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?"
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. Stage manager was sophomore CJ Berry.
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.
Ms. Branham would like to thank Beth Jackson for helping take up admissions fees in the lobby, Erika Roberts for running the sound booth and overseeing the EPAC, and Amber Jordan for picture taking! Also a big thank you to Hollen and Ella Philpot, Stephanie Philpot's daughters, for creating the St. Patrick's Day balloon arch!
Congratulations to all participants!
