• 52°
franklin county times

Local lovelies do well at Miss USA Pageant

By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
BIRMINGHAM – Two local ladies made a winning impression at the Miss USA pageants held late October at Samford University's Wright Center.
Russellville natives Hannah Saylor and Madeline Mitchell were each awarded Miss Photogenic and chosen as Top 5 finalists.
"It was exciting that two RHS girls won because it was a bigger pageant, and we didn't know anyone we were competing against," said Mitchell.
Saylor, a senior at Russellville High School, competed in the Miss Alabama Teen USA pageant, which included 28 participants ages 15-18. Saylor was named Miss Photogenic and third alternate to pageant winner Courtney Parker.
Mitchell, a 2007 Russellville graduate and University of Alabama freshman, participated in the Miss Alabama USA pageant, which included 25 contestants ages 18-26. Mitchell, who won the Miss Northwest Alabama scholarship in May, was awarded Miss Photogenic and second alternate to pageant winner Keisha Walding.
"This allowed me to meet new people and it gave me a lot of experience, and the interview was a lot better because it was one-on-one instead of having to talk to three judges at the same time," said Mitchell.
Both pageants were comprised of three primary competitions, including evening wear, swimsuit and interview. The final five contestants were also required to answer a timed on-stage question.
"You can be asked anything," Mitchell said. "I was asked, 'What is the difference between a lady and a woman?' and that is the basically the same thing."
Saylor said the final question could be pulled from a variety of topics.
"The on-stage question is the most challenging part because you never know what you'll be asked, and you're put on the spot because you only have 30 seconds to answer," Saylor said.
Saylor said she decided to participate after talking to Mitchell, who first competed in 2006 after learning of the pageant from Russellville graduate Mallory Wooten, who is a former Miss Alabama USA participant.
"I found out from Madeline, so I went last year and watched her compete," said Saylor, who wore a gold evening gown accented by rhinestones and a sheer overlay. "My mom helped me a lot with the pageant, and she always goes looking for dresses with me."
Mitchell also credited family for their support.
"Our moms were torn up because they're used to talking to us while we're at a pageant. They weren't able to check in because we weren't allowed to use our cell phones or even receive text messages – I guess the pageant wanted to make sure we weren't getting extra information," said Mitchell, who wore a gold velvet gown with a close-fitting bodice. "My family is very supportive, even my (grandfather) – he bought my dress and even goes to the pageants."

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x