King crowned Miss Phil Campbell, her first pageant win
PHIL CAMPBELL — Hannah King was crowned Miss Phil Campbell 2025 during Saturday’s pageant at the Phil Campbell campus of Northwest Shoals Community College.
In its second year, the event, emceed by Blaze Bishop, welcomed 26 participants and crowned winners across multiple age divisions. For pageant coordinator Michelle Marbutt, the night’s true beauty went beyond crowns and sashes.
“The best part was watching the girls encourage each other,” Marbutt said. “They were backstage calming nerves, fixing dresses, and telling each other how beautiful they were. My hope is that they made special memories and new friends.”
Kaitlin Galloway holds her daughter, Elora Jane Galloway, who was crowned Baby Miss.
PHOTOS BY CONTRIBUTED/MICHELLE MARBUTT
For King, the evening held its own surprise.
“I entered kind of last minute and mostly just for fun, I love dressing up and being a positive role model for younger girls,” she said. “It was a big surprise when they called my name.”
Though she has competed in other pageants, including Phil Campbell’s Dream Girl pageant, this was King’s first time entering the Miss Phil Campbell competition, and her first time taking home a title.
Toddler Miss Emberly Hovater.
“Winning this title is such a joyful and meaningful moment for me,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for giving back to my community, and now I feel like I have a real platform to make a difference and be a voice for others this year.”
Marbutt praised King’s personality and poise.
“She looked amazing. She was poised and graceful,” said Marbutt. “She has an amazing personality, and I think that shone through on stage.”
Tiny Miss Lily Mae Riley.
King said she hopes her win encourages others to step out of their comfort zones.
“Even though it was a smaller pageant and I already knew most of the people there, it still helped me build confidence,” she said.
She said the experience reminded her that leadership isn’t always about being in the spotlight.
Little Miss Saygen Sanderson.
“It’s about showing up, being a good example, and believing in yourself,” she said. She will be formally recognized at the Phil Campbell Festival this weekend and is still exploring how she’ll use her title to give back.
“I hope people, especially younger girls, see that you don’t have to be perfect to put yourself out there,” she said. “Kindness and being true to yourself will always matter most.”
Young Miss Brylie Havis.
King recently graduated from Phil Campbell High School, finishing in the top nine of her class. She plans to attend the University of North Alabama this fall to major in elementary education.
“I’m so proud to represent a town that’s shaped me into who I am,” she added. “I’m truly honored to wear the Miss Phil Campbell crown,” she said.
Junior Miss Sydney Moore.
Finalists included first runnerup Emma Rambo, Sarah Grace Burks and Shiloh Madden.
Other winners crowned during the evening included Elora Jane Galloway as Baby Miss; Emberly Hovater as Toddler Miss; Lily Mae Riley as Tiny Miss; Saygen Sanderson as Little Miss; Brylie Havis as Young Miss; Sydney Moore as Junior Miss; and Saylor Wade as Teen Miss.
Teen Miss Saylor Wade.
