University of Mississippi students were highly successful Saturday at the annual Miss Mississippi pageant.

The pageant, which is a large asset to Vicksburg’s economy, also has a lucrative financial appeal to contestants because of the scholarship opportunities available.

While the ultimate winner over the weekend was Miss Dixie, three Ole Miss students placed in the top 10, with one being the first runner-up.

We congratulate them for their efforts throughout the school year and during pageant time. It’s no small feat to juggle responsibilities and the stresses of a large pageant.

Miss Turtle Creek Anne Elizabeth Buys received the first runner-up award. Blue Springs native Carol Coker, who is Miss University, and Hattiesburg native Ivey Swan, who is Miss Leaf River Valley, also represented UM well.

Each contestant has her own platform that betters the university, Oxford and Lafayette County community. Having a platform for service also helps shape these young women into being the best they can be and gives them a positive attitude to spread to others in the community.

Congratulations to you all and we wish you the best in your schooling.