Celebrating Ali Hargett: Nativity Member Represents Greenwood at Miss Hospitality Competition

This summer, Ali Hargett, a beloved member of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, represented Greenwood at the 76th Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition in Hattiesburg. As Greenwood's Miss Hospitality, the 18-year-old Pillow Academy graduate spent her year promoting the "heart and soul of the Delta" and sharing all the incredible things our hometown has to offer.

"Greenwood is full of true hospitality because of the people who live and work here," Hargett said.

A Passion for Service

Hargett has been an active member of Nativity and has a long history of community service. Her commitment to volunteering began in high school and has only grown stronger. She served on the Mayor's Youth Council, volunteered at community events like the 300 Oaks Road Race and the Viking Half Marathon, and participated in mission trips to New York and Texas organized by her school.

Through the Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood's Crown Club, Hargett contributed to projects benefiting Greenwood's Boys and Girls Club, Beacon Harbor, and the Leflore County Humane Society. Her fundraising efforts helped purchase a new freezer for Greenwood's Community Food Pantry and a new transport swing for Happicare day care. She was recognized with the club's award for the most hours of service, with a combined total of 60 hours.

"I have realized that my commitment to volunteering will be a lifelong commitment," she said. "I hope my title allows me to share my love of community service with others and draw attention to ways we can all give back to our communities."

A Greenwood Native at Heart

Hargett has lived in Greenwood all her life and says she cannot imagine a better place to grow up.

"Greenwood offers the best parts of living in a small town, where everyone knows each other, but it also offers so much more," she said. She highlighted the arts and culture at ArtPlace Mississippi and the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, culinary experiences at the Viking Cooking School, and the vibrant downtown with anchors like The Mississippi Gift Co., Fincher's, and Lynbar Jewelers.

"Greenwood is the birthplace of the blues and home to the most perfect Delta sunsets," she added.

Preparing for the State Competition

Under the guidance of local director Renae Hardy and Ashley Farmer of the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hargett prepared diligently for the state competition. Her favorite—and most challenging—part of preparation was mock interviews with judges knowledgeable about Greenwood's tourism and economic development.

Hargett also embraced the competition's social media challenge, using her Greenwood Miss Hospitality Facebook and Instagram pages to highlight interesting facts, local businesses, and even a tutorial on how to make comeback sauce. She discovered some surprises along the way, including that Greenwood once had successful minor league baseball teams.

"Through my research, I have learned a lot about Greenwood's history," she said.

A Bright Future

Hargett will major in biology at the University of Mississippi as a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, with the goal of becoming a pediatric dentist and improving access to oral health care in rural Mississippi.

A Parish Proud

Nativity is proud to count Ali Hargett among its members and celebrates her dedication to community service and her passion for Greenwood. We give thanks for her witness and the way she shines a light on all that is good in our community.

"I am proud of the work that I have done to highlight all that is good about Greenwood, but I am most proud of the incredible community support I have been shown."

We invite the entire parish to join us in celebrating Ali's accomplishments and in continuing to support her as she pursues her dreams. Well done, Ali!