Miss Mississippi

Taryn Leigh Foshee

What is your hometown like?
Clinton is home to Mississippi College, which is the oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi, and was the first private college in the United States to grant a degree to a woman. From its Civil War history and brick streets, to once holding the headquarters of WorldCom, Clinton is a stable, family-oriented community that transcends time, adversity, and change.

What were you like when you were a child?
I had perpetual energy, and I was inquisitive, independent and perceptive. I also had strong nurturing and maternal instincts at the age of 2 when my sister was born because I thought I was the mother!

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My mother has given me the confidence, strength and resources to achieve each goal I set for myself. With a sacrificial heart, she stayed at home to dedicate herself to being my advocate, secretary, fashion consultant, cheerleader and most importantly, friend.

What is one thing about you that people you meet may not immediately realize?
I do not take myself too seriously. Along with my successes, I have made mistakes, failed and just had bad luck, but I am always the first one to laugh it all off in order to focus on the next challenge.

What was one defining moment in your life?
The day I became a Christian was a defining moment because it determined the course of my life. The decisions I make, the person I am and the character I have all stem from that one moment in the third grade when I decided that I was not going to live for myself but that I was going to serve others through His power.

What was one defining moment in your life?
Competing at a young age I had to examine myself to find out what I believed in, what I stood for and just how hard I would work to accomplish my goals and dreams. The most important thing I learned was how to be determined while remaining balanced and comfortable in my own skin.

What was one defining moment in your life?
As Miss America, I would hope to market the program in such a way that Miss America becomes American royalty again, exciting young girls to participate and inspiring corporations to donate more scholarship money. I want to show that not only is Miss America relevant, but she is useful in creating positive social change in today's society.