This is a week of firsts for Hickory’s Maddie Oliphant. For the first time in her life, she traveled by airplane. It’s her first time to visit “The Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno, Nevada. And for the first time ever, she’s competing nationally against 50 other contestants for the title of Miss Teen USA.
Oliphant, the reigning 2025 Miss Mississippi Teen USA and first African American to hold the title, has spent the past six months making appearances here in Newton County and throughout the Magnolia State, attending her sophomore year at Mississippi State University, and using her spare time preparing for the national stage in Reno.
“My time as Miss Mississippi Teen USA has been great. Making appearances and doing community services is truly my favorite part. I just love to show up with my crown and sash and just be there,” she said. “And ever since the dates for Miss Teen USA were announced, I’ve been in full prep mode. I’ve had two mock interviews per week and at least one interview prep session. And I’ve done modeling sessions like virtual walking sessions, where I do my same routine over and over so that it becomes muscle memory.”
Most importantly, Oliphant continued, she’s prepared herself with mindset coaching.
“Comparison can be truly magnified when you are going against the best. And it’s kind of scary that you’re out there with the best of the best. It can be a little intimidating,” she said. “But for me, I’ve been thinking of it like this: I am the best of the best. I’m surely going to be the best that I can be.”
The 51 contestants have a full week head of them before the finals, with a State Classroom Presentation scheduled on Monday, followed up with interviews on Tuesday, and a whole lot of rehearsing and early morning wake-up calls. The Miss Teen USA final and Coronation is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23.
And while Oliphant is psyched to be getting a trip to Reno, Nevada and her first taste of flying, she even more thrilled to be representing not only her state, but Newton County, on the national stage.
“I’m so excited. I could not be more prepared,” said Oliphant. “I’m going to do the best I can. I won’t disappoint you guys!”
