Eight contestants, Destin resident high-school girls between the ages of 16 and 19, recently vied for the title of Miss Destin 2021—Kathryn Ballard, Molly Bettinger, Kasidy Braden, Ella Kathryn Campbell, Whitney O’Keefe, Savannah Pitchlynn, Kaylie Sparks and Bella Wasson.
Each year for almost 30 years, Miss Destin has served as an ambassador for the City of Destin while assisting in numerous events in the community throughout her one-year reign. Sponsored by the Destin Fishing Rodeo Organization, Miss Destin’s primary function is to represent our city for 31 days in October, EVERY DAY, for the annual Rodeo Weigh Ins.
Traditionally, many have gone on to be teachers, lawyers, engineers, mothers, doctors, news anchors, nurses, business owners and even the First Lady of Destin. Contestants are judged on personality, communication skills and availability to fulfill the duties of Miss Destin at the Destin Fishing Rodeo. “No small task,” says Lori Smith, one of the four judges, “we were challenged with eight amazing young ladies who all seemingly could represent our city well. I have to commend them all. It took us 40 minutes to come to a final decision!”
“It just goes to show what an incredible group of girls we had running for Miss Destin this year that it took the judges so long to make a decision,” says Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Destin Fishing Rodeo. But, after finishing as first runner-up last year, Kaylie Anne Sparks, an age 18, 12th-grader at Niceville High School, was chosen to serve as Miss Destin 2021 and received a $2,000 academic scholarship + others. “I have always dreamed of fulfilling this role ever since I was a little girl. From an early age, I saw the Destin community come and deliver meals to my family in difficult times. This is a great opportunity for me to give back to the wonderful people that have supported my family,” says Kaylie.
Kaylie was also a contestant last year, finishing as first runner-up to Lauren Adams, Miss Destin 2020. She’ll be attending Northwest Florida State College next year and plans to transfer to the University of Florida in Gainesville later. Kaylie says through her life experiences, she will use Miss Destin also as a platform to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. “I am an advocate for this cause, because I am a thyroid cancer survivor,” says Kaylie.
Kathryn Ballard was first runner-up, Kasidy Braden was second runner-up and also named Miss Photogenic, and Bella Wasson received the coveted Peyton LoCicero Humanitarian Award, endowed by Frillseekers Gifts and the LoCicero family.
View the full photo library at savvyleighphoto.pixieset.com/missdestin/.
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