HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Miss Wallace State representative Savannah Lynn is headed to Birmingham June 26-29, to compete in the statewide pageant and Miss America qualifier, Miss Alabama.
It was an unexpected turn of events for Lynn, a seasoned pageant contestant. On Sept 10, 2023, she was not named Miss Wallace State, nor the first runner-up. Instead, she was selected as the pageant’s second runner-up, leaving her third in line to make it to the statewide circuit. However, due to scheduling conflicts for the winner and first runner-up, Lynn was next in line and bravely stepped up to the challenge.
Said Lynn, “I remember right after that phone call, the first thing I did was pray. I was so nervous and excited at the same time and all I wanted to do, was thank God for this amazing opportunity.”
For Lynn, preparing for the pageant was more than just a routine; it was a part of her family’s legacy. Her two great-aunts, Sonya and Regina White, own the local pageant wear staple, Avenue Bridals. Lynn’s connection to the pageant world was established long before she could even walk, thanks to her glamorous great-aunts and their stunning outfits that always stole the show.
“I have participated in pageants since before I could walk, Lynn smiled. “ Growing up with a family who owned a pageant dress store was such a cool thing to me. I mean, how could I not participate in pageants? I have so much love for the pageant industry and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
While moving through the ranks of the pageant sphere and advancing her skills and on-stage performance, Lynn held those familial ties close to her heart. She said her mother, Heather Lynn, has been her biggest supporter through the hours of practice, rehearsing and countless tears, instilling a strong faith and sense of self in the young woman, no matter how tough the criticism or circumstances.
“I wouldn’t even be competing if it wasn’t for her. She has always been my biggest supporter in everything that I do and I’ll forever be thankful for her,” Lynn said emotionally.
Her mother’s and aunts’ support are what led Lynn to find her philanthropic platform, Back to Business. The platform hopes to bring awareness to and incorporate business skills in STEM courses in public education. Lynn is now next in line to run Avenue Bridals, keeping the storefront in the family. Her passion for business skills in STEM education blossoms from those familial ties and the needs she said she has seen for upcoming owners of small, local and family owned businesses that have lasted decades.
“We are the next generation to take over these small businesses one day,” she said. “I want students to feel prepared and excited about becoming business owners and working in the business industry.”
Lynn will compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant beginning at 7 p.m. on June 26 in the Samford University Wright Center. The pageant will not be broadcast publicly; however, tickets can be purchased online at Missalabama.com.
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