Terrill selected Miss Mississippi State University

Contact: Harriet Laird

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Junior Jessica Terrill of Starkville is the new Miss Mississippi State University and will represent MSU in the Miss Mississippi Pageant next summer in Vicksburg.

A communication major with an emphasis in broadcasting, Terrill is the daughter of Jeff and Jan Terrill. She was among 11 women vying over the weekend for the title.

This year's competition drew four seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, and three freshmen, with three alternates being selected along with Terrill by the judges.

First alternate is Mary Margaret Roark of Cleveland, a communication major and daughter of Fred and Mary Jo Roark. Robyn Ford of Brandon was named second alternate, and she is a communication major and the daughter of Robert and Joycelyn Ford. Taking third alternate honors is kinesiology major Shelby Corn of Brandon, daughter of Penny Corn.

Pageant director Heidie Lindsey, associate director of the Colvard Student Union, said each contestant was judged in the categories of interview, evening wear, talent, and lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit. Also, each woman answered an onstage question as part of the judging.

The Miss America Organization remains the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Last year, MAO and its state and local affiliates made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.

For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.