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TORI FERGUSON NAMED MISSISSIPPI MISS HOSPITALITY 2008
Tori, 19, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Burnett and the late J. Scott Ferguson, M.D. Tori is a Sophomore at Mississippi State University. She plans to pursue a career in Nutrition and Physical Therapy. She loves acting and is a volunteer with her church's vacation bible school. As Mississippi's Miss Hospitality, Tori will tour the state promoting Mississippi tourism, as well as act as a good will ambassador around the state. Tori is the 59th Mississippi Miss Hospitality and the third winner from Starkville in the pageant's history. The last winner, Sharon Applegate, dates back to 1969. Tori is also the 11th Mississippi Miss Hospitality crowned in Hattiesburg. "I'm so excited to promote tourism and be a goodwill ambassador for the state," said Tori. "I can't wait to meet new people and share the hospitality of our state." The first alternate was Gentry Stevens of Wayne County. Second alternate was Hailey Ratcliff of Lincoln County. Third alternate was Morgan Hurt of George County. Fourth alternate was Tara Tutor of Pontotoc. Winning the award for Most Photogenic was Tara Tutor of Pontotoc. The award for Spirit of Miss Hospitality, which is voted on by the contestants, was Whitnie Hill of Prentiss County. "All these girls did an amazing job and represented their cities and counties with grace and dignity," said Pageant Coordinator, Traci Rouse. "Every year we are blessed with bright, talented young ladies in our pageant." All 38 contestants competed for over $100,000 in scholarships and prizes. The theme for this year's pageant was Broadway and featured several production numbers from musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera, Dream Girls and Hairspray. During the week the contestants took part in rehearsals, tours, interviews and special events. The pageant is presented by VISITHATTIESBURG, the City of Hattiesburg, and the University of Southern Mississippi.
2008 Mississippi Miss Hospitality contestants:
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HATTIESBURG- The lights of Broadway lit up for Starkville native Tori Ferguson, as she was crowned the 2008 Mississippi Miss Hospitality. She was one of 38 contestants which competed Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd at the Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg.
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