Miss Hospitality Allie Claire Townsend headed to state competition

Published 11:56 pm Friday, February 15, 2019

For Allie Claire Townsend, there’s no place like home.

And while she’s always been one to brag about her hometown, it’s the 19-year-old’s job for the next year.

Townsend, the daughter of Dwayne and Cindy Townsend, has been chosen as Lincoln County’s Miss Hospitality and will compete for the state title in July, where she’ll be judged on her presence, composure and confidence as well as her ability to promote her state with a live commercial.

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Through the local contest, sponsored by the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, Townsend received a $250 scholarship, a gift basket and an official Miss Mississippi Hospitality crown, sash and pin.

She’ll wear those at Chamber events where she’ll serve as an ambassador for Brookhaven and Lincoln County. She’ll also get a spot in the front of the annual Christmas parade.

If she wins at the state level, she’ll score more scholarships and attend various events throughout the state, often alongside the governor.

“I’m so excited for Allie Claire,” said Chamber Program Director Katie Nations. “We look forward to preparing her for the Miss Hospitality Lincoln County title. She will accompany our Chamber of Commerce at ribbon cuttings, grand openings, festivals and other events.”

Nations will work with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College freshman to prepare for the state program, which is in its 70th year.

“We look forward to seeing Allie on stage this summer as we know she will represent Brookhaven and Lincoln County well,” Nations said. “I’m thankful for the host of volunteers, sponsors, retailers and civic organizations that are an integral part of this program each year.”

Townsend plans to graduate next year from Co-Lin and head to Mississippi College for her degree in elementary education and a minor in Spanish. She’ll most likely seek her master’s there as well then come back to Brookhaven to teach first-graders.

“I’ve been blessed to have such a wonderful education here in our school system and I want to come back and give back to the kids in the community like teachers did for me,” she said.

She loves Brookhaven and Lincoln County and doesn’t need to wear a sash to promote its attributes. But it helps.

“I’m really excited that I’ll be able to greet people who come to Brookhaven and Lincoln County and make them feel welcome here,” she said. “I really just enjoy being around people and getting to know them.”

Townsend was in the color guard at Brookhaven High School and served as Miss Merry Christmas her senior year. She’s involved in numerous activities including the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, Junior Ambassadors, Co-Lin Baptist Student Union, Macedonia Baptist Church Youth, Acteens, Macedonia Baptist Church Vacation Bible School and Lincoln County Teenage Republicans.