Fenly

Every year, the Miss Mississippi pageant is held here in Vicksburg. Although in this day and age, pageants are getting somewhat archaic, this is still a huge moneymaker for my city. I was talking with a friend who has a daughter in the pageant and these days it is less about winning than it is about making contacts and gaining life experience. Her daughter has gotten modeling and commercial work since appearing in the pageant last year.

Tonight, as they announced the top 10, I was surprised when they called the name of a fellow church member. First time senior pageant entrants do not usually make that coveted top group. But 19 year old Fenly did just that. And she was terrific.

More than that, Fenly is a nice kid. She loves old movies and vintage clothing. She was an active member of the church youth group and is a mentor to a young girl. I was always impressed that when she had her pictures in the paper for being a homecoming maid, she was the only one who did not look as if she belonged on a street corner. Fenly is ladylike. That is a word used far too rarely these days.

This year top 10. Next year, Miss Mississippi!