Colleen Paige Bennett will represent Picayune in the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant, July 9 through July 15 at the Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg.

Paige is the daughter of Roy and Cindy Bennett. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a major in broadcast journalism. She now works at WLOX News as a news producer.

Some of the honors Paige has received are vice president of Moral Advancement, Order of Omega Society, Pi Honor Society, National Dean’s List and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. Paige is a member of First Baptist Church of Picayune and a 2002 graduate of Picayune Memorial High School.

Paige and her family would like to say a special thank you for all of the support she has received. Her supporters include Max Huey and First National Bank, McDonald Funeral Home, Ted Musgrove and State Farm Insurance, First Baptist Church of Picayune, Reflectech, Giaise Photography, Hancock Bank, Oleander Gifts and Gallery, Farmby Realty, Paul’s Pastry, A New Appearance, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, WRJW, City Carpets, Salem House, Valspar, and Mickle’s Pickles.

Paige is one of 36 contestants from across the state who will compete for over $100,000 in scholarships and prizes and for the title of Mississippi Miss Hospitality 2006, a tradition dating back to 1949. These contestants will experience a full week of special events, tours, interviews, and rehearsals, with two nights of competition beginning on Friday, July 14 at 8 p.m. and ending on Saturday, July 15 at 8 p.m. at the Saenger Theater.

If she is crowned Mississippi Miss Hospitality 2006, she will travel the state and country promoting Mississippi’s tourism, industry and economic development. She will also serve as its Goodwill Ambassador for one year, showing hospitality to everyone she meets.

The community is invited and encouraged to attend the pageant in support of Picayune and Paige Bennett.