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On Feb. 22, 2025, the Bainbridge High School Anchor Club, sponsored by Dr. Heidi Chambers and Ms. Sally Hawthorne, presented Miss BHS 2025 after a 19-year hiatus.  The weekend was filled with glamor and grace but also with confidence, intelligence, and charm.  Contestants included Kaylee Grace Buchanan, Brooklyn Dawkins, Caroline Grubbs, Jacalin Padron, Taylor Sapp, and Asyah Williams.

The pageant was emceed by BHS alumni Devin Thompson (Class of 2014), and he did a phenomenal job making the contestants comfortable while engaging the crowd.  The evening began with an opening number to “Me Too” by Meghan Trainor, choreographed by Mrs. Leigh Powell.  Each girl chose an outfit that represented her and revealed its significance during her introduction.

Following the opening number, Thompson introduced the distinguished panel of judges, all of whom were previous Miss BHS queens (along with other titles). The three ladies were excited to take time out of their professional lives to return to their alma mater to reintroduce the pageant and help celebrate the wonderful students of BHS. Our judges were Dr. Mya Pope Greenberg (Miss BHS 1995), Mrs. Abby Killough Burke (Miss BHS 2006), and Mrs. April Brinson Turner (Miss BHS 1994 and Miss Georgia 1998).  Turner remarked, “Being part of the Miss BHS revitalization was such an honor! Coming back to my alma mater and seeing the caliber of young ladies representing their school was an absolute blessing! Congratulations to all who chose to challenge themselves and do ‘hard things.’”

While our contestants prepared for the next portion of the pageant, the crowd was entertained by a duet featuring Dr. Joseph Kelly and Ms. Sally Hawthorne performing Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and Ms. Hawthorne performing Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.”

Entertainment was followed by the evening gown portion of the program where the contestants exhibited their grace and composure in their beautiful gowns.  Following their evening gown walks, Thompson asked the girls to return to the stage. One by one, each girl randomly selected a question and articulately provided answers that were insightful and well thought out.

Next, the girls were asked to speak on a platform about which they feel passionate.  Each girl took center stage and spoke on topics ranging from independent women to child abuse, as well as mental health awareness, and leadership.  Dawkins spoke on body positivity and said, “Our personality speaks for ourselves, not small, medium or large.  Although it’s not our life’s goal to be perfect, we are perfectly imperfect.”  Buchanan’s platform focused on how social media has a direct link to eating disorders.  She reminded the audience, “everyone needs a clear understanding how each of us are clearly and wonderfully made by our loving God and social media does not change that.”  Each girl hopes to make a difference by continuing to promote her platform.

While the judges deliberated, the audience was again entertained by Dr. Joseph Kelly singing “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” by Alan Jackson.  Kelly had the audience clapping and singing along as they awaited the pageant results.  Following a ten-minute intermission, Thompson thanked the pageant’s sponsors and then called the contestants back on stage for the crowning.

The first award given was Miss Congeniality. Voted on by the contestants as the person who exemplified outstanding kindness and camaraderie throughout the week, the 2025 Miss Congeniality title went to Miss Asyah Williams.  Chambers said, “Asyah was at every practice ready to learn.  She was always positive and listened to the director and the other contestants to improve her performance.  She was a great choice for Miss Congeniality.”  Next, Miss Kaylee Grace Buchanan was awarded first runner-up, a title which came with a $500 scholarship from Southern Regional Technical College and a $250 cash prize.  Buchanan said, “I am beyond thankful for the relationships that have come from the revival of Miss BHS and will forever treasure my memories with these lovely ladies.”  Finally, the crowning of Miss BHS 2025 went to Miss Brooklyn Dawkins. Miss BHS 2006 Abby Killough Grubbs helped in the crowning of Dawkins and claimed, “After 19 years, it was truly special to not only be on the judges panel to select the next Miss BHS but to crown her as well. I look forward to seeing this pageant for years to come as it offers a fantastic opportunity to strengthen public speaking, interview skills, and the ability to carry oneself with poise and grace.”  As Queen, Dawkins received a $1000 scholarship from Thomas University and a $500 scholarship from ABAC- Bainbridge as well as a $500 cash prize.  On her winning, Dawkins said, “With hard work, dedication, and humbleness, you can achieve anything you desire.”  These young ladies achieved so much this week and deserve our heartfelt congratulations.

Chambers and Hawthorne are so excited about the resounding success of the pageant but understand it was truly a team effort. With the support of the BHS faculty and staff as well as donations, services, and gifts provided by residents, businesses, and colleges within Bainbridge/Decatur County and from Grady and Thomas counties as well, Chambers and Hawthorne were able to provide gifts for every contestant and raffle of over $1,600 worth of gifts.

Chambers and Hawthorne would like to give a special thank you to the Bearcat Sponsors: Thomas University, ABAC – Bainbridge, Southern Regional Technical College, Southwind Plantation, and Sun Stop. Their generosity was greatly appreciated not only by these two ladies but also by the three pageant winners. Hawthorne said, “We look forward to working with all those who so graciously and generously stood with us to make our first year back the success it was. Attendees, contestants, BHS staff, and administrators congratulated us on how well the evening turned out, and we think so too.”