On Saturday, March 14th, 2026, Latta High School held their eighth annual Miss Viking pageant. The contestants began their morning with holding one-on-one interviews with the judges where they were asked an array of questions regarding school, society, and everyday life. That evening, they graced the stage in their Interview wear for the opening number, St. Patrick's Day wear for the Fun Fashion category, and an evening gown division where they answered an onstage question regarding International Women's Month; "If you could choose one woman you admire, past or present, who would that be and why?"
The pageant was directed and MCed by Ms. Jodie Peele Branham with special performances by LMS eighth-grader Dorian Mathis (son of Sarah and Lester Mathis of Lake View, SC) and Miss Viking 2018, Lea Foster Khalil (daughter of Tara and Nader Khalil of Dillon, SC). Dorian has been an Elvis tribute performing artist since the age of six and he entertained the crowd with three Elvis hits, "I Got Lucky", "Falling In Love with You", and "Hound Dog". Lea Foster Khalil is a graduate of Latta High School and the University of South Carolina. She currently holds the title of Miss Dillon County Volunteer and will begin USC's law school in the fall. She performed a self-choreographed jazz dance routine to "Reverse" by Caravan Palace. Our three judges hailed from Dillon County, Horry County, and Robinson County and the adjudicator was from Camden, SC.
The contestants ranged from freshmen to seniors. The freshmen were Isabella Grace Herring, Madylyn Denise Hulon, Hunter Grace Lockamy, Jaya Izabella Mitchell, and Camdyn McKenly Taylor. Camdyn Taylor was crowned Miss Congeniality, which was voted on by the contestants, and Jaya Mitchell was crowned Miss Freshman. The sophomore contestant and crowned Miss Sophomore was Miss Adrinea Breonia Smith. The Junior contestants were Avery Lea Kirby, Abigail Grainger Page, and Adalie Jasmine Taylor. Adalie Taylor was crowned Miss Junior. Our senior contestants were Lauryn Daylee Brumbles, Kate Elizabeth Gasque, and Abigail Faith Jones. Lauryn Brumbles was crowned Miss Senior, and the overall Miss Viking crown went to Kate Gasque.
Kate Elizabeth Gasque is the daughter of Johnny Mac, Jr. and Laura Gasque and the granddaughter of Johnny Mac, Sr. and Carolyn Gasque all of Latta, SC and Annette Haselden of Dillon, SC. Kate is currently a senior at Latta High School and is a Varsity cheerleader, FCA leader, FFA President and FFA Sweetheart, LHS Student Body President, "The Shall Go" staff member, Athletic Student Council member, and a National Honor Society member. In the fall she will be attending Clemson University and majoring in Agribusiness.
Ms. Branham would like to thank all the contestants and their families for being a part of this year's pageant, the judges, special guests, and those who were able to come and support the contestants. She would also like to give a tremendous and heartfelt thank you to the reigning Miss Viking 2025, Demery Maddox Berry, who even though could not be in attendance due to playing softball for Wofford College, sent the contestants a heartfelt message of encouragement and good faith.
(L to R): Abigail Jones, Kate Gasque, Lauryn Brumbles, Abigail Page, Adalie Taylor, Lea Foster Khalil (entertainment), Avery Kirby, CJ Berry (stage assistant), Dorian Mathis (entertainment), Camdyn Taylor, Hunter Grace Lockamy, Bella Herring, Adrinea Smith, Jaya Mitchell, and Mady Hulon
All contestants in their evening gown wear
Miss Viking 2026, Kate Elizabeth Gasque