empowering women around the Volunteer State through education, leadership, and community service.

"As a licensed partner of the Miss America Opportunity -- the nation's largest scholarship provider for women -- the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition represents a powerful platform for the state's next generation of female leaders," Dr. Colene Trent, CEO and executive director of the organization, said in an April statement. "By hosting the event in the heart of Tennessee, we aim to expand our impact and celebrate the legacy of service, scholarship, and sisterhood in the capital city."

The preliminaries are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and 7 p.m. on Friday, June 13, followed by the Miss Tennessee's Teen finals at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 and the Miss Tennessee finals at 7 p.m. The competition will be held at the Fisher Center at Belmont University, where the titleholders will show off their talents, their community service initiatives (CSI), their interview skills, their fitness levels, and their glamorous gowns.

Officials said the event will be hosted by Miss Tennessee 2015, Hannah Robison Shellnut; Miss Tennessee 2004, Ashley Eicher; and Miss Tennessee 1986 and Miss America 1987, Kellye Cash Sheppard, whose daughters also participated in pageants, with one competing multiple times for the Miss Tennessee organization while the other became Miss Virginia 2021 and then competed in Miss Tennessee USA.

Organizers shared a list of the 32 contestants -- 30 of whom have posted bios -- and the order in which they will compete, all with hopes of becoming the 72nd Miss Tennessee and receiving the crown from the 2024 winner, Carley Vogel:

• Miss Blue and Gold: Jacey Sizemore
  • She is a Master of Social Work student at East Tennessee State University and an intern at the Holston Home for Children. Her CSI, "The Sizemore Legacy," advocates for community education on addiction, the use of dance movement therapy as prevention and treatment for youth and families, and the end of overdoses in Tennessee. For her talent, she will perform a self-choreographed lyrical dance.
• Miss University of Memphis: Holly Ferguson
  • As of late May, she's a senior at the University of Memphis Honors College pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Musical Theatre with hopes of choreographing and performing professionally. Her CSI is "It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness," bringing comfort, community, and education to all. Her talent will be an emotional contemporary dance dedicated to all those who made Memphis feel like home.
• Miss Shelby County: Alana Dent
  • She has a degree in justice and law, but she's also pursuing a second degree in public administration while completing her master's and doctorate in philanthropy, as well as working as a media strategist for Red Deluxe Brand Development, even though she already owns a publishing company. Through her CSI, "Restoring Confidence, Rebuilding Lives," she stands for survivors of domestic abuse by amplifying their voices; breaking cycles of silence; and empowering them to rise with dignity, strength, and restored confidence. She plans to sing for her talent.
• Miss Music City: Zoe Scheiderich
  • This Middle Tennessee State University student is majoring in entertainment journalism with a goal of becoming an ESPN sports broadcaster. Her CSI is "Triple E: Elevating, Empowering, and Equipping young women with confidence and community." Her talent will be a combination of ballet and contemporary dance.
• Miss West Tennessee: Abby Beth Dunn
  • She's majoring in health and human performance at the University of Tennessee at Martin as part of her plan to become a physical therapist. Her CSI is "F.E.E.D. – Fighting for food security while 'AGvocating.'" For her talent, she'll perform a "HerStory" about her journey through agriculture.
• Miss Forest Festival: MacKenon Tyrrell
  • This graduate of Eastern Michigan University has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and serves in ministry for Downline Ministries as an executive assistant. Her CSI is "Just Breathe -- Supporting Lung Health through Advocacy and Education for Cystic Fibrosis." For her talent, she'll do baton twirling, a skill she's used in the past to serve as a "twirling ambassador" in cities across Italy.
• Miss Greene County: Lauren Madison "Maddie" Ratliff
  • She's an ETSU student pursing a degree in business marketing, but she's also a licensed independent insurance agent with Integrity Insurance Agency. Her CSI, "Make an Impact," focuses on inspiring the next generation to discover the joy of volunteering and understand that it's never too early to start making a difference in the world. Her talent will be baton twirling.
• Miss Historic Jonesborough: Abigail Utterback
  • She's studying radiologic science and dance at ETSU. Through her CSI, "FADE: The Fight Against Disordered Eating," she works with students of all ages to fight the effects of eating disorders. For her talent, she'll do a contemporary vocal performance.
• Miss Central Tennessee: Mason Progar
  • This graduate has a degree in communication and is ready to step into the world of marketing and social media. Her CSI, "International Smiles," has allowed her to unite thousands of children around the world through oral hygiene education and provide dental supplies to several countries. Her talent will be a vocal performance.
• Miss Perry County: Molly Young
  • This University of Memphis student is studying exercise science in hopes of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. For her CSI, "Active Life Initiative," she advocates for suicide prevention through healthy coping mechanisms. While she plays both the flute and the saxophone, she decided to go an upbeat flute performance for her talent.
• Miss State of Franklin: Shelby Koerten
  • She's the student government president at ETSU, where she's majoring in communication studies and minoring in theatre. Her CSI, "Spark the Future: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Today," helps students build foundational professional skills and cultivate confidence in order to uplift a purpose-driven generation. She enjoys the upbeat and rhythmic style of clogging, so she's doing that for her talent.
• Miss Middle Tennessee: Jana Hahn
  • She's a graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies -- focusing on psychology, communications, and theatre arts -- who now serves as the marketing director for BindTech after participating in the Disney College Program a few years ago. Her CSI is "Peace of Mind: Mental Health Awareness," which aims to promote mental health education; connect Tennesseans with financial, emotional, and relational support; and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Her talent will be ballroom dancing -- a first for the Miss Tennessee stage -- with a partner.
• Miss Rocky Top: Jillian Bivens
  • This senior at UT Knoxville is studying kinesiology with a focus in exercise science as she pursues a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, which would make her the first doctor in her family. She created her platform, "Jill's Bookshelf," from her love for reading, so she designed it to spread that same passion across Tennessee. Her talent will be aerial silks.
• Miss Capital City: Deja Grant
  • She's a PhD candidate in biomedical sciences through the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, with a focus on advancing breast cancer research. Her CSI, "The Pink Ribbon Mission: Caring & Curing," centers on advocating for patient care and financial support, as well as educating people on the importance of early detection. She plans to perform an expressive lyrical dance for her talent.
• Miss Nashville: Marissa Luna
  • This online student at the University of Alabama is pursuing a music career, with hopes of becoming a recording artist in Nashville, but she's already had the opportunity to open for country musicians Maddie & Tae and Walker Hayes. Through her CSI, she works to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and supporting people with hidden disabilities and educate others on how they can better help those affected. Her talent will be a "vocal rendition of a jazz favorite that lifts her spirits and makes her feel confident every time she sings it."
• Miss Historic Broadway: Savannah Maddison
  • She's the CEO of a national childcare tech company, Southern Sitters, as well as a certified firefighter/AEMT with the Maury County Fire Department and an author. At the age of 10, she founded her national nonprofit, Savannah's Soldiers, which has sent more than 350,000 letters to deployed military members; raised $800,000 to support military families; and informed students across the country about the importance of honoring our military and veterans. Her talent will be a piano and vocal performance.
• Miss Music Row: Bailey Guy
  • She's a professional speaker with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Her CSI is "GPS: Goals + Preparation = Success." For her talent, she'll perform a ventriloquist act with her puppet, Jolene.
• Miss Sullivan County: Ella Mitchell
  • She's an English and theatre double major at Sewanee: The University of the South. Through her CSI, "6th Street Little Library -- Promoting Reading to Help Anxiety," she strives to distribute free books to as many people as possible while educating others about anxiety disorders, mental health, therapy, and effective coping skills. As her talent, she'll do a theatrical vocal performance of one of her favorite Cher songs.
• Miss Tennessee Waltz: Mollie Lane
  • She's majoring in medical laboratory science at UT Knoxville with plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and drug development. Her CSI is "Give Blood, Give Life," which advocates to get young adults involved in blood donation, as well as educate people about the donation process and the need for blood. Her talent will be her own brand of magic.
• Miss Kingsport: Elizabeth Clapp
  • She's pursuing a nursing degree at Milligan University, hoping to specialize in pediatric oncology or obstetrics and gynecology. Her CSI is "Coalition for Kids (C4K)," which provides after-school and summer programs that focus on academics, healthy living, and spiritual growth. For her talent, she'll perform a sign language ballet.
• Miss Davidson County: Kelley Knott-Sandifer
  • This Tennessee State University senior currently works as an intern for the Centennial Park Conservancy. Through her CSI, "Nourishing Hope," she works to remove the barrier of food insecurity, with the support of local food banks and meal programs, so Middle Tennessee children can thrive academically. Her talent will be a spoken word piece called "HER-story, 'Let the Record Show.'"
• Miss Sumner County: Olivia Ring
  • She's a rising sophomore at Volunteer State Community College, where she's studying radiology so she can become a pediatric sonographer at a children's hospital. As part of her CSI, "Music for All: Spreading Hope through Music," she shares the power of music to heal, uplift, and connect with people. Her talent will be a musical theatre vocal performance.
• Miss Greater Gibson County: Aniya Lance
• Miss Smoky Mountains: Mylee Doty
  • This ETSU student is pursuing a musical theatre degree with a dance minor. Her CSI is "Beyond the Stage," which aims to help children realize the parallels of theatre and real life. For her talent, she plans to do a vocal performance accompanied by guitar.
• Miss Tennessee Valley: Ariana Hunter
• Miss East Tennessee: Eliza Faith Sanders
  • She's pursuing a bachelor's degree in communications at ETSU, but she's also the youth ambassador for the Isaiah 117 House, through which she organizes donation drives at schools. As someone who was adopted as a baby, advocating for adoption and foster care is near and dear to her heart, so her CSI, "Families are Forever," aims to help everyone learn how they can help all children find families of their own. For her talent, she'll perform ballet en pointe.
• Miss Memphis: Georgia Sink
  • This University of Mississippi student is pursuing a bachelor's degree in integrated marketing communications. Through her CSI, "Let's Have a Heart to Heart," she empowers youth to take charge of their heart health through education, advocacy, and early prevention. Her talent will be an operatic vocal piece.
• Miss Johnson City: Lily Brock
  • She works as a special education Pre-K teacher. Her CSI, "Learning to Succeed," serves as a force of inspiration through which she uplifts children with learning disabilities by celebrating their unique strengths and sparking widespread awareness. For her talent, she'll do a vocal performance.
• Miss Athens of the South: Marti Sullivan
  • She's a first grade educator with a master's degree in child and family studies from UT Knoxville who authored and published a K-6 curriculum used to teach foundational mental health skills in elementary schools. She founded her nonprofit, "C.A.R.E." (which stands for "Courage and Recovery Education"), in order to educate, empower, and support individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Her talent will be a vocal performance.
• Miss Historic Greeneville: Bayli Alley
  • She just graduated from High Point University with a degree in elementary education. Her CSI is "Be a Youth Leader Initiative." Her talent is "Pik Skating."
• Miss Gatlinburg: Meghan Gadsden
  • As of April, she was pursuing a master's degree in public relations, but in May, she announced she had graduated from UT Knoxville. Her CSI is "It Takes a Child to Raise a Village: Shaping Tomorrow’s Volunteers," a movement dedicated to empowering young people to get involved in their communities and make a difference. For her talent, she'll perform a rhythmic tap dance.
• Miss Knoxville: Makalyn Heaslett
  • She works as a membership services account executive for the Tennessee Titans and plans to pursue her master's degree in sports administration at Belmont University in the fall. Her CSI, "Be Bold, Brave & Brilliant," is dedicated to encouraging girls to be bold in their beliefs, brave in the face of opposition, and brilliant in their decisions. Her talent will be a high-energy tap dance.

Whoever succeeds Vogel will certainly have some big shoes to fill! Back in January, she not only earned one of the preliminary talent awards at Miss America 2025 after pouring her soul into singing "Climb Every Mountain," but she was named second runner-up for the entire competition, marking the first time Miss Tennessee placed in the top five for Miss America in 15 years.

Meanwhile, the following 26 young women -- two of whom don't have available bios -- are vying to take on the role of Miss Tennessee's Teen from the 2024 titleholder, Leela Beaty, according to officials:

• Miss Knoxville's Teen: Layne Tweedie
  • This Nolensville High School student hopes to become a pediatric nurse in order to help as many sick children as possible. Her CSI is "Unlocked and Unstoppable," which involves empowering at-risk youth to break cycles of incarceration and addiction. She plans to perform ballet for her talent.
• Miss Greater Gibson County's Teen: Kalani Thomas
  • She plans to attend Belmont University in the fall, where she'll major in elementary education. Her platform, "The VOICE Project," encourages young girls to express themselves and heal through the arts, providing a safe space for girls of all backgrounds to discover unique talents, develop creative skills, and use artistic expression as a positive outlet. She'll use her skills as a vocalist for her talent.
• Miss Johnson City's Teen: Brenna Lawrence
  • This ETSU student is pursuing a criminal justice degree in hopes of being elected as a district attorney some day. Through her CSI, "Eczema Awareness," she promotes skincare, advocates for kids to embrace their differences, and tries to show others what it's like to live with eczema while also reducing stigma. For her talent, she'll sing a song by her favorite Disney princess, "who taught her the importance of staying true to herself."
• Miss Memphis' Teen: Analee Shaver
  • This Collierville High School student plans to study communication science in college. As part of her CSI, "Stand4Me," she encourages her peers to advocate for each other and stand up against bullying by sharing her personal experience and raising awareness in her community. Her talent will be a lyrical dance.
• Miss State of Franklin's Teen: Eliza Girton
  • This rising ninth grader at Heritage Home Scholars plans to study theatre and business, with a goal of working for a nonprofit. Since the age of 10, she's worked to provide feminine hygiene products to schools and organizations, as well as advocate for statewide legislative change to combat period poverty, which is why her CSI is "Be Her Hero: Bringing an End to Period Poverty in Tennessee." For her talent, she'll do a beatboxing vocal performance.
• Miss Middle Tennessee's Teen: London Everett Dendy
  • She's a dual enrollment student at Columbia State Community College, but after high school, she plans to attend Belmont University's School of Motion Pictures and School of Law in order to become both a filmmaker and prosecuting attorney. Her CSI is "The Food Umbrella," a nonprofit she founded to help combat food insecurity for the 38% of Tennesseans who face this issue by providing food, funds, and volunteers to local organizations. Although she plays six instruments, she plans to perform a musical theatre vocal piece for her talent.
• Miss Historic Greeneville's Teen: Brooke Gosnell
  • As of March, this high school senior was still deciding between the University of Alabama and ETSU as the next step in her path to becoming a neonatal nurse, but based on her personal Instagram, she apparently chose ETSU. Her CSI, "Beyond the Mirror," helps girls build self-confidence and incorporate self-worth into their daily lives. For her talent, she plans to perform a contemporary dance because it brings her so much joy.
• Miss Tusculum's Teen: Emma Light
  • Even though she's a junior at Greeneville High School, she'll start college courses at Walters State Community College this summer so she can earn an associate degree in pre-nursing by the time she graduates high school. Her CSI consists of her organization, Possibilities for Disabilities, which advocates for people with brachial plexus injuries and promotes the idea that anyone can overcome limitations in life. Her talent is a self-written monologue titled "Disabilities Don't Define You."
• Miss Perry County's Teen: Ellie Kimble
  • This Page High School student plans to attend the University of Alabama to major in aerospace engineering. Through her CSI, "The Food Allergy Advocacy Project," she connects with state legislators; hosts food drives; and educates others to help make life safer for the more than 719,000 Tennesseans with food allergies. Her talent will be baton twirling, which is something she's previously done in a Disney parade.
• Miss Athens of the South's Teen: Zoe Little
  • This Nolensville High School sophomore is dually enrolled at Columbia State Community College, actively involved in Youth in Government, and hoping to study law at the University of Alabama. Her CSI is "Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide," through which she raises awareness and supports teen mental health. For her talent, she'll perform an upbeat baton routine inspired by the Alabama Crimsonettes.
• Miss West Tennessee's Teen: Charlotte Witt
• Miss East Tennessee's Teen: Avery Morgan
  • This Providence Academy student's plans for the future include a summer law program at Stanford University, a pre-law degree, and law school so she can become a constitutional lawyer and hopefully a Supreme Court justice. Her CSI is "Proverbs 31 Purpose," working closely with local organizations and volunteers to help others find their purpose while fulfilling her own. Her talent will be a violin performance, a skill she's practiced for six years.
• Miss Gatlinburg's Teen: Finlee Ozias
  • This Farragut High School student hopes to attend Mars Hill University to major in criminal justice and minor in musical theatre so she can follow her dream of becoming either a lawyer or an actress. Her CSI, "Hope that Helps: Helping to Foster Hope One Child at a Time," supports Isaiah 117 House by donating clothes, stuffed animals, toiletries, and financial contributions to kids in need. Since she's been clogging for six years and is a two-time national titleholder, she'll perform an energetic clogging routine for her talent.
• Miss Historic Jonesborough's Teen: Isabella Abram
  • She recently graduated cum laude from Science Hill High School and will attend ETSU in the fall as a Changemaker in the Honors College. Through her CSI, "Unstoppable Abilities" -- which was inspired by her own mobility and hearing challenges -- she advocates for accessibility in schools and communities, works to remove barriers and create spaces where everyone can thrive, and raises awareness and promotes inclusion for people with disabilities. Her talent will be a monologue about the personal story of her horse, the special bond they share, and the lessons learned from their journey together.
• Miss Central Tennessee's Teen: Sophia McLimore
  • This rising sophomore at Houston County High School plans to major in political science at UT Knoxville, go to law school, and become a prosecuting attorney. Her CSI is "P.A.T." (short for "Political Advocacy for Teens"), which creates opportunities for teens to get involved in civic matters by educating their age group about political processes, local government, and policy; allows them to have engaging discussions about important political and social issues; and empowers them to participate through advocacy and community involvement. For her talent, she'll do a fun vocal performance.
• Miss Brentwood's Teen: Lucia Cortese
  • She's a rising high school senior who plans to study pre-med in college so she can become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Through her CSI, "Living with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)," she brings awareness to the more than 200,000 Americans diagnosed each year and advocates for improved treatment and understanding of this chronic condition by sharing her personal journey. Her talent will be a lyrical dance.
• Miss Lynchburg's Teen: Mckinna Ward
  • She is an honors graduate from Moore County High School, with a concentration in animal health sciences and marine biology, who hopes to continue her education in Hawaii or South Carolina. Her platform, "Mckinna's Miracles," is a nonprofit she created with her mother at just 9 years old to benefit children with physical or mental disabilities and serious health issues, as well as the affected families. Her talent will be a tap dance to a music medley, featuring some tumbling and jazz elements.
• Miss Greene County's Teen: Taylor Boyle
  • This ETSU student is double majoring in musical theatre and kinesiology/exercise science, but she still found time to launch her Leadership Academy, where she led 15 East Tennessee high schoolers through a five-month leadership development program. Her CSI, "The Art of Confidence," exists to help young people develop confidence and build leadership skills through a love of the arts. For her talent, she'll do a vocal performance.
• Miss Rocky Top's Teen: Kallie Gergich
• Miss Tennessee Waltz's Teen: Katie Bateman
  • This rising freshman at South Gibson County High School plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, earn a degree in aerospace engineering, and pursue a career as an astronaut with NASA. Through her CSI, "BRCA Genes: Educating and Supporting Women with Breast Cancer-Related Genetic Mutations," she hopes to turn fear into awareness by encouraging women to get screened, helping families understand their genetic risk, and supporting those who choose preventative action. Her talent will be an upbeat jazz dance.
• Miss Wilson County's Teen: Luci Rose Coay
  • After graduating from high school a year early with honors, she plans to attend Tennessee Technological University to major in special education. Through her CSI, "Cooper Powers: Promoting Empowerment through Individuals with Disabilities," she focuses on teaching students the importance of bringing kind and respectful values into every space they enter. For her talent, she'll perform a high-energy jazz dance set to a fusion of gospel, hip-hop, and funk.
• Miss Music Row's Teen: Bella Malone
  • This recent graduate from Aaron Academy plans to major in business and twirl for the majorette line at MTSU. Her CSI, "Make a Difference," centers around inspiring a generation of more kindness, volunteerism, community engagement, and active support of causes. Her talent is baton twirling.
• Miss Nashville's Teen: Addison Stanfill
  • She just graduated from Lexington High School and is ready to attend Vanderbilt University in the fall, where she'll double major in English and philosophy on the pre-law track so she can become an attorney who specializes in family law, with a focus on estates, wills, and trusts. As part of her CSI, "Hope in Motion -- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," she raises awareness and funds for St. Jude's lifesaving work for children battling cancer and other serious illnesses. For her talent, she'll perform a "HerStory" called "Fly," advocating for determination and perseverance.
• Miss Marble City's Teen: Chiannah Ruckart
  • This Grace Christian Academy student plans to earn a biology degree from UT Knoxville and become a plastic surgeon. Through her CSI, "My Buddies and Me," she advocates for children with different abilities and shows others that they can do anything. Her talent will be an energetic, high-performance musical theatre dance.
• Miss Blue and Gold's Teen: Jaida Jones
  • She's majoring in elementary education with the goal of becoming a first grade teacher. Her CSI is "From Setback to Comeback: Thriving with Post-Concussion Syndrome," through which she advocates for herself and others affected by concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome by educating people and sharing her story. For her talent, she'll perform American Sign Language to "I'm Tired" by Labrinth and Zendaya, a song that's helped her through her Post-Concussion Syndrome journey.
• Miss Historic Broadway's Teen: Mabry Grace Shields
  • This rising sophomore at Halls High School wants to major in criminology at the University of Alabama and then become a criminal profiler with the FBI. For her CSI, "Live in the Light: Illuminating the Fight Against Blood Cancer," she partners with DKMS to promote blood stem cell and bone marrow donations. Her talent will be a jazz dance.

The total number of contestants for Miss Tennessee and Miss Tennessee's Teen this year is 58, just shy of last year’s total of 59. In addition, 21 of this year’s contestants competed in 2024, all under different titles, while 13 of them competed in 2023.

You can help your favorite Miss or Teen contestants as they compete by voting for People’s Choice. The competitors with the most audience votes will secure spots in the finals.

For more information about the 2025 Miss Tennessee and Miss Tennessee’s Teen scholarship competition, click here.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/50-young-women-competing-for-miss-tennessee-miss-tennessees-teen-2025-in-nashville/