There are two nights remaining for the Miss Mississippi contestants to win in preliminary competition. Wednesday night, two contestants walked the runway at the Vicksburg Convention Center with wins in talent and swimwear.
Breanne Ponder is 22 years old. She holds the title of Miss West Central Mississippi. This is her first year at the Miss Mississippi pageant.
"What did you do to get ready for swimwear? Abs. It's all about the abs for me because when I do the abs, really the rest of your body comes along with it. Lots of blanks, lots of cardio," said Ponder.
Ponder says the win in swimsuit was a surprise.
"For here, for America, it's really more about being toned so it kind of pulled it out for me to win, because it just goes to show you don't have to be skinny."
She also says she works hard to stay healthy by eating right and exercise.
"The key is if you eat more, work out more," said Ponder.
In talent, a repeat win for Miss Mississippi State University, Stephanie Stanford.
"It feels great because singing is something I really have a passion for, something that I love to do and so getting awarded in that area of my life you know is the greatest honor," said Stanford.
Stanford was fourth runner up to Miss Mississippi last year.
"It's the first night, I still have two more nights of competition so really this doesn't mean anything, just means I have more motivation and I'm very driven to finish out strong."
The preliminary competition continues through Friday. Stanford receives a $300 scholarship for talent, Ponder, $200 for swimsuit.
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