Petal Student Crowned Miss William Carey University 2010

Hattiesburg, MS, January 25, 2010 - Music therapy and education major Katelyn Farris of Petal was crowned Miss William Carey University 2010 and will compete in the Miss Mississippi Pageant to be held in July in Vicksburg.

Farris, whose platform promotes the benefits of music therapy for individuals with mental disabilities, is a member of the music fraternity Delta Omicron, the social sorority Gamma Chi, and the Student Music Therapy Organization. Her community service includes work at Twin Oaks Adult Daycare Center and the Baddour Center. She performed Giacomo Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” during the talent category.  Farris is the daughter of William and Joy Farris of Petal.

First runner up is Callie Merrill, an elementary education major from Pascagoula. Second runner up is Kayla Croy, a business and marketing major from Wiggins. Third runner up is Amanda Williams, a theatre major from Picayune. Fourth runner up is Maggie Moore, an education major from Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Amber Mauldin, a theatre major from Columbia, received the Virginia Scott Spirit Award. Voted on by the other contestants, this award honors former WCU pageant director Virginia Scott who served from 1972 until 1985. During Covington’s tenure three Carey women were crowned Miss Mississippi with one, Wanda Geddie, going to Miss America.  This award was instituted in 2004 by current pageant director Dr. Allison Chestnut.

Senior biology major Jeanne Disotell of Marrero, La. was second runner up in the Miss Pine Belt Pageant.



(left to right) Second runner up is Kayla Croy, a business and marketing major from Wiggins. First runner up is Callie Merrill, an elementary education major from Pascagoula. Music therapy and education major Katelyn Farris of Petal was crowned Miss William Carey University 2010 and will compete in the Miss Mississippi Pageant to be held in July in Vicksburg. Third runner up is Amanda Williams, a theatre major from Picayune. Fourth runner up is Maggie Moore, an education major from Tuscaloosa, Ala.