Ashlyn Thompson, a sophomore agricultural communications major from Donalsonville, Georgia, has just been crowned the winner of the 56th annual Ms. ABAC pageant. Ms. ABAC was hosted by the ABAC Agripreneurs, and raised money for the club, alongside Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House.
Ashlyn is heavily involved in ABAC’s campus, serving as the Historian for the ABAC Ambassadors, Senator for the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources on the Student Government Association, Public Relations for the ABAC Golden Girls, and the Secretary for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. As she grows into the Ms. ABAC role, she says “I’m really looking forward to being able to step out and continue being an ambassador to ABAC and build on my previous ambassador experience.”
There were 24 contestants for Ms. ABAC this year, and Agripreneurs President Rachel Wood, testified that it was a bit to organize because of the number of contestants, but always a welcome challenge. Prior to the pageant, contestants participated in a timed essay about a week before the pageant itself. The essay portion of Ms. ABAC is worth 10 points. The essay winner this year was Emma Hornick, who was sponsored by Sigma Alpha.
When the pageant itself began, each contestant stepped out under the lights in Howard Auditorium, and the crowd was immersed in sparkles, smiles, and shine. Every girl had the chance to receive a total of 150 points. There were two lead outs, one casual lead out and one formal lead out, each worth 15 points per judge.
After each lead out, there was a brief intermission. The audience was encouraged to donate to each contestant’s donation box, where donations were being sent to Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House. The contestant with the most money at the end of the night received the People’s Choice Award. Chloe Boatright, sponsored by E & E Farms, received the People’s Choice award.
After the intermission, the top 10 finalists were announced. The top ten had to answer an on-stage question, worth five points per judge.
Before the crown was passed down, Railey Hughes did her final walk as Ms. ABAC. Hughes was crowned the 55th Ms. ABAC last year and represented ABAC well throughout her time. Then, she crowned Ashlyn Thompson as the 56th Ms. ABAC.
Other winners included first Runner-Up Emma Hornick, sponsored by Sigma Alpha; Second Runner-Up, Lily Thurman, sponsored by Sigma Alpha; Third Runner-Up Jillian Bone, sponsored by ABAC Ambassadors; and Fourth Runner-Up Aleigha Stephens, sponsored by Sigma Alpha. There are also other awards, such as awards for the best interview and Ms. Congeniality, who is voted on by each contestant. These awards went to Aleigha Stephens, who was awarded both best interview and Ms. Congeniality.