Thomas, Gray Crowned 2023 Miss, Little Miss Jackson Hospitality

Jaidyn Elease-Diane Thomas, a student at Thee Jackson State University (JSU), was crowned as the 2023 Miss Jackson Hospitality during Visit Jackson’s National Travel & Tourism Week celebration at the William F. Winter Mississippi Department of Archives & History building on May 9. The 2023 Little Miss Jackson Hospitality, Kenndi Gray, was also named.

Jaidyn Elease-Diane Thomas was crowned by the outgoing 2022 Miss Jackson Hospitality, Hailey Warren, a member of the Belhaven softball team who recently captured the first-ever Collegiate Conference of the South Championship.

Thomas, who received a $1,500 college scholarship as part of her coronation, is a junior at JSU, where she is earning a degree in Computer Science.

She will serve as the City of Jackson’s goodwill ambassador for tourism and will compete in the Mississippi Hospitality State competition July 9 – 15, 2023 in Hattiesburg.

Thomas also plans to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science, as well as a Ph.D. in Data Analytics upon completion of her undergraduate degree.

Thomas has participated in research internationally in Belize and Costa Rica with offers next summer for an opportunity in Saudi Arabia. She is a member of the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation, the National Honor Society, and the TRIO program.

"It's always bittersweet as one reign ends and another begins," said Laura Vogelsang, Director of Miss Jackson Hospitality. "I work closely with them throughout the year and you just get attached. Jaidyn has such a beautiful personality and I know she will do well at the state level."

GRAY CROWNED 2023 LITTLE MISS JACKSON HOSPITALITY

Kennedi Gray was born March 20, 2013, in Jackson, Mississippi to Iesha Odoms and Victor Gray. She is a straight-A 5th grader who loves to dance, sing, cheer and create Tik Toks.

Gray is also a part of the Southern Athletics Cheer Team.

The ten-year-old will serve alongside Thomas for ribbon cuttings, festivals and special events when her schedule allows.

Jada January was the first runner-up for Miss Jackson Hospitality and received a $250 college scholarship. January, a resident of Jackson, is a recent Alcorn State University Nursing School graduate attending the University of Mississippi (UMMC) RN-BSN online while working as a registered nurse at UMMC.

Kennedi Gray was born March 20, 2013, in Jackson, Mississippi to Iesha Odoms and Victor Gray. She is a straight-A 5th grader who loves to dance, sing, cheer and create Tik Toks.

Gray is also a part of the Southern Athletics Cheer Team.

The ten-year-old will serve alongside Thomas for ribbon cuttings, festivals and special events when her schedule allows.

Jada January was the first runner-up for Miss Jackson Hospitality and received a $250 college scholarship. January, a resident of Jackson, is a recent Alcorn State University Nursing School graduate attending the University of Mississippi (UMMC) RN-BSN online while working as a registered nurse at UMMC.

About the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant

Established in 1949 under Governor Fielding Wright and the Mississippi Legislature, the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition spans more than 70 years. Throughout this time, the program has championed the state’s tourism and economic development sectors while supporting Mississippi’s best and brightest young women through a robust scholarship program.

MEDIA CONTACT
Yolanda Clay-Moore • ycmoore@visitjackson.com or 601.345.2588 for interviews, statements and story ideas.