Baldwin County High School senior Kennedi Grace was recently named Miss AWAG 2024 at the annual pageant sponsored by the Area Women's Action Group (AWAG), held at Coastal Alabama Community College.

Grace, who plans to major in Liberal Arts at Coastal Alabama Community College after graduation, dreams of becoming an Art Director.

The pageant, which judges contestants in casual wear, talent, evening wear, and stage questions, featured tough competition. Grace secured her crown after impressing the panel across all four categories: casual wear (20%), talent (30%), evening wear (20%) and stage question (30%).

In addition to taking home the title, Grace earned several prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Mary H. Cox Memorial Award, the Cindy Higgins Bailey Scholarship, the Attorney Candace Crook Orr Scholarship and a Coastal Alabama Community College Scholarship. She also received a $500 AWAG Scholarship, furthering her academic ambitions.

The top five finalists included contestants from high schools across Baldwin County. Brooklyn McWilliams of Baldwin County High School was named 1st Runner Up, followed by Jada Gray, also of Baldwin County High School, as 2nd Runner Up. Laurel Gilbert of Fairhope High School claimed 3rd Runner Up and Davia Durgin of Daphne High School took home 4th Runner Up.

Grace wasn't the only Baldwin County High School student to shine. Tatyana Coleman, Christiana Williams, and JaMya Gandy also showcased their talents, earning accolades for their performances. Coleman and McWilliams were honored with the Most Spirit Award, while Gandy and Williams received the Horizon Award.

Gray, who finished as 2nd Runner Up, received the Scholastic Achievement Award for academic excellence, Tickets and Presence Award, and the Attorney Kristyn Hardy Scholarship. She also took home the Shedrick Hardy Memorial Award, which she shared with Durgin.

Other notable awards included the Beatrice Lyons Memorial Award for Gilbert and Williams, and the Sabra Simmons Honorary Founder's Scholarship, presented to Coleman. Gandy and Coleman also received top honors in the Ads and Publishing category.

The evening was made even more memorable by performances from the Lil Angels and the Lil Gents. AWAG also took a moment to recognize individuals who made exceptional contributions to the community, with Tina Covington and Quinton Jenkins receiving special acknowledgment. AWAG members Annie Smith and Felisha Anderson were honored with the Extra Mile Award, presented by AWAG President for their dedicated efforts to the organization.