Pictured are L to R: Miss Senior, Mason Lockamy; Miss Junior, Maddie Berry; Miss Viking 2024, Katelyn Johnson; Miss Sophomore, Samantha Townsend; Miss Freshman, and Kyrian Sage Oxendine. (Photographer: Heather Vicente)
On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, Latta High School held its annual Miss Viking Pageant.
Eighteen beautiful young women in grades ninth through twelfth graced the Ellis Performing Arts Center stage in a special category titled, Time for Tea, as well as an evening gown category. Earlier that morning, each contestant set down with the three judges for one-on-one interviews where they were asked questions regarding school, society, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
The pageant was directed by Ms. Jodie Peele Branham, her seventh year overseeing the pageant. The guest Mcees’ were the reigning Miss Viking, Janie Nolan, a junior at Latta High and Lea Foster Khalil, a Latta High graduate, Miss Viking 2018, and the reigning Miss Gamecock.
Special entertainment was provided by violinist Gavril Tiburcio, Miss Viking 2023, Janie Nolan with a song, and Lea Foster Khalil, Miss Viking 2018, with a dance.
The crowning portion of the pageant went as follows:
Miss Congeniality:
Senior, Le’Ann McKenzie
Miss Senior: Mason Lockamy
1st runner-up: Briley Bryson
Miss Junior: Maddie Berry
1st runner-up: Brooke Gasque
Miss Sophomore: Samantha Townsend
1st runner-up: Kate Gasque
Miss Freshman: Kyerian Oxendine
1st runner-up: Avery Kirby
Overall Miss Viking 2024:
Miss Katelyn Shelley Johnson, a Junior at LHS. Katelyn is the daughter of Davey and Shelley Johnson of Latta.
