Hadden Waters crowned 2025 Miss PCA
By Haleigh McWilliams, PCA Junior
Pinewood Christian Academy hosted its 52nd annual Miss PCA pageant on Saturday, March 29, in the Eddie Durrence Gymnasium. Fifteen stunning contestants in grades 9th through 12th came together to compete for the title.
Inspired by Psalms 34:5, “Those who look to him are radiant,” the theme of this year’s pageant was “Lovely.” The stage bloomed with a collection of hydrangeas, petunias, and ferns, with even more fresh flowers lining the runway. The backdrop was a painted teapot and a stack of small teacups, emphasizing the elegant tone of the evening.
In preparation for the event, contestants participated in several pre-pageant activities. They enjoyed a tea party hosted at Danny and Brenda Sowell’s home and received etiquette lessons from Mrs. Henri Etta Rogers, where they learned proper table setting and enjoyed fellowship. These gatherings provided valuable opportunities for the young women to build friendships and calm pre-pageant nerves.
Contestants in the Miss PCA pageant compete in three areas: interview, casual wear, and evening gown. Interviews were conducted early in the day with each young woman taking part in a 5-minute interview with the judges. During the evening, Brooke Smith, Miss PCA 2003, did an amazing job presenting the contestants and entertaining the crowd as the young ladies competed in their casual wear and evening gown competitions.
Genevieve Bradley with her father, Ed Bradley
Genevieve Bradley, 2024 Miss PCA, presented entertainment for the night as she performed “What a Wonderful World” with her father, Ed Bradley, on piano. Genevieve also performed a dance number with the senior escorts to a montage of iconic dances and their music. Senior escorts included Luke DeLoach, son of Rodney and Lil DeLoach of Glennville; Thomas Cole Hendrix, son of Cole and Casey of Glenville; and Will Wasson, son of Keith and Amber Wasson of Glenville.
Waters, daughter of Tim and Alana Waters of Glennville, not only claimed the crown but also received the Casual Wear and Evening Wear awards. “I grew up attending the Miss PCA pageant and dreaming about the day I could walk the stage,” said Waters. “This was my first year to do so, and I was absolutely shocked to hear my name called as the new 2025 Miss PCA. I couldn’t be prouder to represent Pinewood, the school I have known my entire life. I’m so grateful for this opportunity! I had a wonderful time attending practices and preparing for the pageant with the other girls, and I formed friendships that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Most importantly, we grew in our walk with the Lord as we studied Psalm 34 together.”
(l to r): 3rd Runner-up, Jillian Harvey; 1st Runner-up, Milli Anderson; Miss PCA 2025, Hadden Waters; 2nd Runner-up, Libby Kate Blocker; and 4th Runner-up, Haleigh McWilliams.
The court included 1st runner-up, Milli Anderson, daughter of Neal and Cindy Anderson of Glennville; 2nd runner-up, Libby Kate Blocker, daughter of Bryan and Addie Wiggins, Brittany Blocker and the late Adam Blocker of Glennville; 3rd runner-up, Jillian Harvey, daughter of Allan and Jenna Harvey of Glennville; and 4th runner-up Haleigh McWilliams, daughter of John and Stephanie McWilliams of Glennville.
Milli Anderson
Milli Anderson, 1st Runner-Up, was voted People’s Choice
Libby Kate Blocker
Libby Kate Blocker, 2nd Runner-Up, was voted Miss Congeniality
Jillian Harvey
Jillian Harvey, 3rd Runner-Up, was named Miss Photogenic
Haleigh McWilliams
Haleigh McWilliams, 4th Runner-Up, was given the Interview Award
The pageant’s success was made possible through the dedication of Mrs. Jennifer Bradley, Mrs. Lacy Shuman, Mrs. Brooke Smith, Mrs. Cyndi Rogers, and Mrs. Henri Etta Rogers, who worked tirelessly in the months leading up to the event. Their guidance encouraged the contestants’ personal growth throughout the process. Pinewood would also love to give a special thank you to those who helped with stage props and decorations.
(l to r) Mrs. Cyndi Rogers, Mrs. Jennifer Bradley, Hadden Waters, Mrs. Brooke Smith, and Mrs. Lacy Shuman.
Congratulations to Hadden Waters, Miss PCA 2025, and all contestants who participated in this cherished school tradition.
