The first night preliminary competition for the Miss Louisiana Organization went off with a bang at the Jack Howard Theatre in Monroe.
32 contestants were introduced, and each lady had an opportunity to showcase her skills in on-stage conversation, talent, health and fitness, and evening gown competition.
During the on-stage conversation, contestants were asked specific questions relating to their community service initiatives. Contestants prioritized the advocacy of safety and mental health of children in the state of Louisiana. Miss Minden Maison Wilbanks stated, "always prioritize your mental health first and you can achieve anything you put your mind to."
Miss Louisiana Christian University McKenzie Young spoke to the needs of foster children throughout the state. When asked what needs to be changed in the foster care system, Young stated, "I think the leadership. I believe everything rises and falls on leadership and so the leadership within the foster care system needs to be better and we need to have integrity in all things dealing with the children."
In the talent portion of the competition, two contestants performed spoken word monologues. Miss Pride of Monroe Aliyah Armstrong began with "I am Woman." The monologue about finding a voice as a woman regardless of the atmosphere, refenced her community service initiative "Sexual Health Advocacy." "Identity" by Maison Wilbanks encouraged the audience to be mentally fit by searching within themselves.
Miss LA Port City Lily Gale preformed "Stay" on piano, a piece trending on TikTok in the fall of 2023 as content creators spoke out against domestic violence.
Miss Ouachita Parish Leah Thomson and Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival Olivia Grace George received preliminary fitness awards.
Miss Southeastern Louisiana University Shelby Bordelon won both newcomer and preliminary talent awards.
Preliminary competition will continue tomorrow night and finals will be held Saturday night as the new 2024 Miss Louisiana will be crowned.
