THOMASVILLE- History was made on the stage of the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium Saturday evening, as Savannah Taylor was crowned the new Miss Thomasville 2023.

The Miss Thomasville Scholarship Program Competition, presented in partnership with CNSNext, allows young women across Thomasville the opportunity to compete for a $5,000 scholarship, as well as the chance to hold the honorary title of Rose Queen at the annual Rose Show and Festival.

The annual Rose Show and Festival is a Thomasville tradition over 100 years in the making, and the new Miss Thomasville will be the reigning queen and ambassador of those festivities, as well as a role model to her peers.

Taylor, the daughter of Misty and Chad Taylor, will now receive a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by CNSNext for the University of Georgia, along with a $500 scholarship after being named Miss Congeniality by her peers.

Taylor said she was in total shock, but so thankful to her parents and friends, who have loved and supported unconditionally throughout the process.

”I’m so grateful to this community,” she said. “I’m looking forward to giving back to my community and I feel this platform will allow me to do that.”

She will be joined in her Rose Court by first runner- up, Macy Taylor, daughter or Lisa and Russ Taylor and student at Thomasville High School Scholars Academy. Macy received a $3,000 scholarship courtesy of Rosemary and Dale Powell that she will use to further her education upon graduation. Macy and Taylor will be joined by second runner-up, interview and talent winner, Ellie Godwin.

Godwin attends Brookwood School and is the daughter of Merit and Ronnie Godwin. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her placement as 2nd runner-up, along with a $750 scholarship for her rendition of “My Man” in the talent portion and $750 scholarship for her excellent interview with judges.

Third runner- up and student of Thomasville Scholars Academy was Albree Norton. Norton is the daughter of Stacy and Gabe Knight. Heali Patel, daughter of Ship and Bharat Patel, rounded out the competition as fourth runner-up.

This year’s Preliminary scholarships were all sponsored in honor of Miss Thomasville 1979 Kathy Vonier Horton, who opened the competition with the singing of the National Anthem.

Recipients of Preliminary scholarships were Essay winner, Cheyenne Bristol, daughter of Ashley and Andrew Bristol; Interview and Talent winner, 3rd runner-up, Ellie Godwin; and Poise winner, Angelina Vasquez, daughter of Sonia and Ramon Vasquez.

The pageant also sponsored a People’s Choice Award, which resulted in a $500 scholarship being presented to Jocelyn Waston, daughter of Dr. Lisa and Mr. Ben Watson, who will use it to further her cosmetology education at Southern Regional Technical College.

The 2023 Miss Thomasville Pageant had 13 contestants competing from area schools. The contestants were accepted into the program in April 2023 and worked steadily on a long list of deliverables, and spent two dedicated weeks learning about community, history and tradition. They spent hours rehearsing, as well as forming bonds through team building exercises and practices.

This year’s contestants in numerical order were Jocelyn Watson, Sadie Parrish, Macy Taylor, Ariel Anderson, Savannah Taylor, Camille Moore, Sarah Kate Still, Hallie Coppedge, Mikayla Voyles, Alyssa Frye, Lillian Horne, Jenna Johnson, Albree Norton, Cheyenne Bristol, Angelina Vasquez, Heali Patel and Ellie Godwin.

“Our board is beyond proud of the work ethic, dedication and kindness that we saw with this group of young ladies,” said Board member Mariam Mirabzadeh. “It’s inspiring to know who will be carrying the torch for future generations.”

The competition was emceed by Miss Thomasville Committee member and Miss Thomasville 2002, Whitney Robertson. Robertson dazzled with her vibrant personality, quick wit and humor as she shared about the program, contestants and sponsors.

New to the program was this year’s Miss Thomasville Princess Program.

Twenty-four elementary-grade female students were able to compete digitally for a chance to be named “Princess.” The princess will be mentored by Taylor throughout the year and have additional chances to appear alongside Taylor.

Alaina Gay was named the inaugural Thomasville Scholarship Program princess.

The board and committee thanked the community and the many business, friends and individuals, who shared melas, gifts, coaching, sponsorships and support to the scholarship program, which will continue to grow in 2023/24, as they add a Teen Miss Scholarship program.

Robertson encouraged any teens ages 13-15 to follow along at their @missthomasvillega Instagram and Facebook page, as more information becomes available on the unique opportunity.