Allee Kristen Anderson has been selected as the 2026 Scott County Miss Hospitality, and will represent the county in the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition in Hattiesburg in July, and serving as an ambassador for Scott County throughout the year.
The Miss Hospitality Program, established in 1949, is Mississippi’s oldest scholarship program for young women. Its mission is to promote tourism, economic development, and goodwill across the state by selecting young women who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence, and a welcoming spirit. Miss Hospitality titleholders serve as spokeswomen for their communities and the State of Mississippi at civic events, festivals, and promotional activities.
Anderson, 18, is a student at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and maintains a 4.0 GPA. A graduate of Lake High School, she earned numerous academic honors, including All A’s throughout high school, a perfect score on the English State Test, Honors Graduate distinction, membership in the 25 and Up ACT Club and Beta Club, Principal’s List recognition, and All A Honor Roll through dual-credit coursework at East Central Community College.
Deeply involved in her community, Anderson attends Lake First Baptist Church, volunteers at nursing homes in both Scott and Newton counties, and assists with coaching Lake Middle School cheerleading during the summer. Her hobbies include reading, painting, playing guitar, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Anderson has ambitious plans for her future. She intends to complete her undergraduate degree at Southern, attend medical school at UMMC or William Carey University, and pursue a career in addiction psychiatry, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact helping individuals and families.
Anderson has selected Tyley Elizabeth Neal of Forest as her Scott County Little Miss Hospitality. Neal is the daughter of Ty and Courtney Neal of Forest. She is 7 years old and attends Lake Elementary School, where she is a second grader.
Neal is a smart, kind, and loving little girl who enjoys playing outside, spending time at the barn helping with their horses, and caring for all of their dogs. She has a special love for her rabbit, Oreo, and enjoys helping her dad feed and care for their roping cattle. She has one brother and loves playing “school” and doing just about anything outdoors. Tyley also attends Southern Elite Cheer and Tumble, where she looks forward to going to the gym each week. Most of all, she loves being around her family and cherishes every chance she gets to play with her cousin.
For more information about the Miss Hospitality Program or Scott County’s participation, please contact local director Heather Thornton at scottcountymisshospitality@gmail.com.
