WESSON — Copiah County native Ellie Barnett will represent Wesson and Mississippi on the national stage next month. Barnett is a first grade student at Wesson Attendance Center. 

She is also the Miss Magnolia State Elementary winner who will compete in Miss Elementary of America on July 2. The pageant is in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Ahead of the pageant, Barnett is encouraging people to participate in filling a gift box for Operation Christmas Child. Anyone interested in the charity can contact Hannah Barnett at 601-695-3365 or Tammy Walker at 601-757-0536 to pick up the boxes. 

Walker said they will collect donations until June 27, 2024.