Oxford, AL — Community members gathered Saturday, June 28, to celebrate and support seven young women representing Oxford and Calhoun County as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Miss Alabama Volunteer Pageant. The send-off party, held in honor of their dedication and service over the past year, spotlighted their personal growth, community impact, and excitement for the state-level competition.
Representing Oxford were Caroline Gibson, Miss Oxford Volunteer; Taegan Brand, Miss Oxford Camellia State; Emma Bishop, Miss Oxford Teen Volunteer; and Rachel Vickery, Miss Oxford Camellia Teen. Representing Calhoun County were Ally Mavar, Miss Calhoun County Volunteer; Megan Malloy, Miss Calhoun County Teen Volunteer; and Hannah Peters, Miss Calhoun County Camellia Teen. Danica Karr, Miss Northeast Alabama Teen Volunteer, was also honored.
During the event, titleholders reflected on their experiences, sharing what the Miss Alabama Volunteer pageant means to them. Caroline Gibson described the organization’s supportive atmosphere: “I’ve never been around a group of girls so uplifting. The sisterhood is what sets this organization apart.”
Ally Mavar emphasized the pageant’s focus on community engagement. “Volunteerism is my favorite part of the SERVE mission,” she explained. “It’s not just a name—we are out in our communities making a real difference.”
Contestants also discussed their personal SERVE initiatives. Megan Malloy shared her work on “Megan’s Mission to Decipher Dyslexia,” inspired by her own diagnosis at age six. Emma Bishop highlighted the importance of being a visible representative, both in-person and online, to raise awareness of the Miss Alabama Volunteer program. “I’ve made it my goal to be active in my community and on social media to show what this organization is all about,” she said.
The Miss Alabama Volunteer Pageant will take place July 24–26 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC), with preliminary competitions scheduled for Thursday and Friday and the finals set for Saturday evening. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 30, through the OPAC box office.
Program Director Tara Smith, who leads both the Miss Oxford Volunteer and Miss Calhoun County Volunteer programs, noted the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming event and the significance of the young women’s accomplishments over the past year.
*Photos by Shasta Jones with the Calhoun Journal
