The Miss University of Tennessee at Martin and Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival scholarship pageant was held Saturday, Nov. 14, in the Harriet Fulton Theatre located in the Fine Arts building.
David Belote and Jared Anderson welcomed the beautiful 2016 contestants who, if crowned, would go on to compete for the title of Miss Tennessee.
Each contestant competed in swimsuit and fitness, talent, even wear and onstage question. The contestants also competed in an interview with the judges prior to competition.
Ultimately, it was Natalie King who won over the judges and won the crown as Miss University of Tennessee at Martin and a scholarship. Natalie was also voted People’s Choice.
Natalie King looked amazing in all aspects of the competition. For her talent, she played “Concerto for Oboe and Strings Mvt. II” on the oboe. Natalie’s platform is “Keeping the Arts in Schools.”
Taking home the Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival title was Sarah Yarbrough who is a graduate from Austin Pea State University. Sarah was also voted Miss Congeniality.
Sarah was breathtaking in her red evening gown. Sarah performed a contemporary dance to “Then Came You.” Her platform is “Breaking Barriers.”
The Miss UT Martin royalties were as followed: First Runner Up- Yvannah Garcia from Martin, Tennessee, Second Runner Up- Noreli Mendez.
The Miss Soybean Festival royalties were: First Runner Up- Delaney Timberman, Second Runner Up- Paulina Castro from Martin,Tennessee.
Before the announcement of the winners, 2015 Miss UT Martin (Shelby Dotson) and Miss Tennessee Soybean Festival (Carsen Roney) gave very heartfelt speeches about their reign and experiences at Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant.
Both Natalie King and Sarah Yarbrough will represent the Martin community in the Miss Tennessee Pageant in June. They will stay very busy and active in the community as the prepare for through journey for the crowd.
