Jasmine Murray is serving as Miss Mississippi State University this year and will go on to represent the campus in the Miss Mississippi Pageant this summer.
Last year, she was awarded first alternate as Miss Spirit of the South and was also a preliminary winner in talent.
Murray, a sophomore communication major from Columbus, said she is thrilled to be returning to the Miss Mississippi stage.
“I’m looking forward to the entire week. I loved my first year competing, and now I know what to expect. Our week in Vicksburg is packed with autograph sessions, rehearsals and interviews. It is not just a pageant; it’s a whole show,” Murray said.
Since the pageant is five to six months away, Murray’s life has been filled with all things pageant.
“Preparing for the Miss Mississippi pageant is a job within itself, and hopefully, if it’s meant for me, I’ll win this year. I’ve been working very hard,” Murray said.
Various measures have to be taken for contestants who wish to compete in a pageant as big as the Miss America preliminary, Miss Mississippi.
“I’ve been training at the Sanderson with a personal trainer. I have a vocal coach and various interview instructors. I’ve also been trying to stay in the know of current events for the interview portion,” Murray said.
Kimberly Martinez, Murray’s sister, said Jasmine is always well-prepared and a go-getter.
“Jasmine came over to watch the Miss America pageant a few weeks ago, and we had so much fun. I hope that she can be Miss America one day because she already heals people through her music, and she could touch so many lives through her performance for the audience,” Martinez said.
Murray was on the eighth season of “American Idol,” and now she has turned her focus toward the Miss America program.
“I love being up on stage, and it doesn’t matter where. It almost feels as if I’m invincible. I love showing everyone what God gave me, and I’m constantly trying to get better. It’s what you make it, and I try to make it come to life,” Murray said.
Music has always been one of her passions. Locals might have even caught a glimpse of her performing at Pinelake Church, where she is involved in the music ministry.
Amina Bahammou, sophomore human science and family development major, has been on the Pinelake worship team with Jasmine and said she loves to be around her kind-hearted spirit.
“Jasmine is the most amazing woman of God that I know. My favorite song to hear her sing is ‘Break Every Chain,'” Bahammou said.
Murray is also passionate and involved with her platform, “13 Going on 30.” The program is centered on teenagers and issues such as peer pressure, self-esteem, bullying and cyber bullying.
“’13 Going on 30’ is just making sure that teens don’t grow up too fast. I want to be a positive encourager for them, and I’m looking forward to the day camps that are coming up,” Murray said.
Murray recently posted her first “13 Going on 30” newsletter to her Miss MSU fan page on Facebook entailing all of the information regarding her platform. She said she has enjoyed trying to be a positive leader in this community, and it is all because of the Miss America pageant program.
“Miss America helps contestants be well-rounded, and it primarily focuses on scholarship. My whole fall semester was paid for, just for being first runner-up last year, and I am so thankful for that,” Murray said.
Her advice for young girls who watch the show is to believe in themselves.
“Be everything you want to be, dream dreams bigger than anything you’d think possible. Being in pageants is not an unreachable goal, and the same goes for my experience with ‘Idol.’ I’m still actively pursuing my music career and hopefully if my dream comes true, I could be the next Miss America,” Murray said.
Murray is appreciative of all of the staff and students and their support in her endeavors. She said she seeks to shine a positive light on the university.
“I am so thankful to serve as Miss MSU, and I can’t wait to compete and represent our wonderful campus,” Murray said.