Culberson crowned Miss Black Neshoba County
The Westside Community Center was filled with excitement and elegance on Saturday, June 21, as it hosted the 2025 Miss and Little Miss Black Neshoba County Pageants. The evening was a joyful celebration of talent, culture, and community pride.
Among seven outstanding contestants, Kay Culberson earned the title of Miss Black Neshoba County 2025.
Kay is the 15-year-old daughter of Deaunda and Femee Culberson and a student at Neshoba Central High School. She also received the esteemed Director’s Award for her exceptional presence and leadership.
Additional Miss Division Honors were:
• First Runner-Up: McKenzi Thompson, 17, daughter of Crystal Carter and Manuel Thompson; also awarded Best Hair
• Second Runner-Up: Za’hara Greer, 15, daughter of Shenekko Smith and Karen Greer; also awarded Best Smile
• Best Dress: Jada Clemons, 15, daughter of Shundrell Clemons and Desmond Latham
• Assistant Director’s Award: Cher’najza McBeath, 16, daughter of Cher’nenko McBeath and Marcus Wilson
• Most Photogenic: Zylah Woodward, 16, daughter of Marcus and Natalie Woodward
• Miss Congeniality: Trinity Spencer, 15, daughter of Von and Conswella Brantley and Harry Spencer
In the Little Miss division, three bright young contestants took the stage before Khloe Gill was crowned Little Miss Black Neshoba County 2025.
Khloe is the 12-year-old daughter of Kendall Gill and Christopher Davis and is a student at Philadelphia Elementary School. She also won Best Dress and Best Hair.
Additional Little Miss Division Honors were:
• Caleigh Carter, 10, daughter of James Carter and Tamara Verser; awarded Most Photogenic and Assistant Director’s Award
• Taylor Jones, 9, daughter of Brandy Jones and Kevin Bingham; awarded Best Smile and Director’s Award
“This pageant is more than just crowns and sashes. It’s a celebration of culture, confidence, and community,” said Pageant Director Erica Clemons Moore. “I’m so proud of every single girl who stepped on that stage. They showed up with courage, grace, and heart, and it was beautiful to witness.
She added, “I also want to thank the families, volunteers, and the entire community for their incredible support. You helped make this event truly special.”
The pageant was directed by Erica Clemons Moore with support from Assistant Director Angela Fulton, whose dedication continues to uplift and empower youth across Neshoba County.