A freshman from Loyd Star attending Mississippi University for Women will represent Lincoln County in the state Miss Hospitality contest in July.

Anna Alysa “Aly” Floyd, 19, is the daughter of John and Tina Floyd. She is the youngest of the family, which also includes John IV, TJ and Amy. She is a 2019 graduate of Loyd Star Attendance Center. She’s studying nursing at MUW.

Floyd was crowned Lincoln County Miss Hospitality Sunday afternoon at the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

She’ll accompany Chamber officials to ribbon-cutting ceremonies, open houses and festivals and, of course, she’ll lead the annual Christmas parade.

“She’s considered the Chamber’s Good Will Ambassador,” said Chamber Program Director Katie Nations.

Floyd, a former Miss Merry Christmas, wanted to apply for Miss Hospitality sooner but had a full plate.

“I didn’t feel that I was prepared enough and available enough for Miss Hospitality during the busy season of my senior year,” she said. “After doing Miss Merry Christmas, I felt that I could’ve done more and I wanted to do more. I am glad that I waited that extra year, because after moving off to college, I have definitely grown a lot as a person and have had to learn more speaking and social skills than I was capable of in high school. Also serving on ministry team has helped me in those areas as well.”

Floyd is active in her church and college ministry teams and hopes this title will open doors for her to share the Gospel.

“Going into this, I just prayed that God would use me,” she said. “I love my hometown, and I am so thankful to be representing the place that will always have my heart. I just hope that through this opportunity, I can show my heart in a way that will best reflect the charm and beauty of Lincoln County.”

After graduation, Floyd wants to pursue a career in nursing, serve in ministry and start a family.

“I have such a strong passion for the needs of people,” she said. “Even in the chaotic world we live in, I still want to help those that no one else will. I chose nursing because I want to be able to be a part of the lives of those that I am able to help such as getting to talk to them, learning more about them, and being able to walk with them when they need someone the most. I just love people, and I want to make a difference.”

Attending MUW three and a half hours away from home will be a challenge, but Floyd is ready to make the effort.

“I know that I am willing to stretch myself, and I am always willing to come home to be with my community, family and friends. I want to show the people that support me that I will support them as well,” she said.

Floyd will begin preparation immediately for the state competition. Mock interviews will be conducted throughout the summer. She will compose a 90-second speech about the state of Mississippi to take with her to the state competition along with a 20-second “commercial” on her hometown of Brookhaven and Lincoln County to perform on stage.

She will leave July 12 for the state competition in Hattiesburg. Judging will take place beginning July 15 with panel and individual interviews followed by the on-stage.

Nations and others will help Floyd prepared for the competition.

“Miss Hospitality is judged on presence, composure, interview and communication skills and an all over sense hospitality. Sharpening her interview skills and perfecting her Mississippi speech will be the biggest challenges since those give the largest portion of points in the state competition,” Nations said. “We want to give her as much preparation as possible by the time she leaves for the state contest that she can focus on forming new friendships and having fun. We certainly think she has what it takes to bring home the crown.”

Floyd said she is ready for the challenge.

“I know that I am a very determined person,” she said. “Once I put my mind to something, all my effort and attention goes into that one thing. It’s not all about winning. It’s about doing the best that I can and being able to show who I am. To prepare, I know that I will have to practice a lot, as well as seek guidance from those that are more familiar with the competition.”