Volunteer from Miss Tennessee claims triumphant return to Jackson following victory on July 26, as she becomes the fifth titleholder with a crown
The Miss Tennessee Volunteer pageant, held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on July 23, 2025, culminated in the crowning of the fifth titleholder on the evening of July 26. The event was filled with excitement, emotion, and a touch of nostalgia, as the pageant paid tribute to the late Tammy Sparks, one of its co-executive directors who passed away on July 5.
The pageant was divided into four themed nights: Motown, Throwback Thursday, Party in the USA, and Disney. Each night showcased the contestants' talent, grace, and passion for their respective platforms. The contestants, a total of 36 titleholders from across the state, advocated for a wide range of causes, including farmers, veterans' mental health resources, and supporting child abuse victims.
Hannah McKay, the outgoing Miss Tennessee Volunteer, described her final pageant as "bittersweet." She encouraged the next titleholder to cherish every moment and take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. McKay, who served as Gov. Bill Lee's Character Education Spokesperson and finished in the Top 10 in the national pageant, Miss Volunteer America, in June, also emphasised the importance of compassion during her tenure.
During the pageant, each contestant's overall score was determined by evening gown, talent, fitness and wellness, and a private interview with the judges, each worth 25%. The winner of the pageant, who will be crowned on July 26, will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
In a poignant moment during the pageant, host Frank Byers led the crowd in a moment of silence to remember Tammy Sparks. The original Miss Tennessee Volunteer sign, outlined in pink, was hung on the back of the stage to honour Ms. Sparks. Sparks served as one of the Miss Tennessee Volunteer co-executive directors since 2019.
Emily Anne Sparks, Miss Tennessee Volunteer's Co-Executive Director, shared her excitement for the pageant season. Ashley Plemmons, the current co-executive director of Miss Tennessee Volunteer, served as a leader and organizer within the organization. The Jackson Rotary Club hosted the contestants for lunch on the day of Night One of the pageant's commencement.
As the pageant comes to a close, the current Miss Tennessee Volunteer, Hannah McKay, has traveled more than 30,000 miles for volunteering and networking during her tenure. McKay will pass her crown to the next titleholder on July 26, marking the beginning of a new journey for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer organisation.
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