Pace crowned Miss RHS
RUSSELLVILLE — Lily Cate Pace was crowned the new Miss RHS during the 44th annual Miss RHS Pageant.
Pace, a senior at Russellville High School who is the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Pace and Jenny and Jeremy Reed, said she felt “a tremendous amount of gratitude” when officials announced her name.
“None of it would have been possible if it weren’t for my amazing God, family, friends, fellow contestants and community,” Pace said.
She said the pageant played an important role in her high school experience.
“Ever since I was asked to be a Rising Star in the 2019 pageant, I knew that this pageant was something I wanted to be a part of,” Pace said. “I knew that the Miss RHS pageant would benefit me in so many aspects of my life.”
Pace competed in the pageant for all four years of high school and received grade representative honors during the previous three years.
She serves as co-captain of the RHS varsity cheer squad and plays on the varsity girls tennis team.
Her school involvement includes president of Future Business Leaders of America, treasurer of Future Health Professionals and recreation leader of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
She also participates in National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Christian Students United, student council, the student booster club, Science Club, Pickleball Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Mu Alpha Theta and the RCS Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Pace also performs in musical theater and plays in the praise band at Tharptown Baptist Church.
She plans to continue her education at Mississippi State University.
Audrey Oliver placed first alternate and Camden Carson placed second alternate.
Oliver, a senior and the daughter of Jamie Oliver, cheers for RHS and serves as co-captain.
She participates in the ACT 30+ Club and the National Honor Society leadership committee and belongs to Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Oliver also works as a dance instructor and competes with the dance team at AFTT Studio.
Carson, a senior and the daughter of Ken Carson and Chad and Denese Gault, performs as a Marching Hundred Tigerette.
She serves as president of Christian Students United, president of the National Technical Honor Society and president of the RHS science club.
Carson also represents the senior class on the student council and serves as a peer helper.
The pageant also named the following grade representatives — Brandtley Benford, ninth grade; Blevyn Sappington, 10th grade; and Ella Copeland, 11th grade.
Talent awards went to Brandtley Benford, freshman; Blevyn Sappington, sophomore; Ticelee Gholston, junior; and Haylee Patrick, senior.
Highest GPA awards went to Collins Odom, freshman; Sadie Odom, sophomore; Madi Willis, junior; and Camden Carson, senior Best evening gown awards went to Collins Odom, freshman; Jaley Mae Bragwell, sophomore; Ella Copeland, junior; and Lily Cate Pace, senior.
Best interview awards went to Avery Willis, freshman; Jaley Mae Bragwell and Blevyn Sappington, sophomore; Ella Copeland, junior; and Lily Cate Pace, senior.
Most photogenic awards went to Brandtley Benford, freshman; Jaley Mae Bragwell, sophomore; Keyli Hargett, junior; and Lily Cate Pace, senior.
Ellie Willis won the viewer’s choice award.
The pageant also recognized contestants who maintained an overall A academic average: Freshmen — Brandtley Benford, Collins Odom and Avery Willis.
Sophomores — Jaley Mae Bragwell, Brookelynn Davis, Adelyn Hester, Lillianna Hood, Sadie Odom, Grace Rogers and Blevyn Sappington.
Juniors — Ella Copeland, Keira Cruse, Ticelee Gholston, Keyli Hargett, Chloe James, Charslie Mills and Madi Willis.
Seniors — Camden Carson, Maci Cate Jackson, Aidyn Kate Marshall, Audrey Oliver, Lily Cate Pace, Haylee Patrick and Ellie Willis.
