Saturday, May 10th at 5:00 pm, Latta High School held their annual Miss Viking Pageant in the Ellis Performing Arts Center. Contestants competed in three categories; Interview, "YOU-nique" creative wear category, and an evening gown category. Entertainment was provided by Miss Viking 2023, Janie Nolan, and the reigning Miss Viking 2024, Katelyn Johnson. Both young women also helped MC the pageant along with Miss Viking 2022, Sophie Haselden and pageant director, Jodie Peele (Branham).
Demery Maddox Berry, daughter of Kyle and Crystal Berry, was crowned Miss Viking 2025. Maddie is a senior at Latta High School and will be attending Wofford College in the fall where she has already signed to play softball and major in Biology in hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist.
The contestants were as follows: Freshmen Hannah Lauren Berry and Rylan Hope Hunt; Sophomores Avery Lea Kirby, Kyrian Sage Oxendine, and Ahyliah Shantasia Smiling; Junior Kate Elizabeth Gasque; Seniors Demery Maddox Berry, Jennifer Brooke Gasque, and Kayley Ann Townsend. Hannah Lauren Berry was crowned Miss Freshman, Avery Lea Kirby was crowned Miss Sophomore, Kate Elizabeth Gasque was crowned Miss Junior, Jennifer Brooke Gasque was crowned Miss Senior, and Kayley Ann Townsend was crowned Miss Congeniality.
Photographer: Heather Vicente
Miss Viking 2025, Demery Maddox Berry
Miss Viking Court from left to right: Miss Freshman, Hannah Lauren Berry; Miss Sophomore, Avery Lea Kirby; Overall Miss Viking 2025, Demery Maddox Berry; Miss Junior, Kate Elizabeth Gasque; Miss Senior, Jennifer Brooke Gasque
Miss Congeniality, Kayley Ann Townsend