The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Miss Hospitality contest Feb. 27.

The competition is open to females age 18-24 who are high school seniors up to college graduates. The local participation fee is $25, due with a completed application no later than 4 p.m. Feb. 23.

The contest is a brief interview process focusing on presence, composure and interview skills. The local winner must be able to attend the state competition July 10-17, as well as the workshop May 21, both in Hattiesburg.

Lincoln County’s Miss Hospitality 2021 has been Abby Smith. A Brookhaven High graduate, she also served the Chamber as Miss Merry Christmas 2019.

Smith said her experience has been invaluable.

“It was probably the best experience of my life,” she said.

She spent the summer prior to the state competition conducting mock interviews to prepare, and speaking at various clubs in the county.

“So at the actual competition … I had the opportunity to make great connections and new friendships with all the women who were there. It did not feel like a competition because everyone was so encouraging and genuinely wanted everyone to do well.”

An interior design sophomore at the University of Southern Mississippi, Smith said the competition helped her gain life skills such as networking and communication that will benefit her the rest of her life. She encourages anyone considering applying to “go for it.”

“It will broaden your horizons. It taught me a lot about myself and helped me come out of my shell. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she said.

For more information or to download an application, visit www.brookhavenchamber.org, email admin@brookhavenchamber.com, call 601-833-1411 or visit the Chamber on South Whitworth Avenue. Smith will be in Brookhaven Feb. 27 to crown Lincoln County’s new Miss Hospitality.