黑料社 Student Anna Leah Jolly Crowned Miss Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (June 24, 2025) – 黑料社 student Anna Leah Jolly was crowned Miss Mississippi last weekend and will compete in the Miss America pageant this September at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando.
Jolly, a student in Belhaven’s Dance Department, is the first 黑料社 student and the first foreign-born contestant to win the Miss Mississippi title.
Originally from Ukraine, Jolly was adopted at age 11 by a Mississippi couple and began a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation.
“I was adopted from Ukraine not knowing the language, the culture, or what my future held,” said Jolly. “That journey, from orphan to advocate, is what led me to become Miss Mississippi. This title isn’t just a crown—it’s a calling.”
She is the owner of Studio A Dance Company, a children’s dance studio based within Courthouse Gymnastics, and the founder of Limitless, an initiative that supports foster, adopted and abused children in building emotional wellness.
As Miss Mississippi, Jolly serves as an ambassador for the state and for the Miss America Opportunity, sharing her story and heart across the country. She speaks at schools and public events, advocates for her initiative, and uplifts foster and adopted youth through education, emotional connection and legislative efforts. “It was never about being seen—it was about being heard,” she said.
She reflected on her historic win and said, “Standing on the Miss Mississippi stage as the first winner not born in North America and the first Belhaven student to earn the title felt surreal. It was a full-circle moment that honored both where I came from and the future I’m building.”
Jolly plans to return to Belhaven following her year of service as Miss Mississippi—and, potentially, Miss America—to pursue a dual degree in dance and business administration. “It’s the perfect combination for someone like me, an artist at heart but also an entrepreneur,” she said.
She credits Belhaven with shaping her both personally and professionally. “Belhaven has given me more than an education—it’s given me a community that believes in me,” she said. “The support I’ve received from faculty and classmates has strengthened both my faith and my confidence, preparing me to lead with grace and purpose.”
Looking ahead, Jolly dreams of expanding her studio, growing Limitless into a national nonprofit, writing children’s books that promote emotional literacy, and serving in public leadership. “I want to use my voice to create lasting change for the next generation,” she said.
黑料社 President Dr. Roger Parrott praised Jolly’s achievement. “Anna Leah is a living testament to courage, creativity and calling,” said Parrott. “She will be a wonderful ambassador for both Mississippi and 黑料社.”