Greene County’s Taylor Garretson is Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality

By RUSSELL TURNER
Herald Editor

Taylor Garretson of Greene County was crowned the 2025 Mississippi Miss Hospitality Saturday evening at the Historic Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg. With 47 contestants competing for the title, Garretson was selected following the week of competition, which included one-on-one and panel interviews, speeches, on-stage interviews, and an evening gown component.
Selected as the 76th Mississippi Miss Hospitality, the winner serves as a goodwill ambassador for economic development and tourism during her reign. Garretson will participate in numerous events throughout the state that highlight Mississippi’s tourism attractions and industries.
“I am still in shock about being Mississippi Miss Hospitality,” Garretson said. “I am looking forward to an incredible year of sharing the state’s story.” said Garretson. “I really hope to show everyone my love for Mississippi because I have lived in this state for my entire life,” she said. “The people here and everything here have made such an impact on me, and I’m so grateful for this state, and I really hope I get the chance to tell its story.”
“Coming back to compete again was everything I could have hoped for. I have grown so much because of this program and cannot wait to see where the next year takes me.”
Longtime Greene County Miss Hospitality volunteer Jennifer McNeal is excited for Garretson as well.
“She is perfect for this job,” McNeal told the Herald. “She will be speaking both around the state and even out of state encouraging tourism and economic development in Mississippi.”
“She will also be doing those things utilizing social media outlets as well. This job requires someone who is intelligent, articulate, and truly caring. Taylor is the whole package and she will do a great job. She has already hit the ground running with print, radio and television interviews.”
This was Garretson’s second time competing on the state Miss Hospitality stage as she also competed in the 2023 competition as the City of Leakesville’s representative. She placed in the top 10 that time and now claims the distinction of being the first returning contestant to win the title.
She is the third Greene County resident to serve as Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality. Sand Hill resident and 2006 Greene County High School graduate Claire Walley claimed the 2009 title. More recently, McKay Lee Bray, a 2019 GCHS graduate and Leakesville resident, claimed the state title and served as Mississippi’s 2020 Miss Hospitality.
That’s a big accomplishment since Greene County has only been participating for 21 of the 76 years the program has existed.
“The program has been a part of Mississippi since 1949, and Greene County has only been participating since 2004,” McNeal added. “In the 21 years that we have been participating, we are tied with Meridian for the most winners.”
“I am so thankful that I have gotten to be part of this amazing program. As someone who taught public speaking and journalism at Greene County High school for many years, working with the local Miss Hospitality program was a perfect fit. The contestants go through four interviews, have to do a speech encouraging people to visit Mississippi, and produce a commercial about the area they represent. They are expected to post on social media outlets about both their home area and the state of Mississippi. It is truly a job about communicating their love for home, and I love that.”
McNeal was one of many Greene County residents who were on hand to support Garretson and fellow Greene Countian Madison Pipkins, who competed as the City of Leakesville’s Miss Hospitality. Garretson said that hat support, and the support shown to her and Pipkins during their preparation for the week-long program was invaluable to them.
“There is no doubt that I had the loudest crowd in the audience last night, and I’m so thankful for the community of people who have been behind me and supporting me through this entire journey,” Garretson told a media outlet the day following her big win. “I have hundreds and hundreds of text messages, and I’m so thankful for every single person that has reached out, supported me, sent me a text message, a gift, or just a hug or a prayer.”
Along with claiming the title of Miss Hospitality, Garretson was 1-of-4 Mississippi speech winners awarded a Jay Slaughter Memorial Scholarship for their 90-second speeches creatively showcasing the state’s history, tourism resources, and business assets. Other winners were Attala County’s Taylor Griffin;, Ridgeland’s Malee Davidson; and Molly Kate Carley, of Sumrall.
A senior digital journalism major and dance minor at The University of Southern Mississippi, Garretson is a Dixie Darling and high school dance team coach. She is a Mississippi Press Association award winner and interned with the Greene County Herald, where she also worked on the “Discover Greene County” magazine. Garretson still contributes to her local community newspaper, produces a podcast and plans to continue to pursue a career as a journalist. She is also a dance teacher and works with area high school dance teams. The 21-year-old is the daughter of Ron and Vicky Garretson.
Serving alongside Garretson at official events and appearances will be Sarah Jane Hollinghead as Mississippi’s Little Miss Hospitality. Each local titleholder selects a Little Miss to mentor throughout their year-long reign and to be with them during competition week. Hollinghead is the 8-year-old daughter of Andrew and Mom Hollinghead.
Joining Garretson in the Top 5 this year were Malee Davidson, of Ridgeland (1st Alternate); Harley Hobby, of Neshoba County (2nd Alternate); Molly Kate Carley, of Sumrall (3rd Alternate); and Allyson Beard, of New Albany (4th Alternate).
Mississippi Miss Hospitality program works with local directors, contestants, and sponsors throughout the year to present the weeklong competition in Hattiesburg. In addition to competing and rehearsing, contestants participate in service projects and city tours, along with team building and leadership activities.
“Mississippi Miss Hospitality is more than a title — it’s a year-long mission of service, storytelling, and state pride,” said Kristen Brock, program director. “Taylor will spend the next year building connections, championing Mississippi’s tourism and economic assets, and continuing the legacy of accomplished young women who’ve worn the crown before her.”
Additionally, a number of other scholarships and awards were given out during competition.
This year’s social media scholarship winner, which is awarded by the Mississippi Tourism Association, is Allyson Beard of New Albany. The Lake Little Spirit of Hospitality Award, which is selected by the participants, went to Christina Mogollon, of Meridian, for her supportive, welcoming and kind behavior throughout competition week. The top ad sales scholarship for generating the most community support for the State Competition was presented to Greenwood’s Ali Hargett. The Most Photogenic award winner was Charlsee Smith, of Jones County.
For more information or to request Mississippi Miss Hospitality at an event, visit misshospitality.com or the program’s Facebook page. Keep up with Garretson’s year-long reign on the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition Facebook and Instagram.