The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce has named Katie Sproles as Miss Merry Christmas 2020.

On a hot and humid Tuesday afternoon, Katie Sproles of Brookhaven was crowned Miss Merry Christmas.

The daughter of Tommy and Joanna Sproles, she is involved in National Honors Society and the Brookhaven High School Homecoming Production. Her previous involvement with the chamber of commerce includes Junior Auxiliary and Crown Club.

Sproles, a senior at BHS, has dreamed of being Miss Merry Christmas since she was a child.

“I remember going to the Christmas parade whenever I was little and I would see the girl on top of the car waving to people, and I always wanted to do that,” Sproles said. “I thought it was so cool. I knew I wanted to do something like that one day.”

For Sproles, finally getting to be Miss Merry Christmas is like a dream come true.

“It’s crazy, I just didn’t think I’d get it,” Sproles said. “You never think you’re going to get it. I found out and I’m still taken back by it.”

Sproles said she is still surprised about the honor.

“I’ve always looked up to the girls who have been Miss Merry Christmas,” Sproles said.

In order to become Miss Merry Christmas, Sproles went through a virtual application process that included writing a Christmas story about Brookhaven and telling it in two minutes.

There were 11 applicants, and a panel of out-of-town judges chose her.

“It’s a crazy feeling,” Sproles said. “It still hasn’t sunk in. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I love it.”

Sproles knows the experience will be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she’s still excited regardless.

“I do think it’ll be different,” Sproles said. “I don’t think we’ll have the parade this year. It’s okay because we can’t help the circumstances. I do think other opportunities will open up though. Either way, it’s going to be fun.”

Sproles said her favorite thing about Christmas is the day before, Christmas Eve.

“You’re waiting for the next day,” Sproles said. “We have a lot of Christmas Eve traditions. We open up one present and wear matching pajamas. I think Christmas Eve is my favorite part because of all of the anticipation, waiting for the next day to open presents and be with your family.”

Program Director Katie Nations is thrilled to bring Sproles on to represent Brookhaven during the holiday season.

“The chamber is excited to have Katie Sproles as our newly crowned Miss Merry Christmas,” Nations said. “Her enthusiasm and excitement is contagious. Along with being our holiday ambassador to all things Brookhaven, she will be taking over our social media pages here and there, so make sure to follow the Chamber through the Christmas season.”

 

Story by Gracie Byrne