WTOK-TV Meridian
Mississippi's Miss Hospitality returns home to Meridian
By Jeffrey May
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -- The newest Miss Hospitality in Mississippi has been crowned, and she is from Meridian.
Anna McDaniel earned the crown in Hattiesburg this past weekend. She is a junior mass communications major at William Carey University. Miss Hospitality serves as a goodwill ambassador for economic development and tourism across the state.
"Everyone hopes to win, and you work so hard to win, but you never really expect to win. I think I was in shock," said McDaniel. "I was like 'Did he say my name?,' but he did, and I'm so proud to be able to bring this title back to Meridian. I think that's where it belongs."
She was joined at the program by her younger sister Kennedy, who served in the "Little Sister" role at the competition.
McDaniel got to meet Mississippi U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith before the competition. She says Hyde-Smith is an inspiration to her as she pursues her dream.
"I love her so much and respect her so much," said McDaniel. "My ultimate goal is to be a political correspondent in Washington and advocate for more women to get involved in politics, so getting to meet her was definitely one of the highlights of my week."
Victoria Bean of Lauderdale County also finished as second alternate.
Issues