The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting resume-based applications for the 2015 Lincoln County Miss Hospitality Pageant until April 9.

The winner will be a youth goodwill ambassador for Brookhaven and will go on to compete for the state title in the Miss Hospitality Pageant at the historic Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg from July 31 through Aug. 1. Eligible contestants are young women are between 18 and 24 years old during the time of the state competition, where they will showcase the love and knowledge of their hometown.

Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director Kay Burton said Lincoln County Miss Hospitality contestants will be judged on a personal, biographical application describing honors and academics. The title is an honor and responsibility, as the local representative is an ambassador for tourism and industry through appearances, speaking engagements and hospitality events.

Lincoln County Miss Hospitality will be notified on April 15 and a crowning will be scheduled following the announcement. Burton said with the tiara comes training for the state title.

“It’s not just a walk across a stage in a pretty dress,” she said. “Though that is part of it. The winner will learn a lot of history and information about Brookhaven and Mississippi and will be able to talk about it.”

Burton said at the state level, the contestants are judged on poise, personality and communication – including a 20-second commercial about Brookhaven and a 90-second speech.

“They prepare and learn a lot about industry, business and tourism,” Burton said.

Burton said the competition is an opportunity for young women to gain valuable experience.

“This is a great way to increase those interpersonal skills and grow personally,” she said. “The competition is an excellent networking opportunity for many to meet other goal-oriented, outstanding young women and, potentially, create bonds that go beyond Miss Hospitality.”

Lincoln County Miss Hospitality contestants have done well at the state level in the past with seven girls placing in top 10, two placing in the top five, and a state winner since Burton started coordinating the local pageant in 2000.

In addition to being Mississippi’s friendly face shining from official photographs in welcome centers state-wide, the Miss Hospitality Pageant offers more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes. Applications are available at The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Kay Burton at 833-1411.