Rylee Smith earns Jr. Pre-Teen Miss Mississippi NAM title

By Ora Reed

MS Cultural Ambassador

Pageantry has been a joyful part of Rylee Smith’s life since the age of three. During her preschool years at New Hope Christian School, she won a school pageant and was crowned queen – an experience she cherished and hoped to relive. Encouraged by her grandmother, Mrs. Jacqueline B. Martin, Rylee and her family began exploring the world of beauty pageants.

Her first official competition was the Miss Madison Magnolia State Pageant. Her parents, Robert Smith III and Dr. Jasmine Smith, accepted an open call from the National American Miss (NAM) system. Rylee began her journey with NAM at age four, training under renowned pageant coach Boyce Christopher, who has mentored several Miss Mississippi winners.

Unlike many pageant systems, NAM emphasizes natural beauty and personal growth through self-confidence, communication, service leadership, and interview skills. For the Jr. Pre-Teen age group (7–9), visible makeup is not permitted – encouraging authenticity and self-expression.

At age six, Rylee won the National American Miss Mississippi Princess title and placed 12th nationally. In preparation for the 2025 NAM Gulf Coast Pageant, she began vocal training with acclaimed coach Ora Reed and performed “Tomorrow” from the Broadway classic Annie. The competition was held at the Renaissance Riverview Hotel in Mobile, Alabama, with participants from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Now nine years old, Rylee was crowned Miss Jr. Pre-Teen Mississippi and will advance to compete in the National Pageant in Orlando, Florida, this November.

When asked what she enjoys most about pageantry, Rylee shared, “I love meeting new people, making new friends, and showing others that young people with learning disabilities can be anything they want to be.” Living with dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, and visual processing disorder, Rylee continues to shine with her positive attitude and charismatic personality. She also enjoys playing softball – especially as a catcher – and spending time with her brother, RJ.

Rylee is the proud granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius (Jacqueline) Martin Jr., Mrs. Virginia Smith, and the late Mr. Robert J. Smith Jr.