Alma Zepeda was crowned Miss BHS 2026 during the highly anticipated Miss BHS Pageant, held on March 4, 2023, at Bainbridge High School. This annual event, organized by the school’s Anchor Club and sponsored by Dr. Heidi Chambers and Ms. Sally Hawthorne, celebrated not only beauty but also qualities such as confidence, leadership, and intelligence.
The pageant featured contestants including Lakyn Dean, Anjelica DeJesus, Angie Dominguez, Taylor Sapp, Lohndon Williams, and Zepeda. Emceed by Will Parker, the Associate Band Director and a BHS alumnus from the Class of 2007, the evening was filled with engaging performances and inspiring moments. The event began with a vibrant mashup of “Golden” and “We Found Love,” choreographed by Mrs. Leigh Powell, which set an energetic tone for the night.
Each contestant showcased her personality by selecting outfits that conveyed personal significance during introductions. The panel of judges, consisting of BHS alumni with experience in pageantry, included Dr. Mya Pope Greenberg (Class of 1995), Ms. Jalyn Harrison (Class of 2013), and Mr. Clay Priest (Class of 1989). Priest commented on the high level of competition, stating, “Everyone had a moment where her light shined bright.”
The evening also featured several musical performances, including a heartfelt rendition of “This One’s for the Girls” by Hannah Salter and a duet of “Girl Crush” by Kelly Rogers. Rogers later captivated the audience with her performance of “The Climb,” providing entertainment as judges deliberated.
During the evening gown segment, contestants displayed poise and grace, followed by on-stage questions that allowed them to express their views. Each participant also presented a personal platform on issues close to their hearts, covering topics such as women in STEM, mental health awareness, farm worker rights, and traumatic brain injuries. Zepeda’s platform focused on autism awareness and acceptance, inspired by her relationship with her sister, Jenny. She remarked, “What started as confusion and embarrassment became understanding and love. Awareness means nothing without acceptance.”
The Best Interview Award, recognizing outstanding performance during the interview segment, was awarded to Anjelica DeJesus. She expressed gratitude, stating she felt “honored and appreciative” for the recognition, attributing her success to previous experiences that helped her feel at ease while speaking with the judges. Meanwhile, the Miss Congeniality Award, chosen by fellow contestants, went to Taylor Sapp, who demonstrated kindness and support throughout the competition.
Before the announcement of the final results, the outgoing Miss BHS, Brooklynn Dawkins, took a moment to reflect on her reign. She emphasized the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the value of “girlhood,” encouraging contestants to embrace the experience beyond the title.
Lakyn Dean was named First Runner-Up, earning a scholarship of $500 from Southern Regional Technical College and a cash prize of $250. Dean expressed her joy, stating she had “so much fun working alongside these incredible girls” and felt thrilled for Zepeda’s victory.
In the end, Alma Zepeda was crowned Miss BHS 2026, receiving a scholarship of $1,000 from ABAC-Bainbridge and a cash prize of $400. Zepeda expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am so thankful to have been chosen Miss BHS. This title means more than just a crown and sash — it’s my chance to represent my school and community with pride and to inspire others along the way.”
Dawkins expressed confidence in her successor, stating she was happy to pass the crown to Zepeda, believing it was “in good hands.” She added that Zepeda would inspire others to be bold and unique while serving with grace and joy.
Chambers and Hawthorne highlighted the event’s success as a collaborative effort, thanking BHS faculty, staff, and local businesses for their generous support. Hawthorne noted the positive feedback received regarding the event’s smooth execution and expressed eagerness for future collaborations.
The Miss BHS Pageant 2026 exemplified the values of scholarship, service, and leadership while celebrating the remarkable young women of Bainbridge High School.
