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Brookhaven native Destiny Keys, a 2021 graduate of Brookhaven High School, has achieved a major milestone, earning the title of 2024 Miss Southern Miss at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Known for her dedication to education, leadership, and service, Keys has embraced her role, bringing honor to both her hometown and her university.

Keys graduated from Brookhaven High School as a Special Honor Graduate and a member of the Academic Hall of Fame, reflecting a commitment to academic excellence that she continues at Southern Miss. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Sociology and maintains a stellar GPA of 3.75. In addition to her major, she is working toward a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate, and she is expected to graduate in May 2025.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Keys is heavily involved in campus life and community service. She serves as the Corresponding Secretary for the Iota Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she chairs the scholarship committee. As Vice President and Food Insecurity Director for the USM Student Health Coalition, Keys has made significant contributions to health awareness initiatives, providing free health screenings and advocating for affordable, nutritious meal options to combat food insecurity. 

Her commitment to supporting students extends to her role as a Learning Assistant in the General Chemistry Department, where she has worked since August 2022. In this capacity, she has helped guide and teach more than 500 students. Now in her senior year, she holds the office of President for the Residence Hall Association, overseeing event planning and campus engagement activities that enhance student life at USM. She also is the founder and president of the Pre-Physical and Occupational Therapy Society. 

Beyond her official roles, Keys has also devoted more than 260 volunteer hours as a note-taker for Student Accessibility Services, providing detailed lecture notes to students with disabilities to support their academic success. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship, the prestigious Kennard Scholarship, and consistent placement on the Dean’s and President’s Lists.