Jackson named first runner-up at pageant

Published 5:00 am Monday, June 18, 2007

Kelsey Ann Jackson, of Brookhaven, was chosen first runner-up inthe Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen Pageant Saturday night at theVicksburg City Auditorium.

The 15-year-old daughter of Teddy and Jennifer Jackson was oneof 35 contestants in the pageant, which is sponsored by the MissMississippi/ Miss America Program. She competed as Miss Dixie.

“We were so excited and pleased. So many of the contestants wereolder and were coming back for the second and third time,” saidJennifer Jackson. “Kelsey being new to this kind of pageant, wewere really amazed.”

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Miss Houston/North Central Jasmine Murray, of Columbus, was thepageant winner.

Jackson said her daughter’s goal was to be in the Top 10 becausethere were family members who were not able to see her perform inthe preliminary rounds, but they were able to be there forSaturday.

“We had so many family and friends who missed seeing her competein the two preliminary nights,” she said. “We were just shootingfor Top 10 so everyone could see her compete. Needless to say, wewere so excited and very pleased.”

Jackson said it was also great practice for upcomingpageants.

“It was a very positive experience, especially being new to thattype of pageant, because it’s just like Miss Mississippi on a teenlevel,” said Jackson. “There was an interview and there were judgesfrom all over the country.”

Kelsey, an accomplished vocalist, performed the song, “I Want ToBe A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” in a preliminary round held Friday. Shewon the preliminary round with the song.

“She picked that song because she can yodel, and not many peoplecan do that, and it’s always a crowd pleaser,” said Jackson. “Everytime she does that song, the crowd goes wild, and obviously theydid at the pageant, too. You hardly ever hear a country song in apageant. We took a risk, but it paid off.”

Jackson said the entire week surrounding the pageant was also agood experience for Kelsey socially.

“It was a really fun week for her, I think that’s what made iteven better,” she said. “They did fun things and had a good time,and she made friends she’ll have for a long time.”

Jackson said the family is planning a trip to Nashville when herhusband Teddy gets back in town from his overseas job. Kelsey has afriend she performs with in Music City, and the two will beperforming in a few local venues.

“When her dad gets back, we have a trip planned for Nashville inJuly,” said Jackson. “She’s really looking forward to it. She lovesNashville.”