A Brookhaven resident is thrilled to be the first ever MissMississippi US Teen.

Palomarez, 19, won the title on May 28 at the McComas Auditoriumin Starkville.

The contest consisted of interview, evening gown and swimwear.Palomarez, who represented Southwest Mississippi, competed against21 other contestants.

“I’m the first contestant to be named Miss Mississippi US Teen,”Palomarez said.

Palomarez said she was thrilled and honored to be named the veryfirst Miss Mississippi US Teen and is looking forward to thenational pageant. She said the teen pageant was new toMississippi.

Palomarez will represent Mississippi in The Miss US Teen Pageantthat will take place Aug. 22-25 in Las Vegas, Nev. The pageant willbe broadcast on cable television.

“After I won, my new director told me not to change a thing (forthe national competition), which made me excited about my chancesat The Miss US Teen Pageant.” Palomarez said. “This is a greatopportunity with an amazing prize package.”

As winner of the Mississippi pageant, Palomarez won an allexpense paid trip to the pageant in Las Vegas, as well as amodeling contract, apparel, shoes, interview coaching, image andmake-up consultations.

“It’s great,” She said.

Palomarez expects to compete against approximately 25 to 30other young women at the Las Vegas pageant.

Palomarez is a 2005 graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Centerand is currently attending Southwest Mississippi Community Collegewhere she is studying cosmetology. She is the daughter of Sudie andJoe Palomarez.