Calhoun ladies, Melissa West, Emma Howell and Grace Seitz traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to compete in the 2023 Miss Tourism Pageant, July 20-23. Team WV did very well at Nationals bringing home 5 national titles and two 2nd runners up. The pageant was held at the Millennium Maxwell Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, where each queen participated in interview, photogenic, evening gown and state costume.
For the costume category Grace chose to discuss Anna Jarvis who founded Mothers Day; Emma chose to be a chef and discuss the creation of the pepperoni roll and the importance it was for West Virginia coal miners; Melissa discussed the abandoned Lake Shawnee Amusement Park and the paranormal activities throughout the state.
Melissa told Ridgeview News that “The Miss Tourism Pageant Organization is not just a sisterhood, but family. We may see others on Facebook, but at Nationals we get together and it’s like we have never been apart. I am glad I was able to experience Nationals with Emma and Grace. They have worked hard this past year to achieve the level they did. It is important to lift each other up and help each other reach a heir fullest potential. No one should ever feel they are not good enough to compete.”
Grace received received 2nd runner up in her category, Emma received Directors Choice of the Mrs. Division 2024 and 2nd runner up for Mrs. division. Melissa received Queen of Queen, Cover Girl, International Tourism Mrs 2024 and Tourism Legacy Queen 2024.
Each of the ladies are already preparing for next years nationals. If you are interested in Miss Tourism Pageants please visit their website misstourismpageants.com
