JACKSON, Tenn. (WKRN) — Is there any better place to crown Miss Volunteer America 2025 than in the Volunteer State?
While the finals for the Miss Tennessee competition were being held at East Tennessee State University’s Martin Center for the Arts in Johnson City on Saturday, June 22, the finals for the Miss Volunteer America pageant took place on the other side of the state, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson.
Miss Volunteer America 2024 Hannah Perrigin passed the torch on to Berkley Bryant, the reigning Miss South Carolina Volunteer, crowning her as the new ambassador for the pageant, which is now in its third year, officials said.
Based on the pageant’s Facebook page, the following contestants rounded out the top five or won other special awards that were announced Saturday:
Middle TN contestants win Miss Tennessee, Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen
Saturday evening’s event was hosted by the founder and CEO of Miss Volunteer America, Allison DeMarcus. In addition to being the only woman in history to represent Tennessee at the Miss Teen USA, Miss America, and Miss USA pageants, Allison is married to Jay DeMarcus of the legendary country music group, Rascal Flatts. This television personality is also the current president of the Board of Directors of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, which is one of many Middle Tennessee boards on which she has served over the years, and volunteers for numerous local organizations.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Berkley Bryant as Miss Volunteer America 2025,” said Allison. “Berkley truly exemplifies the values and qualities that define our pageant system, and we are excited to have her represent the Miss Volunteer America organization in the coming year.”
The prestigious title Bryant earned Saturday opens the door to plenty of exceptional opportunities over the next year and beyond. On top of $50,000 in scholarship funds, she will have the chance to meet with Creative Artists Agency Nashville, receive a Sherri Hill Designer package that includes a trip to New York Fashion Week, and engage in meetings with Big Machine Label Group and Red Street Records, according to organizers.
“Wow! Tonight was seriously a dream come true,” Bryant said just minutes after being crowned Miss Volunteer America 2025. “I’ve worked so hard in my state of South Carolina to grow the Miss Volunteer America organization and to be rewarded for all of the hard work and dedication that goes into being a state title holder is just so exciting! I look forward to putting my skills to work this year as Miss Volunteer America. I want to say thank you to Allison DeMarcus, the national board for hosting us here in Jackson, TN as well as all of the amazing women I’ve met through this program.”
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Over the last week, titleholders from all 50 states competed in preliminary rounds leading up to Saturday’s finale. Officials said more than $125,000 in scholarship money and prizes were awarded to these remarkable women as they exemplified glamour, talent, and the spirit of volunteerism.
“The Miss Volunteer America Pageant is more than just a beauty competition. It honors young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work,” organizers explained in a press release about the event. “This esteemed event highlights exceptional individuals who embody the values of service, compassion, and leadership.”
According to officials, this year’s pageant would not have been possible without the support of the presenting sponsors: Jane Alderson, Delta Dental of Tennessee, the DeMarcus family, Jackson Madison County Community Economic Development Commission, and Sherri Hill.
Since the spirit of service is at the heart of the Miss Volunteer America program, the organization said it partners nationally with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross. To lean more about the pageant, click here.
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